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1D MkIII Poll #3: Does yours have AF issues?
<#505xxx: YES, it has AF issues		27	2%
#505xxx - 509xxx: YES, it has AF issues		9	1%
#510xxx - 514xxx: YES, it has AF issues		20	1%
#515xxx - 519xxx: YES, it has AF issues		15	1%
#520xxx - 524xxx: YES, it has AF issues		22	2%
#525xxx - 529xxx: YES, it has AF issues		16	1%
>#530xxx: YES, it has AF issues -------------------------		10	1%
<#505xxx: NO, it works as advertised		20	1%
#505xxx - 509xxx: NO, it works as advertised		18	1%
#510xxx - 514xxx: NO, it works as advertised		23	2%
#515xxx - 519xxx: NO, it works as advertised		25	2%
#520xxx - 524xxx: NO, it works as advertised		34	2%
#525xxx - 529xxx: NO, it works as advertised		20	1%
>#530xxx: NO, it works as advertised		23	2%
[I don't plan on owning a MkIII; show me the results.]		1104	80%
Total Votes		1386	100%

Archive 2007 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

jflynnpa
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p.29 #1 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Shooting soccer and football I have noticed an interesting phenomenon...

When using center point only, my 1D3 is not as consistent as when I use the the single FP that is just outside the center circle to the right (I almost always shoot vertically). Why this is I am not sure.

It could be that the head and torso is an easier target for AF, the arm motion doesn't "confuse" the AF or the lower precision sensor (other than center) is more reliable or I am more consistently framing for some reason with this FP. I always am shooting with either a 300/2.8L plain for with a 1.4x or 2x attached.

I vary the tracking sensitivity speed to either faster or slower based on how and where I'm shooting (ie. lots of intervening players or few) and how well I'm framing on a particular day. I don't know about you but for me some days I am just more on than other days.

If you've observed the same with regard to focus point selection I'd like to know. If you haven't give it a try.

Sep 20, 2007 at 07:56 PM

brainiac
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p.29 #2 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

>I love MF and wish I could use it all the time, but 10 fps and moving objects is a bit beyond my skillset.

According to the the Drew test the 1D3 is the best at this with only 60% keepers of a runner. With practice...

Sep 20, 2007 at 08:11 PM

soonipi1957
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p.29 #3 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Seems to think this is a hardware issue from his quick test...

http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=112118

Sep 21, 2007 at 12:42 AM

kazman442
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p.29 #4 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Wow this does not sound good!

Sep 21, 2007 at 12:50 AM

bcaslis
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p.29 #5 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Personally I don't see how it's anything but a guess. I have a B.S.E.E. and I don't see how you could from a simple test like this whether it's hardware or software or both. Also I didn't see anything at all about making a judgement from photos. It's sounds like a pure guess based on the "sounds" the camera make in AI-Servo mode.

Sep 21, 2007 at 12:52 AM

Jim Victory
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p.29 #6 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

bcaslis wrote:
Personally I don't see how it's anything but a guess. I have a B.S.E.E. and I don't see how you could from a simple test like this whether it's hardware or software or both. Also I didn't see anything at all about making a judgement from photos. It's sounds like a pure guess based on the "sounds" the camera make in AI-Servo mode.

Didn't you know EJ has magical hearing?

If you don't believe me ask him I'm sure he could tell you how he is more imminently qualified to make that determination than anyone else.

Jim

Sep 21, 2007 at 02:14 AM

Paul B
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p.29 #7 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

bcaslis wrote:
Personally I don't see how it's anything but a guess. I have a B.S.E.E. and I don't see how you could from a simple test like this whether it's hardware or software or both. Also I didn't see anything at all about making a judgement from photos. It's sounds like a pure guess based on the "sounds" the camera make in AI-Servo mode.

Obviously, a first quick test can't be conclusive but calling it a "guess" may be a bit harsh. Perhaps the fact that he's spent almost 25 years at Intel working on similar issues has something to do with what he's saying?

Sep 21, 2007 at 02:29 AM

Homey
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p.29 #8 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

I'd have to agree with Paul on this one.. EJ is a little more qualified then most people.. I for one am not pleased with his findings but it does offer hope that it can be fixed with a new part once the problem circuit is located...
Reguardless Canon is not comeing tru with a fix nor are they even saying they know what the problem is.. So that scares me still.. The other issue that has miffed is why are alll these people going to buy another camera, that they really don't want, while they are waiting for this one to be ready.?? I bet Canon sure is scared now knowing so many are going to buy a 40D or a 5D thats they were not going to buy before the problem and still buy the MIII later after the problem is fixed..

Sep 21, 2007 at 03:11 AM

deadeyedick
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p.29 #9 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Hello everyone, here is a site with examples taken with a 1D3 and 1.1.1 installed.

www.paolopolla.com

Edited by Jeff on Sep 20, 2007 at 08:59 PM GMT

Sep 21, 2007 at 03:45 AM

Pixel Perfect
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p.29 #10 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

I can't look at the site yet, but what's the outcome. Did he have AF issues beforehand that 1.1.1 resolved?

