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Autofocus Areatechnical

How much of the frame the camera is allowed to focus on — a single point vs a zone vs the whole frame.

Separate from AF mode, the AF area sets where the camera looks. A single point gives precise control (put it on the eye). A small zone helps with erratic subjects. Wide/auto-area lets the camera (and subject detection) choose — fast but it may grab the wrong thing. Match the area to how predictable your subject is.

Use this when

  • Portraits, precise focus: single point on the eye
  • Birds in flight: zone / wide with tracking

Common mistake: Leaving it on full-auto area and letting the camera focus on the background.