The Nikon D7200 is a powerful DSLR camera that offers a range of features to enhance your photography skills. One of its most useful functions is the ability to change the focus point, which allows you to precisely select the area in your image that you want to be in focus. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of changing the focus point on your Nikon D7200, unlocking a world of creative possibilities and improving the overall quality of your photographs.
Having the ability to control the focus point on your camera can greatly enhance your photography by allowing you to direct the viewer’s attention to a specific area of interest. Whether you’re capturing a stunning landscape or photographing a fast-moving subject, being able to choose the focus point can make a significant difference in the final outcome of your image. By following the detailed instructions in this guide, you’ll learn how to navigate the menu settings and adjust the focus point on your Nikon D7200, enabling you to take your photography skills to new heights.
Understanding The Focus Modes On The Nikon D7200
Understanding the focus modes on your Nikon D7200 is crucial for achieving sharp and accurate focus in your photographs. The camera offers three main focus modes: Single-servo AF (AF-S), Continuous-servo AF (AF-C), and Auto-servo AF (AF-A).
In AF-S mode, the camera locks focus on a subject when you press the shutter button halfway down. This mode is ideal for still subjects or situations where you want to ensure precise focus before capturing the image.
AF-C mode is designed for moving subjects. It continuously adjusts the focus as long as the shutter button is half-pressed, keeping the subject sharp even if it moves. This mode is perfect for capturing action shots or fast-paced events.
AF-A mode automatically selects between AF-S and AF-C based on the subject’s movement. It is suitable for situations where the subject’s motion may vary unpredictably.
Understanding these focus modes will allow you to choose the most appropriate one for each shooting scenario, ensuring your Nikon D7200 focuses accurately on your desired subject.
Navigating The Menu Settings For Changing The Focus Point
Navigating through the menu settings on your Nikon D7200 is essential for changing the focus point. This subheading will guide you through the steps to access the necessary menu settings easily.
To begin, turn on your Nikon D7200 camera and press the Menu button located on the back of your camera. Once the menu appears on the LCD screen, use the Multi-Selector to navigate to the “Custom Settings” icon which looks like a pencil.
Now, scroll down to the “Autofocus” section and press the right arrow button on the Multi-Selector. Within this section, scroll down to “AF Point Illumination” and press the right arrow button again.
In the “AF Point Illumination” menu, select “On” to ensure the focus point is visible in the viewfinder and LCD screen. This helps you easily identify the area the camera is focusing on.
Afterward, press the Menu button to exit the menu settings. Now, you are ready to change the focus point on your Nikon D7200 using the multi-selector and fine-tune it to your liking.
Navigating these menu settings is crucial to change the focus point effectively and efficiently, allowing you to capture sharp and well-focused images with your Nikon D7200.
Step 1: Selecting The Desired Focus Point On The D7200
When taking photos with your Nikon D7200, it is crucial to have control over your focus point. The D7200 offers various focus points that you can choose from to ensure accurate focus on your subject.
To begin, locate the focus selector switch on the back of the camera near the viewfinder. Switch it to the “AF” position to enable autofocus. Once activated, you will see a grid of focus points in the viewfinder or on the rear LCD screen.
Using the multi-selector, you can navigate through the focus points. By default, the camera will select the focus point automatically, usually the one closest to the camera. However, if you wish to select a specific focus point, press the “OK” button in the middle of the multi-selector to switch to focus point selection mode.
Once in focus point selection mode, you can use the multi-selector to move the focus point around the frame. This allows you to precisely control which area of your composition the camera will focus on.
By following these steps, you can easily select the desired focus point on your Nikon D7200 and ensure that your subject is in sharp focus.
Step 2: Using The Multi-Selector To Fine-tune The Focus Point
When it comes to changing the focus point on your Nikon D7200, utilizing the multi-selector is a key step in achieving precise focus control. Once you have selected the desired focus point in Step 1, the multi-selector allows you to fine-tune and adjust the focus point to ensure optimal focus on your subject.
To use the multi-selector, simply press the multi-selector joystick, which is located on the back of your camera. This will activate the focus point selection menu, which will be displayed on your camera’s LCD screen. Using the joystick, you can move the focus point up, down, left, or right, depending on your composition and subject.
The multi-selector allows for quick and easy adjustments, allowing you to seamlessly move the focus point to exactly where you want it. This is particularly useful when your subject is not in the center of the frame or if you need to quickly adjust the focus point during a shoot.
