How to select a Focus Mode (AFS/AFF/AFC)

Panasonic Lumix cameras offer different focus modes to suit different shooting scenarios. The three common focus modes found on Lumix cameras are AFS (Auto Focus Single), AFF (Auto Focus Flexible), and AFC (Auto Focus Continuous). Here's an overview of each mode and how to select them:

1. AFS (Auto Focus Single):

AFS is designed for capturing still subjects. In this mode, the camera focuses on a subject when the shutter button is pressed halfway down and locks the focus until the picture is taken. It's suitable for situations where you want to focus on a stationary subject and take a single shot. To select AFS:

1. Look for a button or switch labeled "AF Mode" or "Focus Mode" on your camera.
2. Press the button or flip the switch to cycle through the available focus modes until you reach AFS.

2. AFF (Auto Focus Flexible):

AFF is a hybrid focus mode that combines elements of AFS and AFC. It continuously focuses on the subject as long as the shutter button is held halfway down, but if the subject starts moving, it automatically switches to AFC. This mode is useful when photographing subjects that may be stationary at times but also move occasionally. To select AFF:

1. Access the "AF Mode" or "Focus Mode" button/switch on your camera.
2. Cycle through the available focus modes until you find AFF.

3. AFC (Auto Focus Continuous):

AFC is intended for capturing moving subjects. The camera continuously adjusts the focus as long as the shutter button is held halfway down, allowing you to track and capture subjects in motion. To select AFC:

1. Locate the "AF Mode" or "Focus Mode" button/switch.
2. Navigate through the focus modes until AFC is selected.

The exact method of selecting focus modes and the options available may vary slightly depending on the specific Lumix camera model you're using. Always consult your camera's manual for detailed instructions tailored to your camera model.

For more information on how to select an auto focus mode and applicable modes select your model from the list below

If your model is not listed below, click here to access our Operating Manual lookup to find more information

For model DC-BS1H

To change the Focus Mode setting, select [MENU / SET] → [Motion Picture] → [Focus Menu] → [Focus Mode]

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-BS1H

For model DC-FZ1000M2

Applicable Shooting modes

To change the Focus Mode setting, set the focus mode lever to [AFS / AFF] or [AFC]

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-FZ1000M2

For model DC-FZ80

Applicable Shooting modes

To change the Focus Mode setting:

Press the AF/MF Button

Press [◄ / ►] to move to your desired focus mode and press [MENU / SET]

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-FZ80

For model DC-G95

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-G95

For model DC-G9

Applicable Shooting modes

To change the Focus Mode setting, set the focus mode lever to [AFS / AFF], [AFC], or [MF]

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-G9

Watch this video for more information on focus modes.

Model shown in video is DC-G9.

For model DC-G100, DC-G100D

Applicable Shooting modes

To change the Focus Mode setting, press [MENU] → [Rec] → [Focus Mode]

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-G100

For model DC-GH5

Applicable Shooting modes

To select the focus mode, press [AF Tracking] and select your desired setting.

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-GH5

For model DC-GX9

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-GX9

For model DC-S1

Applicable Shooting modes

Set the focus mode lever to [S] (AFS), [C] (AFC), or [MF].

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-S1

For model DC-S1H

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-S1H

For model DC-S1R

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-S1R

For models DC-S5, DC-S5M2, DC-S5M2X

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-S5
Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-S5M2
Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-S5M2X

For model DC-ZS70

Applicable Shooting modes

1. Press the [Manual Focus] button (◄).
2. Press [◄ / ►] to select [AF] / [MF] and press [MENU / SET].

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DMC-G7

For model DC-ZS80

Applicable Shooting modes

To select the focus mode: Press [MENU] → [Motion Picture] / [Rec] → [AFS / AFF / AFC]

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DC-ZS80

For model DMC-FZ1000

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DMC-FZ1000

For model DMC-FZ2500

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DMC-FZ2500

For model DMC-FZ300

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DMC-FZ300

For model DMC-G7

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DMC-G7

For model DMC-G85

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DMC-G85

For model DMC-GF7

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DMC-GF7

For model DMC-GH4

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DMC-GH4

For model DMC-GX85

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DMC-GX85

For model DMC-ZS50

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DMC-ZS50

For model DMC-ZS100

Applicable Shooting modes

Click here to view more information on Focus Modes for model DMC-ZS100