How to set the Auto Focus mode.

Applicable Shooting modes

For models DMC-F2, DMC-FH1, DMC-FH20, DMC-FH3

For models DMC-F5, DMC-FH10

For models DMC-SZ10, DMC-TS30

For model DMC-XS1

Set the menu.

Press [Menu/Set].
Press [◄] / [►] to select [Rec] and then press [Menu/Set].
Press [▲] / [▼] to select [AF Mode] and then press [Menu/Set].
Press [▲] / [▼] to select the setting and then press Menu/Set].

AF Mode

This allows the focusing method that suits the positions and number of the subjects to be selected.

Types of AF Settings
Icon	Settings	Description
Face Detection Icon	Face Detection	The camera automatically detects the person’s face. (max. 15 areas for DMC-TS30, 12 areas for DMC-SZ10) The focus and exposure can then be adjusted to fit that face no matter what portion of the picture it is in.
AF Tracking icon	AF Tracking	Focus can be adjusted to a specified subject. Focus will keep on following the subject even if it moves. (Dynamic tracking) For models DMC-FH2, DMC-FH25, DMC-FH5, DMC-FH8, DMC-SZ1, DMC-TS30 [area focus] will be used during recording motion pictures or using [Time Lapse Shot].
23-Area Icon	23-Area	Up to 23 points for each AF area can be focused. This is effective when the subject is not in the center of the screen. AF area frame will be same as image aspect ratio setting. For models DMC-FH4, DMC-FH6, DMC-FH8, DMC-SZ1, DMC-TS30 [area focus] will be used during recording motion pictures.
11-Area-Focusing Icon	11-Area-Focusing	The camera focuses on any of 11 focus areas. This is effective when the subject is not in the center of the screen. For models DMC-FH2, DMC-FH25, DMC-FH5
9-Area Icon	9-Area	Up to 9 points for each AF area can be focused. This is effective when the subject is not in the center of the screen. AF area frame will be same as image aspect ratio setting. For models DMC-SZ10, DMC-F2, DMC-F5, DMC-FH1, DMC-FH10, DMC-FH20, DMC-FH3, DMC-XS1
1 Area Icon	1 Area	The camera focuses on the subject in the AF area on the center of the screen.
Spot Icon	Spot	The camera focuses on a limited narrow area in the screen. For model DMC-TS30 [area focus] will be used during recording motion pictures.

Note:

[AF Mode] is fixed to [1 Area Focus] in the following cases:
- Creative Control Mode: [Miniature Effect]
- Scene Mode: [Starry Sky]
It will be fixed to [Face Detection] when the [Face Recog.] is set to on.
It is not possible to set [Face Detection] in the following cases:
- [Advanced Underwater]
- [Panorama Shot]
- Scene Mode: [Night Scenery] / [Food]
It is not possible to set [AF Tracking] in the following cases:
- Creative Control Mode: [Sepia] / [Dynamic Monochrome] / [High Dynamic] / [Toy Effect]
- [Panorama Shot]
- Color Mode: [B&W] / [Sepia]

About [Face Detection]

The following AF area frames are displayed when the camera detects the faces

Yellow: When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the frame turns green when the camera is focused.
White: Displayed when more than one face is detected. Other faces that are the same distance away as the faces within the yellow AF areas are also brought into focus.

Note:

Under certain picture-taking conditions including the following cases, the face detection function may fail to work, making it impossible to detect faces. [AF Mode] is switched to [23 Area Focus] ([1 Area Focus] while motion pictures are taken).
- When the face is not facing the camera.
- When the face is at an angle.
- When the face is extremely bright or dark.
- When there is little contrast on the faces.
- When the facial features are hidden behind sunglasses, etc.
- When the face appears small on the screen.
- When there is rapid movement.
- When the subject is not a human being.
- When the camera is shaking.
- When Digital Zoom is used.
- Taking pictures underwater.
For models DMC-SZ10 and DMC-TS30, if the camera is registering something other than someone’s face, change the settings to something other than [Face Detection].

Setting up [AF Tracking]

For models DMC-FH8, DMC-SZ1, DMC-TS30

Align the subject with the AF tracking frame, and then press▼ to lock onto the subject.

The image shows label A as the AF Tracking Frame.

AF area will be displayed in yellow when a subject is recognized, and focus will automatically adjust continuously following the subject’s movement (Dynamic tracking).
AF tracking is canceled when [▼] is pressed again.

Note:

Dynamic tracking function may not work in the following cases:
- When the subject is too small.
- When the recording location is too dark or bright.
- When the subject is moving too fast.
- When the background has the same or similar color to the subject.
- When jitter is occurring
- When using the zoom.
- Taking picture underwater.
When the lock fails, the AF tracking frame will turn red and then disappear. Press [▼] again.
The camera records pictures with [AF Mode] as [1 Area Focus] when locked or Dynamic Tracking is not working.