Nikon D200 User Manual
Page 32
Long: The D200 presumes the subject has run behind something big, like a billboard, if it
loses it. The AF system keeps running without it for a while, expecting the subject to return
on the same path from before. In LONG the AF system has a lot of patience for subjects
disappearing.
Normal (default): The D200 presumes the subject has run behind something like a tree or
another player if it loses it. The AF system keeps running without it for a little while,
expecting the subject to return on the same path from before.
Short: The D200 has little patience for subjects evaporating. It doesn't wait very long after
it loses your subject to start looking for it again from scratch.
Off: The D200 wastes no time tracking. If it loses your subject it immediately starts looking
around again. You might want to use this if you're shooting a bunch of fixed things at
varying distances one after another, but I use AF-S for that.
I've never moved this setting from its default of Normal.
a6 AF Activation
allows the AF system to ignore the shutter button.
In its default position the AF system turns on when you press the shutter.
You would use this setting if you preferred the D200 only focus when you press the
I've never used this. It might be helpful with an AF telephoto that lacks easy manual
override. You'd use the AF button to focus, and remove your finger to lock.
a7 AF Area Illumination
controls when or if the AF areas light up in the finder.
I leave it at the default of Auto.
You can set them to be on all the time, or stay off if you prefer.
a8 Focus Area
selection normally stops when you hit the edge of the AF areas.
If you keep pressing the selector to the left it stops at the far left. I prefer this, the default.
Selecting "Wrap" lets your selection wrap around to the other side of the AF areas.
a9 AF Assist
lets you deactivate the AF assist light. Normally it comes on in the dark to
help focus. Turn off the AF assist light if you want to keep a lower profile.
PDF by Paul Deakin - 32 - © 2006 KenRockwell.com