Nikon D1X - Manual (Page 93)

80
Getting Good Results with Autofocus
Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. In these cases
you can focus manually (
pg. 81) or use autofocus as detailed below.
The subject is poorly lit
Use a Speedlight with an AF-assist illuminator, such as the
SB-28DX or SB-50DX (available separ ately) and select the
center focus area.
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The focus area contains regions of sharply differing brightness
The camera may not be able to focus using autofocus when,
for example , the subject is half in the shade. Use manual
focus (
pg. 81).
The subject is dominated by regular geometr ical patterns
Regular geometrical patterns—for example, a row of win-
dows in a skyscraper—can interfere with autofocus. Use
manual focus (
pg. 81).
The focus area contains objects at different distances from
the camera
For example, autofocus may not perform well when the
subject is inside a cage. Use focus lock (
pg. 78) to focus
on another subject at the same distance and then recom-
pose your photogr aph.
There is little or no contrast between the subject and the back-
ground
Lack of contrast—for example, a subject that is the same
color as the background—can interfere with autofocus. Use
focus lock (
pg. 78) to focus on another subject at the
same distance and then recompose your photograph.