Fujifilm focus modes are much easier to understand than you may think. One of the key features that contribute to Fujifilm’s high image capture capabilities are the camera’s autofocus (AF) system, and the focus modes within the menus.
The Fujifilm autofocus system allows the camera to automatically focus on a subject, making it easier to take sharp and clear images, whatever the scene. Depending on what you’re photographing and how fast the subject is moving, you’ll need to select one of the Fujifilm focus modes available in your camera to capture the shot.
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Fujifilm cameras offer several autofocus modes that allow the user to choose how the camera focuses on a subject. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different Fujifilm focus modes available:
Single Point AF: The Single Point autofocus mode uses a single AF point to focus on the subject. The user can select which autofocus point to use by moving the joystick on the camera’s display. This mode is ideal for situations where the subject is stationary or moving slowly and the user wants to focus on a specific part of the subject.
There are two options for the amount of focus points within the menu, 117 or 425 and by pressing the joystick you’ll be able to choose from various focus area sizes.
Zone AF: The Zone auto focus mode uses a group of AF points to focus on the subject. The user can select which zone to use and the size of the zone, by pressing the joystick on the camera’s body.
If you half press the shutter, the camera will use the zone to track your subject with various auto focus points in the zone. This mode is ideal for situations where the subject is moving quickly or unpredictably, and you want the camera to focus on a general area of the subject. Use the custom AF settings to fine tune this mode.
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Wide/Tracking AF: The Wide/Tracking auto focus mode uses multiple AF points to track a moving subject. There are no zone options in this mode as the camera uses the whole frame to track your subject. The camera will automatically select the AF points to use based on the subject’s movement.
This mode is ideal for situations where the subject is moving quickly and the user wants the camera to continuously focus on the subject as it moves. Once again it’s worth fine tuning this mode with custom AF settings.
All: This mode allows you to scroll through each mode, depending on the specific capture requirement. Press the joystick and then scroll through each setting, depending on the size of the focus area.
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Back button focussing: Back button focussing is ideal for tracking subjects, but using a button on the back of the camera – not the shutter button. With this custom set up you need to switch off the shutter AF in the button/dial menu and assign a back button to AF-on.
Then, hold down the assigned button, with your camera in C mode (continuous focus) and the focus AF will move with the subject. Then, press the shutter whenever you’re ready to take the photograph.
Face/Eye Detection AF: The Face/Eye Detection AF mode uses facial recognition technology to detect and focus on a person’s face or eyes. This mode is ideal for situations where the user wants to take a portrait of a person and wants the camera to focus on the person’s face or eyes.
Manual Focus: The Manual Focus mode allows the you to manually adjust the focus using the camera’s focus ring. This mode is ideal for situations where you want to have full control over the focus and wants to make fine adjustments.
The manual focus distance bar in the LCD/EVF with help you see how far your focus distance is set. This allows you to use manual focus zone focussing.
Manual focus Zone Focussing: Zone focusing is a technique used in photography where you set a specific distance on the lens and then uses that distance as the focal point for all objects within a certain range.
This allows you to quickly and easily capture images without the need for precise focusing. The technique is typically used for street photography and social documentary situations where speed and simplicity are important.
It can be done by setting the lens to a fixed aperture (such as f/8 or f/11) and then adjusting the distance scale on the lens to match the distance of the subject. You can then shoot at that aperture, knowing that anything within the range of the distance scale will be in focus.