Technical Solutions | Z 9 TIPS

Recommended AF Settings by Event: Overview

This section offers some advice on adjusting autofocus-related settings for different sporting events.

Overview: Settings by Event

The settings for different events are summarized in the table below. For all events listed, we recommend that you select a focus mode of AF‑C, choose [Release] for Custom Setting a1 [AF‑C priority selection], and select [Auto] for [AF subject detection options] in the photo shooting menu.

Soccer

For more details, see the description page.

AF-area mode Custom Settings
a3 a5
Blocked shot AF response Subject motion
Dynamic-area AF (S) or wide-area AF (C1) 2 Steady Focus point

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Gymnastics

For more details, see the description page.

AF-area mode Custom Settings
a3 a5
Blocked shot AF response Subject motion
Floor exercises, rhythmic gymnastics
Auto-area AF
Balance beam
3D-tracking Focus point and AF-area mode
Vault
Auto-area AF
Rings and horizontal and uneven bars
3D-tracking

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Athletics

For more details, see the description page.

AF-area mode Custom Settings
a3 a5
Blocked shot AF response Subject motion
Sprints (hand-held shots focusing on a single runner approaching the camera)
3D-tracking or wide-area AF (C1) Focus point
Hurdles
3D-tracking or wide-area AF (C1) Focus point
Marathons (from a vehicle)
Dynamic-area AF (S) 3 Steady Focus point
Shot put, discus, hammer throw, and javelin (from the front, at a distance)
Auto-area AF
Long jump, triple jump, and pole vault (facing oncoming jumpers)
Auto-area AF or wide-area AF (C1)
High jump
Wide-area AF (L)

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Aquatics

For more details, see the description page.

AF-area mode Custom Settings
a3 a5
Blocked shot AF response Subject motion
Swimming
Wide-area AF (C1) or dynamic-area AF (S) 2 Steady
Diving
Auto-area AF or wide-area AF (C1)
Artistic swimming
Wide-area AF (S or L)

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Table tennis

For more details, see the description page.

AF-area mode Custom Settings
a3 a5
Blocked shot AF response Subject motion
3D-tracking or wide-area AF (C1)

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BMX and skateboarding

For more details, see the description page.

AF-area mode Custom Settings
a3 a5
Blocked shot AF response Subject motion
Auto-area AF or wide-area AF (C1) Focus point

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Motor sports

For more details, see the description page.

AF-area mode Custom Settings
a3 a5
Blocked shot AF response Subject motion
3D-tracking or wide-area AF (C1) Focus point

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Custom Focus Areas

If you find that the camera tends to focus on objects in the foreground or background above, below, or to either side of your intended target, you can tailor the focus area to better fit your subject using wide-area AF (C1) or wide-area AF (C2).

Vibration Reduction

Selecting [Sport] for [Vibration reduction] in the photo shooting menu stabilizes the image in the display and makes it easier to track your subject.

F Mount Lenses with Vibration Reduction Switches

If an F mount lens with a vibration reduction switch is mounted on the camera using a mount adapter, the [Vibration reduction] item in the photo shooting menu will be grayed out and unavailable. Use the controls on the lens for vibration reduction.