Nikon
D200 Custom Setting a3 – Focus Zone Selection
There
is another custom setting in the Nikon D200 that let’s
you change how your D200’s AF sensor system works. Custom
Setting a3 modifies how Single or Dynamic autofocus works.
Instead of the normal 11 AF sensors, this setting changes
your AF system into a 7-AF areas wide-array.
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| First
two screens to set a3 Focus Frame Area selection |
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You’ll
have to decide when (and if) this new technology will
benefit your imaging style.
You
can select either a small individual sensor within an
array of 11 AF areas. Or, by changing custom setting
a3, you can select a much wider combined “sensor”
within an array of 7 AF areas. Both options make use
of all 11 AF sensors.
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In
other words, you have two options:
Normal
Frame 11 AF areas: 1 Cross-type sensor, 8 Vertical and
2 Horizontal type sensors.
Wide Frame 7 AF areas: Extends central and outer focus
area points and bridges central sensors.
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Nikon D200 Custom Setting A5 – Lock On® –
Should I Use It?
This
is a technology that has a lot of misunderstanding surrounding
it. Since it is designed to cause the autofocus to hesitate
for a variable time period before seeking a new subject it
may seem to make the camera seem sluggish to some users. But,
this “sluggishness” is really a feature designed
to keep you from losing your subject’s tracked focus.
Once
the camera “Locks On” to a subject’s area
of focus, it tries its best to stay with that subject, even
if it loses the subject briefly. That keeps the lens from
racking in and out, and searching for a new subject as soon
as the previous subject is no longer under an AF sensor.
It
also causes the camera to ignore other higher-contrast situations,
or closer intruding subjects while it follows your original
subject. You will have to judge the usefulness of this technology
for yourself. I suggest that you go to some event you are
familiar with and track moving objects with and without Lock
On enabled. Your style of photography has a strong bearing
on how you’ll use it, or whether you’ll use Focus
Tracking with Lock On.
Suggested AF modes for Various Subject Types
For static subjects like nature shots, family,
and slow moving wildlife try these settings:
| AF-S |
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Single
Servo AF |
| S |
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Single
Frame Mode for the Motor Drive |
| a2 |
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Custom
Setting a2 set to Focus Priority (forces ONLY
in-focus shots) |
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For
moving subjects like a flying bird, a race
car or cycle, or even a bride and groom walking up the aisle,
I would suggest the following:
| AF-C
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Continuous
Servo AF |
| CL |
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Continuous
Low motor drive or CH – Continuous High
motor drive according to the speed of the subject. |
AF
Mode |
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Dynamic Area AF |
| a5 |
|
Custom
Setting set to ON (enabled Lock-On) |
| a1 |
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Custom
Setting set to Focus Priority (forces ONLY in-focus
shots) |
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For sports shooting
where my human subject is moving around in a group of other
humans:
| AF-C
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Continuous
Servo AF |
| CH |
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Continuous
HighMotor Drive |
AF
Mode |
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Group
Dynamic AF |
| a3 |
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Custom
Setting set to Pattern 1 Center Area |
| a5 |
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Custom
Setting set to ON (enabled Lock-On) |
| a1 |
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Custom
Setting set to Focus Priority (forces ONLY in-focus
shots) |
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For macro shooting of
static subjects like flowers, trees, rocks, and such try these
settings:
| AF-S
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Single
Servo AF |
| S |
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Single
Frame Mode for the Motor Drive |
| a2 |
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Custom
Setting set to Focus Priority (forces ONLY in-focus
shots) |
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For fun shooting like
a party where I don’t want to think about my camera’s
settings, but want great pictures:
| AF-C
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Continuous
Servo AF |
| S |
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Single
Frame Mode for the Motor Drive |
AF
Mode |
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Dynamic
Area AF with Closest Subject Priority |
| a5 |
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Custom
Setting set to ON (enabled Lock-On) |
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Conclusion
The
Nikon D200® is a very flexible camera with four fairly
easy to learn AF modes. Memorize the four AF switch settings
on the back of your camera today.
Don’t
limit yourself to the Single Area AF mode. The D200 is a very
“intelligent” camera. Allow it to assist you by
dynamically tracking your subject, keeping the focus locked
on a subject, or taking over completely so you can have some
fun.
With
this article fresh on your mind, go out and shoot a few hundred
images. Play with this flexible AF system, and you’ll
soon find yourself really enjoying your new found mastery
of it.
With
the D200, Nikon has created a powerhouse of an image maker!
Use it to the fullest by discovering all the AF modes.
Keep
on capturing time…
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