Nikon D5500 - Manual (Page 102)

78 More on Photography
This section describes the focus options available when
photographs are framed in the viewfinder. Focus can be
adjusted automatically or manually (see “Choosing How the
Camera Focuses: Focus Mode,” below). The user can also select
the focus point for automatic or manual focus (
0 85) or use
focus lock to focus to recompose photographs after focusing
(
0 86).
Choosing How the Camera Focuses: Focus Mode
Choose from the following focus modes. Note that AF-S and AF-C
are available only in modes P, S, A, and M.
Focus (Viewfinder Photography)
Option Description
AF-A Auto-servo AF
Camera automatically selects single-servo
autofocus if subject is stationary, continuous-
servo autofocus if 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 if camera is able
to focus.
AF-C
Continuous-
servo AF
For moving subjects. Camera focuses
continuously while shutter-release button is
pressed halfway. At default settings, shutter
can only be released if camera is able to focus,
but Custom Setting a1 (AF-C priority
selection,
0 248) can be changed to allow the
shutter to be released at any time.
MF Manual focus Focus manually ( 0 88).