Help with Nikon Z7 settings: I wonder why when I set the camera to AF-C mode the focus point does not turn green when it’s in focus. It only turns green when I set to AF-S. Is it...

Chienngo Loc: SoCal

I wonder why when I set the camera to AF-C mode the focus point does not turn green when it’s in focus. It only turns green when I set to AF-S. Is it normal? I want to be able to tell that the subject is in focus while I am shooting in AF-C.

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Chienngo wrote:

I wonder why when I set the camera to AF-C mode the focus point does not turn green when it’s in focus. It only turns green when I set to AF-S. Is it normal? I want to be able to tell that the subject is in focus while I am shooting in AF-C.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWIoYOv9kRg&t=2s

Go to the section "Why doesn't the box go green in AF-C" - it starts at 19 mins 26 secs.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

craggycrossers wrote:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWIoYOv9kRg&t=2s

Go to the section "Why doesn't the box go green in AF-C" - it starts at 19 mins 26 secs.

Thanks Craggy!! I was wondering the same thing.

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

JD750 wrote:

Thanks Craggy!! I was wondering the same thing.

Happy to supply the answer - isn't this world wonderful in that the answer to the problem can so often come from outside one's own borders (terms of reference) ?

JD750 Loc: SoCal

craggycrossers wrote:

Happy to supply the answer - isn't this world wonderful in that the answer to the problem can so often come from outside one's own borders (terms of reference) ?

Yes it is.

BurghByrd Loc: Pittsburgh

craggycrossers wrote:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWIoYOv9kRg&t=2s

Go to the section "Why doesn't the box go green in AF-C" - it starts at 19 mins 26 secs.

It's normal. This is a decent vid on focus options for the Nikon Z cameras, thanks.

DJCard Loc: Northern Kentucky

Chienngo wrote:

I wonder why when I set the camera to AF-C mode the focus point does not turn green when it’s in focus. It only turns green when I set to AF-S. Is it normal? I want to be able to tell that the subject is in focus while I am shooting in AF-C.

Yes, I’ve noticed same phenomenon. This appears to be “normal.”

Chienngo Loc: SoCal

Thank you so much for your help. I have been wondering and this video explains it.

baron_silverton Loc: Los Angeles, CA

Chienngo wrote:

I wonder why when I set the camera to AF-C mode the focus point does not turn green when it’s in focus. It only turns green when I set to AF-S. Is it normal? I want to be able to tell that the subject is in focus while I am shooting in AF-C.

This is normal and Ricci explains 'why' this is the case in the video that was recommended to you in the comments. Although he makes a point about how the box would flicker between red and green and be distracting - I still think that it should do something to show the user that it is focusing because in low light situations I have had instances that it does not acquire focus and it is impossible to tell in those circumstances.

Nikon should do something to improve this, but for now it is normal.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

baron_silverton wrote:

This is normal and Ricci explains 'why' this is th... (show quote)

Thank you for reaffirming that this is normal.

FYI there is a focus indicator that lights up when focus is obtained so you don’t need a flashing indicator. But autofocus is typically unreliable in low light situations. That’s why there exists an autofocus assist light. Of course that doesn’t work if your outside at night focusing on the horizon. Your best bet is to set the viewfinder to constant brightness, and use manual focus, zoom in using the + button to see if you have focus.

baron_silverton Loc: Los Angeles, CA

JD750 wrote:

Thank you for reaffirming that this is normal.

FYI there is a focus indicator that lights up when focus is obtained so you don’t need a flashing indicator. But autofocus is typically unreliable in low light situations. That’s why there exists an autofocus assist light. Of course that doesn’t work if your outside at night focusing on the horizon. Your best bet is to set the viewfinder to constant brightness, and use manual focus, zoom in using the + button to see if you have focus.

Nice suggestions but none of that helps in event settings unfortunately - thanks for the comment though :)

Chienngo Loc: SoCal

Thank you so much, the video is very helpful in explaining the Auto Focus mode. Like you, I wish Nikon will update their Firmware to provide an indicator to show the subject is in focus while we are shooting in AF-C.