af-s and af-c... the manual is confusing me :S

[wider]

as above, can someone tell me in everyday terms how the focus modes differ and what application it should be used for? Noob Q!

all i noticed so far is that the camera doesnt beep. and i think you can also take the picture without focus being certain..

[phillipb]

AF-S - camera will not fire unless it can lock in focus - good for static subjects.

AF-C - camera will continuously try to focus, good for moving subjects but it is possible to fire a shots out of focus.

[zeddy]

af-c is continous auto focus where the object is moving the camera will keep changing the focus while the shutter button is held half way
af-s is single auto focus where it will focus on one spot and not change until you release the shutter button and press again
that what i think
zsolt

[wider]

gotcha! if only they said it like that in the manual.

cheers guys!

[!~DeViNe~DaRkNeSs~!]

camera manuels are made to confuse and bewilder

[Onyx]

You should specify what body. As PhillipB's answer is correct for the D70(s), the D200 & D2 series behaves differently - they have a separate setting for focus or shutter release priority independent of AF-mode.

[Yi-P]

AF-S mode - when focus is acquired or locked on, the AF system will lock and seize further focus action.

AF-C mode - focus motor will continually track your focus subject as long as you tell the system to do so and make adjustments under the specified AF selection.