An advanced autofocus system combines both 121 on-chip phase-detection points and 121 contrast detection areas for focusing performance that is both quick and accurate. All 121 phase-detection points are cross-type, too, for improved precision in mixed lighting conditions, as well as enhanced subject tracking capabilities. Different focusing modes are available to suit working in various shooting conditions, including 121-point, for general use; Group 25-point, for moving subjects, such as birds and wildlife, and when 121-point is too wide; Group 9-Point, for smaller and more distant subjects; Group 5-Point, for when 9-point is too wide or to suit working with nearer moving subjects; Single, for working with still or small subjects that are not moving; and Small AF, for working with close-up subjects. Custom AF targets can also be set, for working with specific numbers of focus points within the 121-point grid, and an AF limiter function allows you to constrain the focusing distance within a specified range for more responsive performance. Additionally, continuous autofocus sensitivity can be set, to benefit its use while recording video, within five levels for more pleasing focus movements.
Complementing the control over autofocus, focusing speed and tracking is further benefitted by Intelligent Subject Detection AF; an algorithm that uses deep learning technology to automatically detect specific subjects, focus on them, and track them. This system has specifically been developed for photographing birds, cars, motorcycles, airplanes, helicopters, trains, and locomotives. For photographing people, Face Priority and Eye Priority AF is also available to prioritize the face and eyes of your subject. And for working in low-light conditions, focusing sensitivity is available down to -6 EV.
Benefitting focus operation, dual AF multi selectors are featured on the camera for easy access in either the horizontal or vertical orientation and AF area/target settings can also be customized for shooting in either orientation. Converse to autofocus capabilities, manual focus users are also benefitted by live view magnification and focus peaking controls for greater accuracy.
Firmware V2.0 adds a focus indicator display to aid manual focus precision.