New AF Subject Detection Options: Birds and Airplanes
[Birds] and [Airplanes] have been added to the subject detection options available in [AF subject detection options] in the photo shooting and video recording menus.
- In the case of the video recording menu, the choice of subject is made via [AF subject detection options] > [Subject detection]. Separate subject types can be selected for photo and video modes.
- If a bird is detected when [Birds] is selected, the focus point will appear over the face of the bird in question. If the camera detects the subject’s eyes, the focus point will instead appear over one or the other of their eyes. If the camera can detect neither face nor eyes, it will display a focus point over the detected bird.
- If an aircraft is detected when [Airplanes] is selected, the focus point will appear over the aircraft in question. The camera will detect the body, nose, or cockpit depending on the aircraft’s size.
Cautions: Subject Detection Using “Birds”
Subject detection may not perform as expected if:
- the subject’s face is too large or small relative to the frame,
- the subject’s face is too brightly or dimly lit,
- the subject’s face or eyes are obscured by feather or the like,
- the subject’s face and eyes are of similar colors, or
- the subject moves excessively during shooting.
- The camera may display a border around subjects that are not birds, but which resemble them. If the camera often mistakenly detects the subjects other than birds, changing to an AF-area mode with smaller focus points may improve focus performance.
Flickering is more likely to occur if photos are taken under fluorescent, mercury-vapor, or similar lighting, compared to other environments.
- Selecting [ON] for [Photo flicker reduction] in the photo shooting menu reduces flickering effects.
- We recommend selecting [OFF] for [Photo flicker reduction] in the photo shooting menu if there is no flickering.
- The light from the AF-assist illuminator may adversely affect the eyes of some birds; select [OFF] for Custom Setting a12 [Built-in AF-assist illuminator] when using autofocus.
- “Birds” cannot be selected as a subject detection option for [Auto capture] in the photo shooting and video recording menus. Choose auto or animals as the subject type when taking pictures of birds.
Cautions: Subject Detection Using “Airplanes”
- Subject detection may not perform as expected with subjects that are:
- too large or small relative to the frame,
- too bright or too dark,
- partially hidden,
- similar in color to surrounding objects, or
- moving excessively.
- The camera may fail to detect airplanes of some shapes and colors. Alternatively, it may display a border around subjects that are not airplanes.
- “Airplanes” cannot be selected as a subject detection option for [Auto capture] in the photo shooting and video recording menus. Choose auto or vehicles as the subject type when taking pictures of airplanes.