Autofocus modes: single, continuous and when to use each

Autofocus modes tell the camera whether to focus once or keep adjusting. Choosing the right one is the difference between a sharp action shot and a near miss.

AF-S: single shot

Half-press the shutter and the camera focuses once and locks. Ideal for still subjects: landscapes, architecture, products. You can focus, then recompose without the focus moving.

AF-C: continuous

The camera keeps refocusing as long as you half-press. Use it for anything that moves: kids, pets, sports, wedding processions and people walking toward you. On modern Sony cameras, AF-C with real-time tracking and eye detection is so reliable that many photographers leave it on all the time.

DMF and manual focus

Direct manual focus lets the camera autofocus and then lets you fine-tune with the focus ring. Pure manual focus is best for macro, astrophotography and video shots where you do not want the focus to wander.

Low light tips

Autofocus needs contrast. In dark venues, focus on an edge with contrast, such as the line between a face and hair, use a wider aperture lens, or turn on the AF illuminator.

A good default

Set AF-C, enable eye and subject detection, and use a medium or tracking focus area. Switch to AF-S only when you need to lock focus on a static subject and recompose.