Sep 21, 2007 at 03:49 AM

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p.29 #11 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

I honestly hope that the firmware update will solve the problem that many seem to have had with the earlier models of the Mark III. I have no intention of implementing the firmware because "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" is where I'm at, "but" my Mark III was purchased only a few weeks ago so I'm not saying that this is an across the board issue. I really truly hope that the new firmware will solve the problem for you earlier purchasers of the camera, if you have run into AF problems, because it is an amazing piece of equipment and I hope everyone who took the plunge will reap the benefits. Good luck to all on the new firmware!

Sep 21, 2007 at 03:54 AM

deadeyedick
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p.29 #12 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Hello Whayne. In essence, in his opinion, the 1.1.1 firmware has made the cameras AF equal to the 1D2n. But he feels an upgraded version will probably be released to the public whenever that happens. regards Gary

Sep 21, 2007 at 03:59 AM

MSC
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p.29 #13 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

I can't tell by looking at selected photos from someone else...only going to be able to tell when I'm using it in a real life game situation where AF is critical and used over time.

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:01 AM

Normcar21
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p.29 #14 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Seriously, I've used a Mark II for 4 years, and unless the Mark II is really subservient to the Mark II N in AF, then my credibility is at least equivalent to others who have used the Mark II or N. The Mark III far excels the Mark II in AF if the camera is working as it was designed to be used. I have gotten shots with the Mark III that I have tried to get with the Mark II for 4 years, and in one evening I got shots that I only dreamed about, head on "in focus" shots of quick flying songbirds. This may seem slightly meaningless to you, but I have been trying to get such shots for 4 years, and I got 3 of them tonight with the Mark III. That, to me, is meaningful.

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:10 AM

Normcar21
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p.29 #15 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

And, you cannot bake an out of focus flying bird into an effective, with detail, in focus flying bird, especially when it comes to the quick ones, the songbirds, the ones who fly past you so fast that it's like a wink, and then they are gone.

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:13 AM

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p.29 #16 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

I would not expect pictures to look any different after 1.1.1 is installed. This proves nothing.

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:19 AM

MSC
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p.29 #17 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

I think it is pretty well clear that some cameras do not have an AF issue and some do...mine does and I've been shooting 1D bodies of various sorts for a long time. But really, this has been hashed over so many times in so many threads, some VERY long, on the site that hopefully this won't turn into another.

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:20 AM

MSC
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p.29 #18 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Jeff wrote:
Ditto, Shane. Plus, an oversharpened 640-pixel web reduction just ain't gonna do it for critically evaluating sharpness nor AF performance.

Yes, and it took a lot of shooting for to draw any conclusion so I don't expect to know instantly...although we can hope.

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:22 AM

MSC
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p.29 #19 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

nathanlake wrote:
I would not expect pictures to look any different after 1.1.1 is installed. This proves nothing.

Good point.

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:22 AM

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p.29 #20 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

nathan, that makes no sense. A firmware update comes about for one reason or other, perhaps it won't change "your" experience but it may well change another persons experience radically, depending on factors that neither you nor I can comment on, since it's a bit technical.

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:22 AM

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p.29 #21 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

apparently some people here seem to be very technically proficient and know all about this and that. A good pat on the back will solve anything, and technical details can be relegated to the back of the bus.

"You would not expect" is your point. What is your credential to either expect or not expect? Do you have expertise in the area or matter? Are you a camera technician? Do you work for Canon? I'm not jumping on you at all, I'm simply working out your comment and attempting to figure out exactly why you say what you say. Is it because of reality, or imagination? Perhaps you might be able to comment further in order to clarify, thanks.

Edited by Normcar21 on Sep 20, 2007 at 09:27 PM GMT

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:23 AM

MSC
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p.29 #22 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

It makes perfect sense when you are talking AF tracking performance, which is what this firmware is susposed to address.

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:25 AM

Normcar21
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p.29 #23 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Shane, what are your credentials with respect to this firmware offering? Have you spent time with the technicians who have developed it, and are you on the team of researchers who are working on the upgrade, or are you simply stating a viewpoint like most of us? If you are "in the mold" of the upgrade, and have some inside info, please elaborate. That would be very cool, and many of us would love to hear from you if that is the case.

"Perfect sense" is serious words

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:30 AM

Normcar21
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p.29 #24 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Personally, I see no problem with the tracking in AF of this camera, I beg to disagree on that specific point, either in Al Servo or other. I have no problem with focus on the Mark III, I have no problem with "anything" on the Mark III, and am continuously amazed at people who post problems with the camera. I wonder why, and am not really heavily concerned, because it doesn't apply to me. But I still wonder about the ruckus. Surely it was the early models. Now it's solved, so purchase with confidence

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:35 AM

rscheffler
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p.29 #25 · •Poll v3.1: MkIII have AF issues?

Normcar21 - give it a rest with the credentials thing. I interpret Nathan's comment to mean one can't tell the difference between an in focus firmware 1.1.1 image vs. an in focus version 1.1.0 image. Unless I totally missed a link on that site to comparison images of old firmware vs. 1.1.1, there are only in focus web sized sports images to be seen in galleries that are supposed to look good.

Ron

Sep 21, 2007 at 04:42 AM


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