ILCE-9
Focus Setting Guide
Here are some shooting tips and suggested settings for specific sports, focusing on differences from the recommended default settings.
* Update the camera's system software to the newest version.
Soccer, Football, Futsal、Handball
Set AF subject-tracking sensitivity to the fairly responsive level 4 to deal with frequent passes and other players crossing in front of the subject.
Set the focus area to [Flexible Spot: M] when the subject is close, and to [Expand Flexible Spot] when the subject is farther away, or when shooting several subjects close together.
Basketball、Volleyball
AF subject-tracking sensitivity 3 (Standard) is recommended for stable tracking when other players frequently cross in front of the subject.
[Flexible Spot: M], the most versatile focus area setting, is recommended.
When the subject you want to shoot can be framed within the composition, [Expand Flexible Spot] can be used for a more selective focus.
Tennis
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
AF subject-tracking sensitivity 3 (Standard) is recommended for stable tracking when other players frequently cross in front of the subject.
[Flexible Spot: M], the most versatile focus area setting, is recommended.
When the subject you want to shoot can be framed within the composition, [Expand Flexible Spot] can be used for a more selective focus.
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
In scenes where there is rapid horizontal movement, such as when shooting medium close-ups of tennis players during a singles match, it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Tracking: Flexible Spot M].
If you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On] and use it in combination with the tracking function, the camera will automatically track faces and eyes when the subject's body is inside the focus area and face detection is available.
While tracking the subject, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balancing of other subjects and the background within the shot.
When launching the tracking function, if there are faces other than the subject's, such as a referee's or an audience member's near the focus area, the camera may not be able to select the intended focus point.
If the focus area moves to a face other than your subject's, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [Off].
Using [Flexible Spot: M] or pressing the shutter button halfway down again is helpful when rapidly shooting different subjects in succession.
Assigning [Tracking On] or [Reg. Custom Shoot Set] (Set to AF On and Tracking) to the Custom Key allows you to quickly switch the tracking function on or off.
Rugby
AF subject-tracking sensitivity 3 (Standard) is recommended for stable tracking when other players frequently cross in front of the subject.
Setting the focus area to [Expand Flexible Spot] is recommended for a more selective focus on the subject, particularly when focusing on a specific subject in a crowd with other subjects.
American football
Where players are crossing and colliding with each other, set AF subject-tracking sensitivity to 2 to track one player stably and continuously.
As players are frequently crowded together in this sport, [Expand Flexible Spot] is recommended when focusing on a single subject in a group with many other subjects.
Sepak takraw
The versatile basic recommended settings (AF subject-tracking sensitivity: Standard 3; focus area: [Flexible Spot: M]) are effective. If there are multiple obstacles, try setting the focus area to [Expand Flexible Spot], and the sensitivity to the stronger 2.
If the subject is moving too fast to focus with [Flexible Spot: M], set the focus area to [Zone] to more easily focus on subjects moving at a high speed.
Face detection may be difficult in sports where subjects' faces are obscured.
If the focus area moves to a face other than your subject's, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [Off].
High jump, Pole vault
Setting the AF subject-tracking sensitivity to 3 (Standard) makes tracking more stable, with the focus less likely to shift to a pole or the subject's hand.
Setting the focus area to [Flexible Spot: M] is also recommended for a more stable focus.
If the focus area moves to a face other than your subject's, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [Off].
Track and field events (excluding the high jump and pole jump)
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
For a more stable focus in scenes where objects pass in front of the subject on which you want to focus, the recommended setting is either [Flexible Spot: M] or [Expand Flexible Spot].
Setting the AF subject-tracking sensitivity to 3 (Standard) makes tracking more stable, with the focus less likely to shift to a pole or the subject's hand.
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
Setting the focus area to [Tracking: Flexible Spot M] is recommended for continuously tracking a single subject.
If you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On] and use it in combination with the tracking function, the camera will automatically track faces and eyes when the subject's body is inside the focus area and face detection is available.
While tracking the subject, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balancing of other subjects and the background within the shot.
Face detection may be difficult in events where subjects' faces are hidden, such as the shot put.
If the focus area moves to a face other than your subject's, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [Off].
Using Flexible Spot or pressing the shutter button halfway down again is helpful when rapidly shooting different subjects in succession.
Assigning [Tracking On] or [Reg. Custom Shoot Set] (Set to AF On and Tracking) to the Custom Key allows you to quickly switch the tracking function on or off.
Skiing、Mogul、Snowboarding、Ski jumping、Biathlon、Bobsleigh、Short-track speed skating
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
Set AF subject-tracking sensitivity to 3 (Standard) for stable tracking of the subject in alpine skiing where athletes pass behind poles, or short-track speed skating where the leader frequently changes.
