|
|||||||||
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
![]() |
#16 | |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 8,425
|
Re: X70 autofocus issues
Quote:
For receptions, during dancing, the camera loses focus and EVERYTHING becomes blurred, and this is AFTER the update (which was supposed to improve autofocus). Yes, there are workarounds, going manual, etc. but then it becomes a case of me having to cater to my camera, which is ridiculous and inexcusable. My VX2000 and every camera I've owned since then never had these kind of issues and it's just nonsense. So I'm using manual when I must, but I would NOT purchase the camera again if I could avoid it. I like the camera otherwise, but autofocus is a primary feature that should work reliably. I'm not going to pretend I'm ok with it because I know how to switch to Manual focus. Can I work with it? Yes. Does that make it ok? No it does not. If you are considering purchasing the X70 or AX100, and if you expect the camera to have reliable Autofocus, be forewarned.
__________________
"The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described." |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 | |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Posts: 180
|
Re: X70 autofocus issues
Quote:
As much as I really like what Sony has done with the cam at such a low price point, I'll gladly deal with lower quality codecs (e.g. 8-bit 4:2:2) if that gives me more usable shots. Ultimately I'm waiting though until after NAB 2015 to make my decision. If Canon comes up next gen versions of say their XF100, I may go that route. That will also allow further research into this X70 issue. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ridgeway, Ontario
Posts: 79
|
Re: X70 autofocus issues
Is it just me or is the AF on the x70 really slow? This is my first Sony, my Canons were all pretty fast.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Major Player
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Decatur, AL
Posts: 883
|
Re: X70 autofocus issues
This is a very informative thread. I found an AX100 for $1,000 at a local shop and have been considering it.
I'd be using these unmanned (most of the time) at wedding ceremonies for B&G shots. My thought was to use a couple of iPods to wireless monitor the video feed and make sure focus was on? |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 8,425
|
Re: X70 autofocus issues
For the record, I do like the camera for the most part, but I'm not a fanboy type that will overlook its shortcomings in order to justify my purchase.
It is right that autofocus should be expected to operate properly on any modern camcorder, and there is simply no justification for this issue as far as I can see. If you can buy this camcorder for $1000 Kyle it would be very tempting. I could live with the issue for $1K, but I paid much more so I'm none too thrilled with it.
__________________
"The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described." |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Posts: 3,841
|
Re: X70 autofocus issues
Up until recently I had an EX1 and it too had a slow autofocus.
It was explained to me that this may be an intentional design. An example use is when tracking an object in which other object may pass momentarily in front of it. You don't want the autofocus to constantly search for the nearest object in situations like this. In other words, once focus locks on the object you want, you'd want to be able to track the object if momentarily interrupted by a nearer object. It's possible this is a Sony design philosophy since Sony has had more expensive cameras that also exhibit slow autofocus. I do know if you search the inter webs Sony and Slow Autofocus complaints are found across a number of their cameras. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 | |
Trustee
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 1,553
|
Re: X70 autofocus issues
Quote:
Chris Young CYV Productions Sydney |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 | |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Newbury UK
Posts: 46
|
Re: X70 autofocus issues
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Posts: 180
|
Re: X70 autofocus issues
This is solid advice and something that would work for my unattended camera situations. Thanks!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Lincoln, UK
Posts: 99
|
Re: X70 autofocus issues
I do believe that in general the X70's autofocus is very good - the wedding that I had issues at, was filmed entirely by 'assistants' and the cameras were pretty much on full auto all day. The overwhelming majority of shots where the lighting was good were in focus and the X70 performed as well if not better than many other cameras I've used. (To the ex XHA1 users that have noticed slow AF, doesn't the XHA1 have a phase-detect AF sensor hidden in the hood to the left of the lens? No camera without one will ever get a focus lock as quickly - it's like comparing a DSLR AF to a Point & shoot AF)
However the problem I had, which this thread was initially started about is that in low light, even with a video light on top of the camera, a photographers flash caused the X70 to completely loose focus lock & hunt for a couple of seconds. When reviewing the footage again this was worst case scenario with high gain and a busy background although the B&G were well lit. I will say that my overall opinion of this camera is very favourable & I'm putting this issue down to a camera quirk (that all cameras have) that I'll just need to keep an eye on. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#26 |
Trustee
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: San Diego, Califonia
Posts: 1,559
|
Re: X70 autofocus issues
Since I cannot see the LCD on my new X180 clearly due to distance and my vision with contacts (have to use the EVF), I use AUTOFOCUS A LOT NOW! I must say, the AF in the X180 is completely usable, it WILL focus on something in your shot. You may perhaps have to go manual to "select" which object you want sharp, but it doesn't just go into "ultra-blur" mode like the X70. The X70 AF is useless to me at night.
Paul |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
| ||||||
|
|