What is the auto focus (AF) area?

The AF area is a function that sets the range to be focused on automatically. The three types of AF area options are listed below:

• Wide : This is the default setting. In Wide focus area, the camera automatically chooses one of the multiple local focus areas available. This mode covers a large area within the composition, so the background is less likely to go out of focus and the photograph obtains the correct focus.
• Local : One of multiple local areas can be manually selected to use as the focus area. This function is useful when the subject that the photographer wants to keep in focus is not located in the center of the composition.
• Spot : The camera focuses on the center of the focus area. The focus point is fixed to the center of the focus area - therefore, the setting cannot be changed accidentally.