2. Z 7II/Z 6II Online Manual
  3. Basic Settings
  4. Focus

Focus

Focus Mode

Choose how the camera focuses.

Choosing a Focus Mode

  • The focus mode can be selected using the [Focus mode] items in the i menu and the photo and movie shooting menus (Focus Mode, Focus Mode, Focus Mode).

  • At default settings, the focus mode can also be selected by holding the Fn2 button and rotating the main command dial (The Fn1 and Fn2 Buttons).

Option

Description

AF‑S

[Single AF]

  • Use with stationary subjects. When you press the shutter-release button halfway to focus, the focus point will turn from red to green and focus will lock. If the camera fails to focus, the focus point will flash red and the shutter release will be disabled.

  • At default settings, the shutter can only be released if the camera is able to focus (focus priority).

AF‑C

[Continuous AF]

  • For moving subjects. The camera adjusts focus continuously in response to changes in the distance to the subject while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

  • At default settings, the shutter can be released whether or not the subject is in focus (release priority).

AF‑F

[Full-time AF]

  • The camera adjusts focus continuously in response to subject movement or changes in composition.

  • When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the focus point will turn from red to green and focus will lock.

  • This option is only available in movie mode.

MF

[Manual focus]

Focus manually (Manual Focus). The shutter can be released whether or not the subject is in focus.
Autofocus

  • The camera may be unable to focus if:

    • The subject contains lines parallel to the long edge of the frame

    • The subject lacks contrast

    • The subject in the focus point contains areas of sharply contrasting brightness

    • The focus point includes night-time spot lighting or a neon sign or other light source that changes in brightness

    • Flicker or banding appears under fluorescent, mercury-vapor, sodium-vapor, or similar lighting

    • A cross (star) filter or other special filter is used

    • The subject appears smaller than the focus point

    • The subject is dominated by regular geometric patterns (e.g., blinds or a row of windows in a skyscraper)

  • The monitor may brighten or darken while the camera focuses.

  • The focus point may sometimes be displayed in green when the camera is unable to focus.

  • The camera may take longer to focus when lighting is poor.

Storing the Focus Position

To save the focus position when the camera is turned off, select [On] for [Save focus position] in the setup menu. Note that this increases camera startup times (in addition, if the temperature, zoom position, or other conditions change while the camera is off, focus may resume from a different position when the camera is turned on).

Low-Light AF

For improved focus when shooting under low light, select AF-S and choose [On] for Custom Setting a10 [Low-light AF]. In photo mode, this option takes effect only in modes P, S, A, and M.

AF-Area Mode

Choose how the camera selects the focus-point for autofocus.

  • In modes other than [Auto-area AF], [Auto-area AF (people)], and [Auto-area AF (animals)], the focus point can be positioned using the sub-selector (The Sub-Selector) or multi selector.

Choosing an AF-Area Mode

  • AF-area mode can be selected using the [AF-area mode] items in the i menu and the photo and movie shooting menus (AF-Area Mode, AF-Area Mode, AF-Area Mode).

  • At default settings, AF-area mode can also be selected by holding the Fn2 button and rotating the sub-command dial (The Fn1 and Fn2 Buttons).

Option

Description

3

[Pinpoint AF]

  • With a focus area smaller than that employed for single-point AF, pinpoint AF is used for pinpoint focus on a selected spot in the frame.

  • Focusing may be slower than with single-point AF.

  • Recommended for shots involving static subjects, such as buildings, in-studio product photography, or close-ups.

  • This option is only available when photo mode is selected and [Single AF] is chosen for focus mode.

d

[Single-point AF]

  • The camera focuses on a point selected by the user.

  • Use with stationary subjects.

e

[Dynamic-area AF]

  • The camera focuses on a point selected by the user. If the subject briefly leaves the selected point, the camera will focus based on information from surrounding focus points.

  • Use for photographs of athletes and other active subjects that are hard to frame using single-point AF.

  • This option is only available when photo mode is selected and [Continuous AF] is chosen for focus mode.

f

[Wide-area AF (S)]

  • As for single-point AF except that the camera focuses on a wider area.