The recommended setting for the focus area is the versatile [Flexible Spot: M], but if the subject is far away or if several competitors are close together like in short-track speed skating, [Expand Flexible Spot] is recommended.
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
Setting the focus area to [Tracking: Flexible Spot M] is recommended for continuously tracking a single subject.
If you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On] and use it in combination with the tracking function, the camera will automatically track faces and eyes when the subject's body is inside the focus area and face detection is available.
While tracking the subject, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balancing of other subjects and the background within the shot.
Assigning [Tracking On] or [Reg. Custom Shoot Set] (Set to AF On and Tracking) to the Custom Key allows you to quickly switch the tracking function on or off.
Face detection may be difficult in some cases, such as when a subject is wearing large goggles.
If the focus area moves to a face other than your subject's, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [Off].
Speed skating
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Zone]
For a more stable focus in scenes where objects pass in front of the subject on which you want to focus, the recommended setting is [Flexible Spot: M] or [Zone].
If the subject is moving too fast to focus with [Flexible Spot: M], set the focus area to [Zone] to more easily focus on subjects moving at a high speed.
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
Setting the focus area to [Tracking: Flexible Spot M] is recommended for continuously tracking a single subject.
To focus continually on a single subject, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On] and use it in combination with the tracking function.
Place the subject's body inside the focus area to automatically track faces and eyes when face detection is available.
While tracking the subject, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balancing of other subjects and the background within the shot.
If the subject is moving too fast to align the focus area, select [Tracking: Zone] to capture the subject more easily.
Figure skating (Singles)
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When taking an isolated shot of a figure skater during a performance (singles), it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Tracking: Flexible Spot M].
To focus continually on a single subject, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On] and use it in combination with the tracking function.
Place the subject's body inside the focus area to automatically track faces and eyes when face detection is available.
While tracking the subject, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balancing of other subjects and the background within the shot.
Assigning [Tracking On] or [Reg. Custom Shoot Set] (Set to AF On and Tracking) to the Custom Key allows you to quickly switch the tracking function on or off.
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Zone]
For a more stable focus in scenes where objects pass in front of the subject on which you want to focus, the recommended setting is [Flexible Spot: M] or [Zone].
If the subject is moving too fast to focus with [Flexible Spot: M], set the focus area to [Zone] to more easily focus on subjects moving at a high speed.
Ice hockey
Setting AF subject-tracking sensitivity to a fairly responsive 4 gives good results when the puck is being passed quickly from player to player.
The recommended setting for the focus area is the versatile [Flexible Spot: M], but if the subject is far away or if several competitors are close together, switch to [Expand Flexible Spot] to focus more accurately on the desired position.
Curling
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When you want to shoot a single subject using the tracking function, such as when shooting directly in front of a subject as they make a shot, the recommended setting is [Tracking: Flexible Spot M].
To focus continually on a single subject, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On] and use it in combination with the tracking function.
Place the subject's body inside the focus area to automatically track faces and eyes when face detection is available.
While tracking the subject, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balancing of other subjects and the background within the shot.
Using Flexible Spot or pressing the shutter button halfway down again is helpful when rapidly shooting different subjects in succession.
Assigning [Tracking On] or [Reg. Custom Shoot Set] (Set to AF On and Tracking) to the Custom Key allows you to quickly switch the tracking function on or off.
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
For a more stable focus in scenes where objects pass in front of the subject on which you want to focus, the recommended setting is either [Flexible Spot: M] or [Expand Flexible Spot].
Set AF subject-tracking sensitivity to a fairly fixed 2 for stable tracking of a specific player.The recommended setting for the focus area is the versatile [Flexible Spot: M], but if the subject is far away or if several competitors are close together, switch to [Expand Flexible Spot] to focus more accurately on the desired position.
Car racing, Karting、Motorcycling (on-road)
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
For a more stable focus in scenes where objects pass in front of the subject on which you want to focus, the recommended setting is either [Flexible Spot: M] or [Expand Flexible Spot].
AF subject-tracking sensitivity setting 3 (Standard) allows stable tracking even when photographing motorsports with lots of acceleration and deceleration.
The recommended setting for the focus area is the versatile [Flexible Spot: M], but if the cars or motorcycles are far away, switch to [Expand Flexible Spot].
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When tracking a single car, motorcycle, etc. for an isolated shot, the recommended setting is [Tracking: Flexible Spot M].
[Flexible Spot: M] is effective when focusing on specific subjects like a particular car or the helmet of a driver on a formula car.
During tracking, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balancing of cars and the background within the shot.