By using the multi-selector to fine-tune your focus point, you can ensure that your subject is sharp and in focus, resulting in professional-looking images with precise focus control.
Step 3: Activating The AF-ON Button For Precise Focus Control
In this step, we will discuss how to activate the AF-ON button on your Nikon D7200 for more precise focus control. By default, the shutter button triggers both autofocus and captures the image. However, by configuring the camera to use the AF-ON button solely for autofocus, you can gain better control over the focusing process.
To activate the AF-ON button, navigate to the Custom Settings menu (pencil icon), select Autofocus, and then choose AF activation. Here, you will have the option to assign autofocus to either the shutter button, the AF-ON button, or both.
By selecting the AF-ON button only, you can separate the shutter release and autofocus functions. This way, you can achieve more accurate focus without the risk of accidentally triggering the shutter. This technique is particularly useful in situations where you want to focus, recompose, and capture the image without worrying about refocusing.
Activating the AF-ON button on your Nikon D7200 allows for more precise and intentional focusing control, giving you greater flexibility in various shooting scenarios.
Tips And Tricks For Optimizing Focus Point Selection On The D7200
Optimizing focus point selection on the Nikon D7200 can greatly enhance your photography experience and help you capture sharp, well-focused images. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of this feature:
1. Utilize the “Group-area AF” mode: This mode combines multiple focus points into a group, providing better subject tracking and improved performance in challenging lighting conditions.
2. Utilize the cross-type focus points: The D7200 has 15 cross-type focus points, which are more sensitive and accurate than the standard ones. Utilizing these points can help you achieve precise focus on your subjects.
3. Assign function buttons: Customize your camera’s function buttons for quick access to focus point selection. This allows you to switch focus points swiftly, saving time and ensuring you don’t miss any crucial moments.
4. Combine focus point selection with focus lock: When shooting moving subjects, it can be useful to lock focus on the subject using the AF-ON button, and then track the subject using dynamic focus points or 3D tracking.
5. Experiment with different focus modes: Depending on the situation, you may need to switch between autofocus single-servo (AF-S) and continuous-servo (AF-C) modes. Understanding the differences and knowing when to use each can greatly improve focus accuracy.
By following these tips and tricks, you can optimize focus point selection on your Nikon D7200 and capture stunning, perfectly focused images in a variety of shooting scenarios.
FAQ
1. How do I change the focus point on my Nikon D7200?
To change the focus point on your Nikon D7200, start by locating the AF-ON button on the back of the camera. Press this button to activate the autofocus. Then, use the multi-selector joystick on the camera to navigate through the different focus points displayed on the LCD screen. Select the desired focus point and press the OK button to confirm the selection.
2. Can I change the focus point while using the viewfinder?
Yes, you can change the focus point while using the viewfinder on your Nikon D7200. After activating the autofocus using the AF-ON button, use the multi-selector joystick to move the focus point in the viewfinder. The movement of the focus point will be reflected in the viewfinder, allowing you to choose the desired focus point.
3. How many focus points does the Nikon D7200 have?
The Nikon D7200 features a 51-point autofocus system. This means that there are 51 different focus points available for selection. These focus points are spread across the frame, providing you with a wide range of options to choose from when composing your shots.
4. Can I use the focus point selection in all shooting modes?
Yes, the focus point selection can be used in all shooting modes on your Nikon D7200. Whether you are shooting in auto mode, aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual mode, the focus point selection feature is available for you to utilize. However, it is important to note that some shooting modes may have limitations or specific settings related to focus point selection.
5. Are there any tips for selecting the best focus point?
When selecting the focus point on your Nikon D7200, it is recommended to consider the composition and subject of your shot. For example, if you have a single subject, it is often best to choose a focus point that corresponds to the subject’s eye or a prominent feature. Additionally, consider the surrounding elements and depth of field to ensure the desired area is in focus. Experimenting with different focus points and reviewing the results can help you determine the most effective focus point selection strategies for your photography.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing the focus point on your Nikon D7200 is a simple process that can greatly enhance your photography experience. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily navigate through the camera’s menu settings and select the desired focus point for your subject. This allows you to have more control over the composition and achieve sharper and more accurate focus in your images.
Furthermore, being able to change the focus point on your D7200 is a valuable feature that can significantly improve your photography skills. It allows you to experiment with different focus points and explore various creative possibilities. Whether you are photographing landscapes, portraits, or action shots, having the ability to adjust the focus point gives you the flexibility to capture the exact point of interest in your frame. With practice and experimentation, you will be able to master this technique and elevate the quality of your photographs.