Nikon D1X - Manual (Page 87)

74
AF-Area Mode
When autofocus is in effect, you can select the AF-area mode depending on whether
you want the camera to focus on the subject in a single focus area (single-area AF),
or to follow the subject as it shifts from one focus area to the next (dynamic AF).
In single-area AF, the choice of focus area is in your hands. If your subject is moving
erratically, or if you are experimenting with a variety of compositions, it may however
be difficult or impossible to select the focus area using the multi selector. In cases
such as these, dynamic AF can be used to give the camera control over selection of
a new focus point.
When dynamic AF is used with single-ser vo autofocus, the focus area can not be
selected using the multi selector. Instead, the camera continually assesses the dis-
tance to the objects in all five focus areas, and automatically chooses the focus area
containing the object closest to the camera. This combination is useful when your
subject is always positioned closest to the camera but you are trying out a number of
different camera positions to find the best composition.
When dynamic AF is used in combination with continuous-ser vo autofocus, the
camer a measures the distance to the subject in the selected focus area when the
shutter-release button is pressed halfway to initiate autofocus. It will continue to
focus on this subject as it moves from one focus area to the next. The multi selector
can be used at any time to choose a new focus area. This combination is useful when
your subject is moving err atically and manual focus area selection is too slow or
cumber some.
Selecting the AF-Area Mode
In the shooting menu, highlight AF Area Mode and press
the multi selector to the right. The menu shown at r ight will
be displayed. Highlight the desired option and press the multi
selector to the right to put your choice into effect and return
to the shooting menu.
AD
V
ANCED PHO
T
OGRAPHY—AF-AREA MODE
OK
AF Area Mode
Dynamic Area AF
Single Area AF OK
SHOOTING MENU
For more information on:
pg. 188 The shooting menu