Z5/1000 Autofocus-The Anti-Christ of Face Detection?

Jeff Harper · August 20th, 2009, 10:04 PM

The auto focus does not work well with fast pans sometimes, especially in low light. You need to slow your pans down or switch to manual focus.

As far as the zooming in on subject, lighting conditions can make auto focus problematic. In these cases: zoom in all the way with manual focus, focus your subject, then zoom out to where you want to be when auto focus is a problem.

Use the camera some more before sending back to Sony. Auto focus is not reliable in all situations, you might try my suggestions first, and see what others suggest also.

Ken Ross · August 21st, 2009, 08:57 AM

Dror, unfortunately it can be an issue with the FX1000/Z5. I too have noticed how a face can fill up a huge portion of the frame and yet the camera will focus on something else.

Your best bet is to use manual focus for critical shots like that. I really doubt there's anything wrong with your camera.

Tom Hardwick · August 21st, 2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Duffy

I am over it and going either Canon or Panasonic.

If you do you'll lose Sony's most excellent 'focus assist'. Oh I know Panasonic have 'focus assist' written all over the HMC151, but it's certainly not the same thing, and nowhere near as useful as Sony's.

OK, my Z1 uses a contrast based auto-focus system, but the focus assist feature is just magic in stressed and rushed conditions. I can spin the focus ring the 'focus closer!' direction and BANG, it has focused on the closer face / flower / trinket in frame. Wonderful.

I'm surprised Panasonic can get away with calling their expanded focus / peaking by the same words.

tom.

Jeff Harper · August 21st, 2009, 10:05 AM

Hmmmm...I must give that a try Tom...

Tom Hardwick · August 21st, 2009, 10:12 AM

Give it a try? You don't use it on every single shoot? It was the one reason I implored folk not to buy the FX1, because it's inclusion on the Z1 was worth every extra penny, on every shoot.

The Z5 and FX1000 both have this feature though, don't they?

Adam Gold · August 21st, 2009, 11:02 AM

They sure do.

Jeff Harper · August 21st, 2009, 12:03 PM

I haven't had difficulty using manual focus up to now when needed, pretty simple, but anything to make my life easier sounds good.

August 20th, 2009, 10:04 PM	#76
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	The auto focus does not work well with fast pans sometimes, especially in low light. You need to slow your pans down or switch to manual focus. As far as the zooming in on subject, lighting conditions can make auto focus problematic. In these cases: zoom in all the way with manual focus, focus your subject, then zoom out to where you want to be when auto focus is a problem. Use the camera some more before sending back to Sony. Auto focus is not reliable in all situations, you might try my suggestions first, and see what others suggest also.

August 21st, 2009, 08:57 AM	#77
Ken Ross Trustee Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New York Posts: 1,945	Dror, unfortunately it can be an issue with the FX1000/Z5. I too have noticed how a face can fill up a huge portion of the frame and yet the camera will focus on something else. Your best bet is to use manual focus for critical shots like that. I really doubt there's anything wrong with your camera.

August 21st, 2009, 10:05 AM	#79
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Hmmmm...I must give that a try Tom...

August 21st, 2009, 10:12 AM	#80
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	Give it a try? You don't use it on every single shoot? It was the one reason I implored folk not to buy the FX1, because it's inclusion on the Z1 was worth every extra penny, on every shoot. The Z5 and FX1000 both have this feature though, don't they?

August 21st, 2009, 11:02 AM	#81
Adam Gold Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Woodinville, WA USA Posts: 3,467	They sure do.

August 21st, 2009, 12:03 PM	#82
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	I haven't had difficulty using manual focus up to now when needed, pretty simple, but anything to make my life easier sounds good.