Focusing using subject recognition functions

If you set the subject in advance, the camera will automatically recognize the subject and can focus on the eyes, etc. when shooting images.

This table describes two methods to focus and shoot using subject recognition. Select the appropriate method according to your purpose.

Item [Subject Recog in AF] function [Subject Recognition AF] via a custom key
Advance preparation
  • Select [Subject Recog in AF] → [On].
  • Select [Human], [Animal/Bird], [Animal], [Bird], [Insect], [Car/Train], or [Airplane] for [Recognition Target].
  • Assign [Subject Recognition AF] to the desired key using [Custom Key/Dial Set.] or [Custom Key/Dial Set.].
  • Select [Human], [Animal/Bird], [Animal], [Bird], [Insect], [Car/Train], or [Airplane] for [Recognition Target].
How to focus Press the shutter button halfway down.*1 Press the key to which you have assigned the [Subject Recognition AF] function.*2
Function details
  • The camera focuses on the eye, head, body, or entirety of the subject recognized in or around the designated [Focus Area].
  • If the camera does not recognize any subjects in or around the designated [Focus Area], normal auto-focusing will be performed.
  • The camera focuses on the recognized subject's eye, head, or body or the entirety of the subject anywhere on the screen, regardless of the setting for [Focus Area].
  • The camera will not perform auto-focusing if no subjects are recognized anywhere on the screen.
Focus mode Follow the focus mode settings Follow the focus mode settings
Focus area Follows the setting designated with [Focus Area] The focus area temporarily becomes the entire screen, regardless of the setting for [Focus Area].


*1 This operation is for focusing when shooting still images. When shooting movies, the camera will focus on the recognized subject, even if you do not press the shutter button.

*2 Regardless of whether [Subject Recog in AF] is set to [On] or [Off], if you have assigned [Subject Recognition AF] to a custom key, you can use [Subject Recognition AF] while you are pressing that custom key.


To focus on the eyes of an animal or a bird

Before shooting, set [Recognition Target] to [Animal], [Bird], or [Animal/Bird] according to the subject. You can select [Eye/Head/Body], [Eye/Head], or [Eye] as the desired part to be recognized with priority in the still image shooting mode.

To focus on insects

Before shooting, set [Recognition Target] to [Insect].

To focus on cars, trains, or airplanes

Before shooting, set [Recognition Target] to [Car/Train] or [Airplane].

Hint

  • Setting [Sbj Recog Frm Disp.] to [On] makes it easier to check the detection status of faces or eyes, etc.
  • [Subject Recognition AF] using a custom key is convenient in the following cases.
    • When you want to temporarily use [Subject Recognition AF] on the entire screen only while pressing the key, regardless of the [Focus Area] setting
    • When you do not want to perform auto-focusing when the camera does not recognize a subject
  • Positioning the entire subject in the angle of view makes the subject easier to recognize.

Note

  • It may be difficult to focus on the subject in the following situations:
    • In low-light or back-lit conditions.
    • When the subject is in the shade.
    • When the subject is out of focus.
    • When the subject is moving too much, etc.
  • It may be difficult to focus on eyes in the following situations even when the camera recognizes eyes:
    • When the eyes are closed.
    • When the eyes are covered by hair, etc.
    • When the person is wearing sunglasses.
  • There are also other situations in which it may not be possible to focus on the subjects.
  • When the camera cannot focus on the part you want to prioritize, such as the eyes of the subject, the camera may automatically focus on other recognized parts such as the head or body of the subject.
  • Even when a white subject recognition frame is displayed around the subject's face, etc., the camera may automatically focus on the part you want to prioritize, such as the subject's eye.
  • The subject may not be recognized when only a part of the subject is within the angle of view.
    • When only the hands and feet of a person or animal are visible
    • When a part of the subject is hidden and cannot be seen, etc.
  • The camera may accidentally recognize other objects as the designated subject under some conditions.
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