Nikon D80 - Manual (Page 41)

29 Reference: More on Photography (All Modes) / Focus
Getting Good Results with Autofocus
Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. If the camera is unable to focus
using autofocus, use manual focus (
32) or use focus lock ( 31) to focus on another subject at the
same distance and then recompose the photograph.
There is little or no contrast
between the subject and the
background The focus area contains ob-
jects at diff erent distances
from the camera
Example: Subject is the same color as the back-
ground. Example: Subject is inside a cage.
The subject is dominated by
regular geometric patterns The focus area contains areas
of sharply contrasting bright-
ness
Example: A row of windows in a skyscraper. Example: Subject is half in the shade.
The subject appears smaller
than the focus area The subject many contains
fi ne details
Example: Focus area contains both foreground
subject and distant buildings. Example: A fi eld of fl owers or other subjects that
are small or lack variation in brightness.
A utofocus Mode Controls used: button
The following autofocus modes are available when the focus mode selector is set to AF:
Autofocus mode Description
AF-A
Auto select
(default setting)
Camera automatically selects single-servo autofocus when subject is sta-
tionary, continuous-servo autofocus when subject is moving. Shutter can
only be released if camera is able to focus.
AF-S Single-servo AF
For stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter-release button is pressed
halfway. Shutter can only be released when in-focus indicator is displayed.
AF-C
Continuous-servo
AF
For moving subjects. Camera focuses continuously while shutter-release
button is pressed halfway. Photographs can be taken even when in-focus
indicator is not displayed.
To choose the autofocus mode, press the button until the desired
setting is displayed.
AF-A
AF-S AF-C