  • Choose for snapshots, subjects that are in motion, and other subjects that are difficult to photograph using single-point AF.

  • During movie recording, wide-area AF can be used for smooth focus when making panning or tilting shots or filming moving subjects.

  • If the selected focus area contains subjects at different distances from the camera, the camera will assign priority to the closest subject.

  • The focus areas for [Wide-area AF (L)] are larger than those for [Wide-area AF (S)].

  • If [Wide-area AF (L-people)] is selected, the camera will detect and focus on the faces or eyes of human portrait subjects (face/eye-detection AF, Focusing on the Faces or Eyes of Portrait Subjects (Face/Eye-Detection AF)).

  • If [Wide-area AF (L-animals)] is selected, the camera will detect and focus on the faces or eyes of dogs and cats (animal-detection AF, Focusing on the Faces or Eyes of Animals (Animal-Detection AF)).

g

[Wide-area AF (L)]

1

[Wide-area AF (L‑people)]

2

[Wide-area AF (L‑animals)]

h

[Auto-area AF]

  • The camera automatically detects the subject and selects the focus area.

  • Use on occasions when you don’t have time to select the focus point yourself, for portraits, or for snapshots and other spur-of-the-moment photos.

  • If [Auto-area AF (people)] is selected, the camera will detect and focus on the faces or eyes of human portrait subjects (face/eye-detection AF, Focusing on the Faces or Eyes of Portrait Subjects (Face/Eye-Detection AF)).

  • If [Auto-area AF (animals)] is selected, the camera will detect and focus on the faces or eyes of dogs and cats (animal-detection AF, Focusing on the Faces or Eyes of Animals (Animal-Detection AF)).

  • Subject tracking (Subject-Tracking AF) can be initiated by pressing the J button. Custom Setting f2 or g2 [Custom controls] can be used to configure the Fn1 or Fn2 button to start subject-tracking AF (f2: Custom Controls, g2: Custom Controls). Subject-tracking AF can also be assigned to the lens Fn or Fn2 button using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls].

5

[Auto-area AF (people)]

6

[Auto-area AF (animals)]
s: The Center Focus Point

In all AF-area modes except [Auto-area AF], [Auto-area AF (people)], and [Auto-area AF (animals)], a dot appears in the focus point when it is in the center of the frame.

Quick Focus-Point Selection

  • For quicker focus-point selection, choose [Every other point] for Custom Setting a4 [Focus points used] to use only a quarter of the available focus points. The number of points available for [Pinpoint AF], [Wide-area AF (L)], [Wide-area AF (L-people)], and [Wide-area AF (L‑animals)] does not change.

  • If you prefer to use the sub-selector for focus-point selection, you can choose [Select center focus point] for Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls] > [Sub-selector center] to allow the center of the sub-selector to be used to quickly select the center focus point.

Focusing on the Faces or Eyes of Portrait Subjects (Face/Eye-Detection AF)

Video Tutorial: Eye/Face- and Animal-Detection AF

The camera detects the faces and eyes of human portrait subjects when [Wide-area AF (L-people)] or [Auto-area AF (people)] is selected for [AF-area mode] in the photo and movie shooting menus (face/eye-detection AF).

  • When the camera detects a human face, a yellow border indicating the focus point will appear around the subject’s face. If the camera detects the subject’s eyes, the yellow focus point will instead appear over one or the other of their eyes.

  • If AF‑C is selected for focus mode, the focus point will light yellow when faces or eyes are detected.

  • If AF-S is selected for focus mode, the focus point will turn green when the camera focuses.

  • If more than one human face or eye is detected when [Auto-area AF (people)] is selected, e and f icons will appear on the focus point. You will be able to position the focus point over a different face or eye by pressing 4 or 2.

  • If the subject looks away after their face is detected, the focus point will move to track their motion.

  • During playback, you can zoom in on the face or eye used for focus by pressing J.

