Focus Mode

Selects the focus method to suit the movement of the subject.

The focus mode switching method depends on the attached lens.

  1. If the lens has a focus mode switch, set it to “AF” or “MF.”
    • With an SSM lens or an SAM lens that supports DMF (Direct Manual Focus)*, you can switch the focus mode to any mode including the auto focus and manual focus modes by operating the camera, even when the focus mode switch on the lens is in the “AF” position.

    * SAL18135 only (as of the day this camera was released)

  2. MENU → (Camera Settings1) → [Focus Mode] → desired setting.
    • When you want to use the auto focus function, set the focus mode switch on the lens to “AF.” If the focus mode switch on the lens is set to “MF,” the focus mode will be locked to [Manual Focus].
    • If the lens supports the Hybrid Phase Detection AF system, every auto focus mode will use the Hybrid Phase Detection AF system as the focus detection method in the default settings. The focus detection method can be changed by selecting MENU → (Camera Settings1) → [AF System].

Menu item details

(Single-shot AF):
The product locks the focus once focusing is complete. Use this when the subject is motionless.

(Automatic AF):
[Single-shot AF] and [Continuous AF] are switched according to the movement of the subject. When the shutter button is pressed halfway down, the product locks the focus when it determines that the subject is motionless, or continues to focus when the subject is in motion. During continuous shooting, the product automatically shoots with Continuous AF from the second shot.

(Continuous AF):
The product continues to focus while the shutter button is pressed and held halfway down. Use this when the subject is in motion. In [Continuous AF] mode, there is no beep when the camera focuses.

(DMF):
You can make fine adjustments manually after the focus is locked, letting you focus on a subject more quickly than when using the manual focus from the beginning. This is convenient in situations such as macro shooting.

(Manual Focus):
Adjusts the focus manually. If you cannot focus on the intended subject using auto focus, use manual focus.

Focus indicator

(lit):
The subject is in focus and the focus is locked.

(flashing):
The subject is not in focus.

(lit):
The subject is in focus. The focus will be adjusted continuously according to the movements of the subject.

(lit):
Focusing is in progress.

Subjects on which it is difficult to focus using auto focus

  • Dark and distant subjects
  • Subjects with poor contrast
  • Subjects seen through glass
  • Fast-moving subjects
  • Reflective light or shiny surfaces
  • Flashing light
  • Back-lit subjects
  • Continuously repetitive patterns, such as the facades of buildings
  • Subjects in the focusing area with different focal distances

Note

  • Only [Continuous AF] and [Manual Focus] are available in the movie shooting mode.

Hint

  • In [Continuous AF] mode, you can lock the focus by pressing and holding the button that has been assigned the [Focus Hold] function.
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