Nikon d5600 AF-Area Mode (Viewfinder Photography)

The focus area for autofocus is shown in the viewfinder. Choosing a different focus area shifts focus to another part of the frame. This selection can be made by the photographer or left up to the camera: what controls how the focus point is selected is AF-area mode.

The focus area display in the viewfinder shows the area of the frame that the camera will use to set focus. In 3D-tracking and single-point and dynamic-area AF, photographers can choose the focus area themselves.

Single-point AF
For stationary subjects. Focus point is selected manually; camera focuses on subject in selected focus point only.

Dynamic-area AF
For non-stationary subjects. In AF-A and AF-C focus modes, user selects focus point using multi selector, but camera will focus based on information from surrounding focus points if subject briefly leaves selected point.

-  Dynamic-area AF (9 points)
Choose when there is time to compose photograph or when photographing subjects that are moving predictably (e.g., runners or race cars on a track).

-  Dynamic-area AF (21 points)
Choose when photographing subjects that are moving unpredictably (e.g., players at a football game).

-  Dynamic-area AF (39 points)
Choose when photographing subjects that are moving quickly and are hard to keep in frame (e.g., birds).

3D-tracking
In AF-A and AF-C focus modes, user selects focus point using multi selector. If subject moves after camera has focused, camera uses 3D-tracking to select new focus point and keep focus locked on original subject while shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

Auto-area AF
Camera automatically detects subject and selects focus point.