Focus Point

• Modern DSLR cameras incorporate several focus points, which can usually be seen through the viewfinder or on the LCD
screen. With older DSLR cameras, these points were typically only visible through the viewfinder, but as Live View mode has
become more popular on newer DSLR cameras, the manufacturers have given photographers the option of viewing these
focus points on either the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. Autofocus points are what the camera uses to focus on a subject.
You'll probably first notice them when you press the shutter halfway. Many cameras will emit a beep and some of the AF
points will light up—often in a red or green color—in the viewfinder or on the display screen. When your DSLR is left on
automatic AF selection, you'll know where the camera is focusing by which AF points light up.
• Automatic AF selection works fine for many different types of photographs. For example, if you're using a big depth of field
and aren't shooting anything that's moving, allowing the camera to automatically select the AF points should work well.
• But with certain types of subjects, the camera can become confused as to where it is meant to focus. For example, if you're
trying to shoot a butterfly on a leaf with a background filled with contrast, the camera could focus on the more distinct
contrasts at the back. This could lead to the primary subject being left blurred, while the background is in focus.
Where can we find and set
the Focus point?
• By changing the
AF-area mode to
"Single-point AF"
you can manually
control where the
camera will focus.
 What do focus points look like?
You'll probably first notice them when you press the shutter halfway. Many cameras will emit a beep and some of the
AF points will light up—often in a red or green color—in the viewfinder or on the display screen. When your DSLR is
left on automatic AF selection, you'll know where the camera is focusing by which AF points light up.
Autofocus or AF points are what's used to determine the location of focus in an image
 • Remember that photography focus points are key for
detecting and tracking your subject, and the central focus
point is the fastest and most accurate. You can also leave
tracking and image focusing up to the camera's automatic
system by selecting Auto AF Area Mode in some specific

Why do we situations.
• Is the number of AF points important? Of course it is – not
only do you have more AF points to use while composing

need Focus your shot and focusing on a particular area of an image,

but also the camera AF system can use those different AF
points for subject tracking (extremely useful for sports and

points?
wildlife photography).
• ith autofocus points, your camera decides for itself what
your main subject is – it could be the largest or the fastest
object in the frame. If you prefer a little more control over
your focusing, you can manually select which AF
points you want to activate and thus which areas of your
scene you want to focus on.
 • The causes could be:
What • The subject is too close and out of
Happens your lens' minimum focal range.
When the • The subject is too dark for the
autofocus to work.
Camera Can't • Your lens may be on Manual mode
Focus? instead of AF or Auto Focus mode.
• You might be using Manual lenses.
• Your lens is damaged.