Select Focus Mode

Canon Focus Modes
Hit the AF Button which is usually on the back of your camera. You can then rotate the primary selector to select One Shot. AI Focus or AI Servo.

One Shot: Use for stationary subjects

AI Servo: Use for moving subjects. In this mode, the camera focuses continuously. It is useful for sports and whenever you are shooting fast moving subjects.

AI Focus: This is a combination of the other two modes. The camera detects if a stationary subject moves and attempts to track it.

Select a single focus point
Consult your camera manual for AF Point Selection Button. It is different on some cameras but is normally on the back. When you hit this button, you will be given choices for:

Automatic Selection – the camera selects where to focus
Manual Selection – you select the focus point

Pick Manual Selection and select a focus square. The centre single square is usually best for beginners. You can select a focus point using the directional selector.

After you select your focus point, frame your shot so that your subject falls under that point and then press the shutter button halfway to focus. Press the shutter button fully to take the shot.

Nikon Focus Modes
Use the AF Button which is usually to the front and side of your camera. If you cannot see it here, consult your manual. If you press and hold the AF button, various options are available by rotating the front and rear control dials. Rotating the rear dial normally gives these focus modes:

AF-S: Auto Focus Single – use for stationary subjects

AF-C: Auto Focus Continuous –  use for moving subjects. In this mode, the camera focuses continuously. It is useful for sports and whenever you are shooting fast moving subjects.AF-A: Auto Focus Automatic  – this is a combination of the other two modes. The camera detects if a stationary subject moves and attempts to track it.

AF-A: Auto Focus Automatic  – this is a combination of the other two modes. The camera detects if a stationary subject moves and attempts to track it.

Rotating the front dial normally gives other options, depending on your model. If you have chosen AF-S: Auto Focus Single, you can move this single focus point wherever you wish using the directional selector on the back of your camera. The centre single square is usually best for beginners.

After you select your focus point, frame your shot so that your subject falls under that point and then press the shutter button halfway to focus. Press the shutter button fully to take the shot.