Is it just me or is the NX5 (PAL) difficult to focus? Anybody else think the same?
Mike

Are you using peeking? It makes it easy.

Hi Victor, Yes I've tried peaking but it's a facility I'm not really fond of. I prefer my own eyesight which has normally served me well with many different cameras but the NX5 is so critical with it's focus.

I am new to this so excuse my lack of knowledge but what is peeking?

Peaking is a feature on cameras that dramatically sharpens the edges of the image in the LCD to make focusing easier. When an object is in focus, it creates a thick outline around the areas in focus. Don't worry though, the camera doesn't record this effect to card/tape.

Mike, I've found myself using the distance readout on the LCD to better judge focus. The focal plane is rather deep on a 1/3" camera such as the NX5, so as long as you know you're close , things usually turn out pretty well - on wider shots at least. You could also bump the AF button for a moment to figure out the distances.

After that, it might be monitor time! Marshall just released a few new 5" LCD panels that sell for under $400. I use one of the older versions on all my cams for events and tripod mounted work - it just makes things easier, even for my young eyes! It uses your Sony batteries too:

Marshall Electronics V-LCD51 5" Monitor and V-LCD51-SL B&H

Thanks for that Nate.

is it the LCD Panel or the EVF your using?

it happened me the other day i was using the EVF, I realise my eyesight aint what it used to be, but i thought i was going to have to go straight to the opticians, then i discovered i must have bumped the Viewfinder adjustment lever under the EVF!!

I suppose you could use peaking for critical close up stuff and then turn it off if it's annoying, you could also compare what you focus by eye and what results auto focus gives.

R

Some good ideas from Rob too. Thank you everyone who responded to my question.

I have peaking set as one of the buttons so it can be turned on and off as needed. The NX5U is very critical of focus and I spend some time setting up the shot now using the expanded focus, peaking and rationalizing the distance scale. Make sure macro focus and flicker reduction are definitely off. I shoot mainly stage shows so once I have it set for mid stage correctly I can check with peaking that all is well and almost never then change focus.

Ron Evans

Thanks for that Ron. I will need to play around with the peaking etc to see how I can use it to my benefit.