I don't know anything about the Sony but it appears that Panasonic has
finally conquered the performance problem of contrast detect autofocus
(used in non-SLR cameras or some SLRs when in live view mode... those
that can focus without dropping the mirror)
Starting with the G1 micro 4/3 Panasonic has totally new contrast detect
autofocus algorithms and a speedy processor. DPReview's comments:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Contrast Detect AF
Aside from the viewfinder, our biggest worry about the viability of the
G1 - and all non-reflex interchangeable lens cameras - is the reliance
on sensor-based contrast detect autofocus. Our experiences so far - with
the live view modes on current DSLRs - haven't been promising; all are
painfully slow and most are close to unusable for any non-static subject.
When we visited Panasonic in Osaka last year to talk about the
development of Micro Four Thirds and the G1 we were assured that our
concerns would be unfounded; this is a system designed from first
principles on the basis of live view only operation, and a lot of work
has gone into the design of new contrast detect focus algorithms. This,
we were told, along with the extra processing power of the new Venus HD
engine, would mean contrast detect AF that was at least as fast as
current entry-level digital SLRs using the traditional phase detect AF.
The good news is that Panasonic's engineers have kept true to their
word; the focus is not only astonishingly fast for a contrast detect
system; it's easily as fast as any conventional SLR in this class. And
unlike even most mid-range SLRs you get 23 area auto AF and the ability
to place a single AF point almost anywhere in the frame - and that's
before you throw in Panasonic's remarkable subject tracking AF and Face
Detection. Panasonic seems to have overcome the main problem currently
associated with using live view on an SLR; focus speed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Chuck Norcutt
Jim Couch wrote:
> Andrew,
>
> How is the 'speed' in handling, startup, auto focus, ect. In all honesty
> I can usually live with the small sensor IQ, it's the damn slow handling
> that gets me with the compacts.
>
> Jim Couch
>
> Andrew Fildes wrote:
>> I'm just playing with a new Sony TX-1 compact - got it to try out the
>> robot cradle that goes with it. Not too impressed by that (slow,
>> uncertain) but do like the 'sweep panorama' mode - just set the mode
>> and swing around with the camera - it takes a series and then stitches
>> them automatically. You have a choice of standard or wide - think 4:1
>> and 7:1.
>> Small sensor quality but fast and you can keep redoing it to get it
>> right and it's real pano - swing not letterbox.
>> I'm just stunned by the computing power involved to stitch and trim -
>> couple of seconds to take and 3-4 more to process - in a tiny handbag'
>> camera! Results are not at all bad with a tweak in Lightroom - bump
>> the clarity and vibrance, sharpen a bit and use a gradient filter to
>> correct lighting. I'll put some up soon.
>> Now that the megapixel race is over, I think we're going to see some
>> clever features showing up.
>> Andrew Fildes
>> afildes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>
>>
>>
>> On 28/10/2009, at 3:50 PM, Moose wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Richard Man wrote:
>>>
>>>> Vertical are challenging but can be a lot of fun...
>>>>
>>>> "Must Be 29"
>>>> http://www.dragonsgate.net/pub/richard/PICS/20091023-126.jpg
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Very nice capture ad great use of the panorama for vertically.
>>>
>>> I don't quite 'get' the tonality. 'Twere mine, it would look more like
>>> this. <http://www.moosemystic.net/Gallery/Others/Man/20091023-126.htm>
>>>
>>> Can't decide if I like it as is or with perspective "corrected".
>>>
>>>
>>>> Bicycles
>>>> http://www.dragonsgate.net/pub/richard/PICS/20091023-127.jpg
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Not as dramatic, but still good use of the form to see some thing
>>> differently. Again, I'd use different tonality, which incidentally
>>> adds
>>> a bit of visual drama.
>>> <http://www.moosemystic.net/Gallery/Others/Man/20091023-127.htm>
>>>
>>> Moose
>>> --
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>>>
>>>
>>
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