Motocross
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Wide]
Use [Flexible Spot: M] when the motorcycles are moving on the ground, and [Wide] for midair jump shots. Make use of a wide focus area to vary the composition during continuous shooting.
If the focus area is set to [Wide] and the subject is in the center of the screen when the autofocus locks on, the subject can then be tracked across almost the entire screen. This allows the composition to be adjusted freely even during continuous shooting.
- [Tracking: Wide]
If the subject is moving too rapidly to align the focus area, such as when the subject is in mid-jump, select [Tracking: Wide] to capture the subject more easily.
During tracking, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balancing of motorcycles and the background within the shot.
When tracking a motorcycle, etc. for an isolated shot, the recommended setting is [Tracking: Flexible Spot M].
Swimming
Set AF subject-tracking sensitivity to lock on with 1 or 2 when shooting swimmers to avoid the focus drifting to the background when they dive under water.
Use [Expand Flexible Spot] to stop the focus from being drawn to the surface of the water or splashes of water.
Cycle race
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
For a more stable focus in scenes where there are multiple vehicles moving as a group, the recommended setting is [Flexible Spot: M] or [Expand Flexible Spot].
Setting the AF subject-tracking sensitivity to 3 (Standard) makes tracking more stable, with the focus less likely to shift to other subjects and obstacles.
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When shooting an isolated subject, it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Tracking: Flexible Spot M], which allows for more variation in composition.
To focus continually on a single subject, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On] and use it in combination with the tracking function.
Place the subject's body inside the focus area to automatically track faces and eyes when face detection is available.
While tracking the subject, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balancing of other subjects and the background within the shot.
Archery、Horseracing
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When shooting an isolated subject, the recommended setting is [Flexible Spot: M].
To focus continually on a single subject, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On] and use it in combination with the tracking function.
Place the subject's body inside the focus area to automatically track faces and eyes when face detection is available.
While tracking the subject, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balancing of other subjects and the background within the shot.
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
For a more stable focus in situations such as shooting a pack of horses in a horse race, the recommended setting is [Flexible Spot: M] or [Expand Flexible Spot].
Setting the AF subject-tracking sensitivity to 3 (Standard) makes tracking more stable, with the focus less likely to shift to other subjects and obstacles.
Speedboat racing
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When shooting a single boat, the recommended setting is [Flexible Spot: M].
Face detection may be difficult in some cases, such as when a subject is wearing a helmet.
If the focus area moves to a face other than your subject's, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [Off].
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
If you want to track the subject in the lead while subjects are continually switching places, such as at the beginning of a race, it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Flexible Spot: M] or [Expand Flexible Spot].
Setting the AF subject-tracking sensitivity to 3 (Standard) makes tracking more stable, with the focus less likely to shift to other subjects and obstacles.
Canoeing、Equestrian events
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
For a more stable focus in sports that include obstacles such as canoeing or equestrianism, it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Flexible Spot: M] or [Expand Flexible Spot].
Setting the AF subject-tracking sensitivity to 3 (Standard) makes tracking more stable, with the focus less likely to shift to obstacles.
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When you want to track a single subject, it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Tracking: Flexible Spot M].
To focus continually on a single subject, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On] and use it in combination with the tracking function.
Place the subject's body inside the focus area to automatically track faces and eyes when face detection is available.
While tracking the subject, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balance of the background within the shot.
Using Flexible Spot or pressing the shutter button halfway down again is helpful when rapidly shooting different subjects in succession.
Assigning [Tracking On] or [Reg. Custom Shoot Set] (Set to AF On and Tracking) to the Custom Key allows you to quickly switch the tracking function on or off.
Judo
The versatile basic recommended settings (AF subject-tracking sensitivity: Standard 3; focus area: [Flexible Spot: M]) are effective. If there are multiple obstacles, try setting the focus area to [Expand Flexible Spot], and the sensitivity to the stronger 2.
If you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On], any face or eye will be tracked automatically when detected inside the designated focus area.
Kendo
The versatile basic recommended settings (AF subject-tracking sensitivity: Standard 3; focus area: [Flexible Spot: M]) are effective. If there are multiple obstacles, try setting the focus area to [Expand Flexible Spot], and the sensitivity to the stronger 2.
Face detection may be difficult in some cases, such as when a subject is wearing protective gear.
If the focus area moves to a face other than your subject's, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [Off].
Fencing
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
For a more stable focus in scenes where objects pass in front of the subject on which you want to focus, the recommended setting is either [Flexible Spot: M] or [Expand Flexible Spot].
