Technical Solutions | D6 TIPS

Auto-area AF is recommended if composition is a priority, but 49-point dynamic-area AF may be preferred if the background contains objects with regular, detailed patterns, as otherwise photos may not be in focus even if the in-focus indicator () is lit. To capture fast-moving subjects, choose group-area AF or a dynamic-area AF option with a comparatively high number of focus points.

To automatically switch focus points and AF-area modes as you rotate the camera from "wide" to "tall" orientation, select [Focus point and AF-area mode] for Custom Setting a5 [Store points by orientation] (see this section). Choosing group-area AF (C1) with a 15 × 3 focus-point group for wide-orientation shots and group-area AF (C2) with a 7 × 7 group for tall-orientation shots will help deliver accurate focus in all orientations.

3D-tracking is recommended for subjects that change posture and position frequently and often are near apparatus such as bars or rings.

Choose 9-point dynamic-area AF when photographing approaching sprinters to help prevent the camera focusing on their hands, or custom group-area AF (C1 or C2) with a wide custom focus group (for example, 15 × 3) to focus on the closest subject when runners are lined up across the frame. Dynamic-area AF is recommended if the background features complex repeating patterns, as otherwise the in-focus indicator () may be displayed when the subject is not in focus.

The settings below let you refocus as needed if the camera focuses on the hurdles in the foreground while the race is being run. When photographing hurdlers who have crossed the finish line, select [Focus point and AF-area mode] for Custom Setting a5 [Store points by orientation] to automatically switch focus points and AF-area modes as you rotate the camera between "tall" (portrait) orientations and "wide" (landscape) orientation (see this section).

Choose custom group-area AF (C1 or C2) with a wide custom focus group (for example, 15 × 3) to focus on the closest subject when runners are lined up across the frame.

Be sure the selected group does not contain hurdles or other obstructions.

When shooting from a moving vehicle, choose 9-point dynamic-area AF to keep specific runners in focus as they change position in the pack, auto-area AF if you find it hard to keep your subject in the focus point. If your lens supports SPORT or ACTIVE vibration reduction, these options can be used to reduce camera blur.

Choose group-area AF for more reliable focus when photographing these events from the front at long ranges.

For long shots of javelin competitions, choose custom group-area AF (C1 or C2) and select a focus group just big enough to cover the athlete's upper body. This helps the camera focus on faces instead of hands or foreground objects.

Auto-area AF is recommended for subjects that rapidly change posture and position. Selecting [On] for Custom Setting a11 [Auto-area AF face detection] helps the camera focus on the athlete's face, while selecting [Erratic] for Custom Setting a3 [Focus tracking with lock-on] > [Subject motion] helps the camera focus when the subject slows abruptly.

To help the camera focus on faces of subjects that are undergoing rapid changes of posture and position, choose custom group-area AF (C1 or C2) and select a focus group just big enough to cover the athlete's upper body.

Auto-area AF is recommended for subjects that rapidly change posture and position. Selecting [On] for Custom Setting a11 [Auto-area AF face detection] helps the camera focus on the athlete's face rather than on the pole or mat, while selecting [Erratic] for Custom Setting a3 [Focus tracking with lock-on] > [Subject motion] helps the camera focus when the subject slows abruptly.

Choosing 9-point dynamic-area AF helps prevent the camera focusing on splashes while letting you instantly refocus on the main subject as needed. To quickly switch focus from one swimmer to another, choose lower values for Custom Setting a3 [Focus tracking with lock-on] > [Blocked shot AF response].

When photographing divers against low-contrast, undifferentiated backgrounds, choose 3D-tracking, position the focus area over your subject (for best results, choose the uniform or another area of the subject that is a different color from the background), and press and hold the AF-ON button or keep the shutter-release button pressed halfway. The camera will automatically track the diver, letting you concentrate on composition.

When photographing divers against the stands, billboards, and other high-contrast backgrounds, select 105-point dynamic-area AF.

For events such as artistic swimming (also known as synchronized swimming), where your subjects change pose with dizzying speed and focus constantly switches from one subject to another, we recommend the ever-adaptable 9-point dynamic-area AF.