What's the difference between AF and MF focusing modes?

AF stands for auto focus and MF stands for manual focus.

Mainly when taking pictures, photographers are used to manual focusing or autofocus.

AF stands for auto focus, and the camera automatically controls the lens focus. Auto-focus is realized by lens imaging, so it is called TTL auto-focus. It is precisely because this autofocus method is based on lens imaging, which has high focusing accuracy and low error rate, but the technology is complex, the speed is slow (except for the advanced autofocus lens using ultrasonic motor) and the cost is high.

MF stands for manual focusing, that is, the user turns the focus ring by his own feeling to focus. Manual focusing, that is, manually turning the focusing ring to adjust the camera lens, so as to make the captured photos clear, largely depends on the judgment of the human eye on the image on the focusing screen, the photographer's proficiency and even the photographer's vision. Early SLR cameras and paraxial cameras basically used manual focusing to complete the focusing operation. Now quasi-professional and professional digital cameras, as well as SLR digital cameras, are equipped with manual focusing function to meet different shooting needs.

Extended data:

In addition to autofocus and manual focusing, there are multiple focusing and holographic autofocus.

Multiple focusing

Many digital cameras have multi-focus function or area focus function. When the focus center is not set in the center of the picture, multi-point focus or multiple focus can be used. In addition to setting the focus position, you can also set the focus range, allowing users to take photos with different effects. Common multi-point focusing includes 5: 00, 7: 00 and 9: 00.

Holographic autofocus

Holographic AF is a unique function of Sony digital camera and a brand-new autofocus optical system. It uses advanced laser holography technology to detect the edge of the object by laser spot. Even in the dark environment, it can take photos with precise focus, and the effective shooting distance is 4.5 meters.

References:

Baidu Encyclopedia-Focus Mode