A Nikon D5000 has 11 focus points(2 horizontal on the sides, 8 vertical,and 1 center cross type). It has four AF Area modes: Single Point, Dynamic Area, Auto Area, and 3D Tracking. In Single and Dynamic Area, you can manually adjust the focusing point using the multi-selector. With 3D Tracking, you manually select a focusing point and place it over the desired subject.
As you can see in the image to the left and below the top and bottom are the 2 horizontal focus points. The 8 vertical points are the 4 on the left and the 4 on the right. leaving the center as the cross type focus point. the different points help your camera focus on your subject when it is in different parts of your view finder.
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