Face/Eye-Detection AF

  • Eyes or faces may not be detected as expected if:

    • the subject’s face occupies a very large or very small proportion of the frame,

    • the subject’s face is lit too brightly or too poorly,

    • the subject is wearing glasses or sunglasses,

    • the subject’s face or eyes are obscured by hair or other objects, or

    • the subject moves excessively during shooting.

  • The performance of face- and eye-detection may drop if:

    • [3840×2160; 60p] or [3840×2160; 50p] is selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the movie shooting menu during movie recording,

    • the camera is connected to an HDMI device with [10 bit] selected for [HDMI] > [Advanced] > [Output data depth] in the setup menu, or

    • [N-Log] or [HDR (HLG)] is selected for [HDMI] > [Advanced] > [N‑Log/HDR (HLG) output options] in the setup menu.

Focusing on the Faces or Eyes of Animals (Animal-Detection AF)

Video Tutorial: Eye/Face- and Animal-Detection AF

The camera detects the faces and eyes of dogs and cats when [Wide-area AF (L‑animals)] or [Auto-area AF (animals)] is selected for [AF-area mode] in the photo and movie shooting menus (animal-detection AF).

  • When the camera detects a face of a dog or cat, a yellow border indicating the focus point will appear around the subject’s face. If the camera detects the subject’s eyes, the yellow focus point will instead appear over one or the other of their eyes.

  • If AF‑C is selected for focus mode, the focus point will light yellow when faces or eyes are detected.

  • While if AF‑S is selected, the focus point will turn green when the camera focuses.

  • If more than one face or eye of a dog or cat is detected when [Auto-area AF (animals)] is selected, e and f icons will appear on the focus point. You will be able to position the focus point over a different face or eye by pressing 4 or 2.

  • During playback, you can zoom in on the face or eye used for focus by pressing J.

Animal-Detection AF

  • Eyes or faces may not be detected as expected if:

    • the subject’s face occupies a very large or very small proportion of the frame,

    • the subject’s face is lit too brightly or too poorly,

    • the subject’s face or eyes are obscured by fur or other objects,

    • the subject’s eyes are similar in color to the rest of their face, or

    • the subject moves excessively during shooting.

  • Depending on shooting conditions, the camera may fail to detect the faces or eyes of some breeds when [Wide-area AF (L-animals)] or [Auto-area AF (animals)] is enabled. Alternatively, the camera may display a border around subjects that are not the faces or eyes of dogs or cats.

  • The performance of face- and eye-detection may drop if:

    • [3840×2160; 60p] or [3840×2160; 50p] is selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the movie shooting menu during movie recording,

    • the camera is connected to an HDMI device with [10 bit] selected for [HDMI] > [Advanced] > [Output data depth] in the setup menu, or

    • [N-Log] or [HDR (HLG)] is selected for [HDMI] > [Advanced] > [N‑Log/HDR (HLG) output options] in the setup menu.

  • The light from the AF-assist illuminator may adversely affect the eyes of some animals; when using animal-detection AF, select [Off] for Custom Setting a11 [Built-in AF-assist illuminator].

Subject-Tracking AF

Video Tutorial: Subject-Tracking AF

When [Auto-area AF], [Auto-area AF (people)], or [Auto-area AF (animals)] is selected for AF-area mode, the camera can track the subject in the selected focus point.

  • Press J to enable focus tracking; the focus point will change to a targeting reticle.

  • Position the reticle over the target and press the AF‑ON button or press J again to start tracking; the focus point will track the selected subject as it moves through the frame. To end tracking and select the center focus point, press J again. In photo mode, if subject tracking was initiated in focus mode AF-C by pressing the shutter-release button halfway or by pressing the AF-ON button, the camera will track the subject only while the button is pressed; releasing the button ends tracking and restores the focus point selected before tracking started.

  • To exit subject-tracking mode, press the W (Q) button.

Subject Tracking

The camera may be unable to track subjects if they:

  • are similar in color or brightness to the background,

  • change visibly in size, color, or brightness,

  • are too large or too small,

  • are too dark or too bright,

  • move quickly, or

  • leave the frame or are obscured by other objects.

