Help with AF-Area mode

[Stina3246]

I have a Nikon D50 and I use either a Nikon 18-55 lens or a Quantray 28-80 lens. I have a problem with auto focus always choosing the wrong focal point. I have 3 setting for this mode.
Single, Dynamic and Closets. It seem like no matter what I choose, if I want to focus on something on the left, it focuses on the right, if I want to focus on something close it focuses on far awy!! I've read the manual but it doesn't help. It's just very basic. It worse with the Quantray. Sometimes I can fix it by hitting the auto focus button a few times but I am more often then not dissapointed because it focused on the ear and not the eye etc. Can SOMEONE PLEASE help me with this?
I have tried the little trick on focusiong on the eye and then moving it to frame it how I want but that doesn't always help.

[Sobriquet]

Sorry I can't help with Nikon but I can choose which point the camera focus' on. Are you sure you can't? Even by P and S Nikon has that, check you haven't put it on sports mode or something.

[Vagebond]

The S570 coolpix: Menu > shooting mode > AF area mode > choose the AF mode. "Center" is an option there. Maybe in your camera too?

[kirbinster]

Sounds like you are using a dynamic multipoint focus - which can do that. Try setting it to a single focus point and single focus mode not auto and not continuous.

[Stina3246]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

Sounds like you are using a dynamic multipoint focus - which can do that. Try setting it to a single focus point and single focus mode not auto and not continuous.

The question is, I HAVE a camera that I can select 3 different Area mode seetings, Centered, Dynamic (which seems to be able to focus on different sections) and Closest. (which shuold mean the closest thing to me. ) I have experimented with all 3 settings But it seems like no matter WHICH setting I have it on, it chooses the wrong thing. If I have it on dynamic (and I can't do that in auto) and I want to focus on something on the left it invariably chooses something on the right and vice versa. If I move the camera a little and decide, OK fine, you want to focus here so I'll move the item is on the right side, it will then choose to focus on the left. If I keep hitting the auto focus button it may choose a different areas but many time NOT where I want it!!
Can some one PLEASE explain WHAT these setting actually mean and how to use them!!

[Vagebond]

Put it on Center. Do you see a little box in the middle of the LCD? If so, it's going to try to focus there. The camera is most sensitive in the center.
Put it on Dynamic. Do you see a box? If not then the camera decides where to focus. If yes, you should be able to steer the box over the whole LCD to where you want to focus.

Whatever the case, the camera needs contrast in order to focus. Dimly lit rooms are a problem.

[wannabephotographer]

You should have a mode called Single Area which you pick the focus point.

[kirbinster]

Originally Posted by Stina3246

The question is, I HAVE a camera that I can select 3 different Area mode seetings, Centered, Dynamic (which seems to be able to focus on different sections) and Closest. (which shuold mean the closest thing to me. ) I have experimented with all 3 settings But it seems like no matter WHICH setting I have it on, it chooses the wrong thing. If I have it on dynamic (and I can't do that in auto) and I want to focus on something on the left it invariably chooses something on the right and vice versa. If I move the camera a little and decide, OK fine, you want to focus here so I'll move the item is on the right side, it will then choose to focus on the left. If I keep hitting the auto focus button it may choose a different areas but many time NOT where I want it!!
Can some one PLEASE explain WHAT these setting actually mean and how to use them!!

When all else fails, read the manual Dynamic is usefully for movng images that you want to track, but it can pick the wrong item. If you choose centered and single focus it will lock the focus on whatever you have in that center box. You should also be able to pick single servo and select a focus point other than the center one if you so desire.

[Stina3246]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

When all else fails, read the manual Dynamic is usefully for movng images that you want to track, but it can pick the wrong item. If you choose centered and single focus it will lock the focus on whatever you have in that center box. You should also be able to pick single servo and select a focus point other than the center one if you so desire.

I've read the manual. It's very vague. I know how it's SUPPOSED to work but for instance if I choose dynamic and I want to shoot something that is NOT centered, I want the thing on the left in focus I will push the button 1/2 way it will invariable focus on the thing on the right. If I push the button 1/2 way again and it may center on the thing in the middle but almost NEVER on what I want. (I'm not saying this happens EVERY time I shoot but often enough that it's annoying.)
In THIS shot

I focused on his eye and then moved the camera to UN-center him and ended up with this. Of course he wouldn't stand still so I didn't expect ALL of him to be in focus but, what did I do wrong.

[wannabephotographer]

In Dynamic mode the camera will decide what it's going to focus on. Since it's dynamic any movement on your part or the subject will change what the camera decides to do. It's a pain and unless I'm shooting fast moving objects, I don't use it.