For a more stable focus in situations where subjects' movements are difficult to predict and subjects tend to drop out of the focus area, set the AF subject-tracking sensitivity to the stronger 2.
Use [Expand Flexible Spot] to focus on a particular subject.
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When you want to track a single subject, it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Tracking: Flexible Spot M].
Face detection may be difficult in some cases, such as when a subject is wearing protective gear.
If the focus area moves to a face other than your subject's, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [Off].
Gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When you want to track a single subject, such as during individual performances of rhythmic gymnastics, it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Tracking: Flexible Spot M].
In gymnastics, the tracking function effectively allows you to freely alter the composition.
To focus continually on a single subject, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On] and use it in combination with the tracking function.
Place the subject's body inside the focus area to automatically track faces and eyes when face detection is available.
While tracking the subject, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balancing of other subjects and the background within the shot.
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
When you want to switch the subject on which to focus, such as during team performances of rhythmic gymnastics, it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Flexible Spot: M] or [Expand Flexible Spot].
Setting the AF subject-tracking sensitivity to 3 (Standard) makes tracking more stable, with the focus less likely to shift to a pole or the subject's hand.
Golf
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When you want to take an isolated shot of a single subject, it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Tracking: Flexible Spot M].
While tracking the subject, the framing can be altered according to your preference. This allows for adjustments to the composition, such as the balancing of other subjects and the background within the shot.
To focus continually on a single subject, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On] and use it in combination with the tracking function.
Place the subject's body inside the focus area to automatically track faces and eyes when face detection is available.
Face detection may be difficult in some cases, such as when a subject is wearing sunglasses.
If the focus area moves to a face other than your subject's, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [Off].
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
For a more stable focus in scenes where objects pass in front of the subject on which you want to focus, the recommended setting is either [Flexible Spot: M] or [Expand Flexible Spot].
Set the AF subject-tracking sensitivity to the stronger 2 for a more stable focus. This setting is recommended for shooting bunker shots, when sand flies in front of the subject, and similar scenes.
Trains and other railed vehicles
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When you want to focus continually on the first car of a moving train, the recommended setting is [Tracking: Flexible Spot M].
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
If the composition has been fixed prior to shooting, shoot with the versatile basic recommended settings (AF subject-tracking sensitivity: Standard 3; focus area: [Flexible Spot: M]).
When there are many obstacles such as overhead wiring, it is recommended that you set the AF subject-tracking sensitivity to the stronger 2 and the focus area to the spot-oriented [Expand Flexible Spot].
Wild birds
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
If the subject's movement is predictable and the subject can be captured within the frame, set the camera to the versatile basic recommended settings (AF subject-tracking sensitivity: Standard 3; focus area: [Flexible Spot: M]).
When there are many obstacles, it is recommended that you set the AF subject-tracking sensitivity to the stronger 2 and the focus area to the spot-oriented [Expand Flexible Spot].
- [Tracking: Wide]
When shooting a scene without any other subjects around the desired subject, such as a flying bird, it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Tracking: Wide].
If framing is difficult due to rapid movement of the bird, selecting [Tracking: Wide] lets you capture the subject more easily.
Airplanes, Air shows
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When tracking a subject in a scene where there are no other subjects around the desired subject, it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Tracking: Flexible Spot M].
[Tracking: Flexible Spot M] is effective when you want to focus continually on a particular airplane.
When shooting aerobatics and other scenes where framing is difficult, select [Tracking: Wide] to capture the subject more easily
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Zone]
For a more stable focus in scenes where objects pass in front of the subject on which you want to focus, the recommended setting is [Flexible Spot: M] or [Zone].
Try setting the focus area to the versatile [Flexible Spot: M]. Use [Zone] if framing is difficult, such as when shooting airplanes flying acrobatically at an air show.
Wild animals
- [Flexible Spot: M]/[Expand Flexible Spot]
For a more stable focus in scenes where objects pass in front of the subject on which you want to focus, the recommended setting is either [Flexible Spot: M] or [Expand Flexible Spot].
[Expand Flexible Spot] is recommended in environments with multiple obstacles like bushes and branches.
- [Tracking: Flexible Spot M]
When tracking a subject in a scene where there are no other subjects around the desired subject, it is recommended that you set the focus area to [Tracking: Flexible Spot M].
To focus continually on a single animal, it is recommended that you set [Face/Eye Priority in AF] to [On] and use it in combination with the tracking function.
Place the animal's body inside the focus area to automatically track eyes when eye detection is available.
While tracking animals, the framing can be altered according to your preference.
Refer here for instructions on how to focus on animal eyes.
* Photographs are provided to illustrate the situations described in this guide, not to serve as sample α9 images.
PAGE TOP