The Touch Shutter

Touch the display to focus on the selected point. The shutter will be released when you lift your finger from the display.

Tap the icon shown in the illustration to choose the operation performed by tapping the display.

Option

Description

W

[Touch shutter/touch AF]

  • Touch the display to focus on the selected point and lift your finger to release the shutter. If [Wide-area AF (L-people)], [Wide-area AF (L-animals)], [Auto-area AF (people)], or [Auto-area AF (animals)] is selected for AF-area mode and the camera detects human faces or eyes or the faces or eyes of dogs or cats, the camera will focus on the face or eye * closest to the selected point.

  • Available only in photo mode.

V

[Touch AF]

  • Touch the display to focus on the selected point. Lifting your finger from the display does not release the shutter.

  • If [Auto-area AF], [Auto-area AF (people)], or [Auto-area AF (animals)] is selected for AF-area mode, the camera will track the selected subject as it moves through the frame. To switch to a different subject, tap it in the display. If the camera detects human faces or eyes or the faces or eyes of dogs or cats, the camera will focus on and track the face or eye * closest to the selected point.

X

[Off]

Touch shutter disabled.

f

[Position focus point]

  • Touch the display to position the focus point. The camera will not focus and lifting your finger from the display will not release the shutter.

  • If [Auto-area AF], [Auto-area AF (people)], or [Auto-area AF (animals)] is selected for AF-area mode, the camera will track the selected subject as it moves through the frame. To switch to a different subject, tap it in the display. If the camera detects human faces or eyes or the faces or eyes of dogs or cats, the camera will track the face or eye * closest to the selected point.

  • When choosing an eye using touch controls, note that the camera may not focus on the eye on the side you intend. Use the multi selector to choose the desired eye.

Taking Pictures Using Touch Shooting Options

  • Touch controls cannot be used for manual focus.

  • The shutter-release button can be used to take pictures when the W icon is displayed.

  • Touch controls cannot be used to take photographs during movie recording.

  • During burst photography, touch controls can be used only to take one picture at a time. Use the shutter-release button for burst photography.

  • In self-timer mode, focus locks on the selected subject when you touch the monitor and the shutter is released about 10 seconds after you lift your finger from the display. If the number of shots selected is greater than 1, the remaining shots will be taken in a single burst.

Manual Focus

Manual focus is available in manual focus mode. Use manual focus when, for example, autofocus does not produce the desired results.

  • Position the focus point over your subject and rotate the focus or control ring until the subject is in focus.

  • For greater precision, press the X button to zoom in on the view through the lens.

  • The focus indicator (I) in the shooting display can be used to confirm whether the subject in the selected focus point is in focus (electronic rangefinding). The focus point will also light green when the subject is in focus.

    1

    Focus distance indicator
    2

    Focus indicator

    Focus indicator

    Description

    (steady)

    The subject is in focus.

    (steady)

    The focus point is in front of the subject.

    (steady)

    The focus point is behind the subject.

    (flashes)

    The camera is unable to focus.

  • When using manual focus with subjects not suited to autofocus, note that the in-focus indicator (I) may be displayed when the subject is not in focus. Zoom in on the view through the lens and check focus. Use of a tripod is recommended when the camera is having trouble focusing.

Lenses with Focus-Mode Selection

Manual focus mode can be chosen using focus-mode selection controls on the lens (where available).

The Focal Plane Mark and Flange-Back Distance

Focus distance is measured from the focal plane mark (E) on the camera body, which shows the position of the focal plane inside the camera (q). Use this mark when measuring the distance to your subject for manual focus or macro photography. The distance between the focal plane and the lens mounting flange is known as the “flange-back distance” (w). On this camera, the flange-back distance is 16 mm (0.63 in.).

Focus Peaking

  • If an option other than [Off] is selected for Custom Setting d11 [Focus peaking] > [Peaking level], objects that are in focus will be indicated by colored outlines that appear when focus is adjusted manually (focus peaking).

  • Note that the focus peaking display may not appear if the camera is unable to detect outlines. Check focus in the shooting display.