chambeshi
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 p.20 #5 · UPDATE - Nikon D5/D500 Dynamic AF Issue | |
Steve Perry wrote:
In my mind, a very similar thing can be accomplished by using a smaller Dynamic area and an appropriate delay under A3. This is especially true with the D5's d9 Dynamic area (should add one to the D500 - it needs it more due to the larger relative size of the AF field in the viewfinder). Simply keep your smaller AF area where you want it on the target, if it slips off for a second or two the camera waits while you reacquire.
The downside is that instead of actively tracking when you fall off target (like with the new system), you get more of a pause - but only if the subject leaves the entire dynamic area. The upside with the old system of course is that the system isn't looking for new targets all the time. Overall, I think the old system is a better way of doing it - especially if D9 were added to all the new bodies (and updated on the D500) going forward. Best of both worlds.
Rather ironically, I think the "better" tracking of the new system is more suited for slower moving targets since it requires the user to keep the AF point on target more consistently than required in the past.
As for the "just learn to use your camera" crowd, please. How many times have we seen an actual problem with a camera only to have a contingent of people accuse everyone having the problem of simply not knowing what they are doing? (Although, I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner in this thread). Remember the D810 left AF issue, the Canon 1DIII issue (that issue brought me over to Nikon BTW)? Why is it so terrible if someone doesn't agree with how a new feature was implemented - especially if it ultimately turns out to be a some sort of glitch?
I personally can track just about anything with just a single point (except swallows and songbirds  ), but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate that other photographers have different needs, different shooting styles, and shoot different subjects than I do. As I mentioned before, I think the D5/D500 AF system is advantageous to some photographers, and the truth is, it might even be a better system for my personal style of shooting than the old system. However, I think I can accomplish the same thing with smaller Dynamic areas using the behaviour of the old system - without sacrificing one of the benefits (i.e. staying locked on target). ...Show more →
Wise words....
Would it not be extremely useful to compile a Comparative Table for DSLR AF settings/performance/roles? This will compares the differences and roles of the settings under each AF Mode for those core Nikon DSLRs relevant to action photography [D3, D4, D4s, D5, D750, D810, D7100, D7200, D500]. The majority of new users of the latest top-end DSLR, like the D5 or D500, will have prior experience with established cameras, and reliable comparisons are vital to know what's new and different etc.
It will be even more useful with explanatory notes summarizing how to use the respective Mode(s) for its different subject category. There are more than capable experts who hold this hard-won experience in sport and wildlife.
The variables that determining the optimal role of each AF Category include: Target Relative-Size; Speed; Degree of Erratic Movement, where 'Erratic' arguably varies from negligible (Straight) to Extreme (e.g. Swift-like agility of small, fast BIFs].
The Condition variables influencing AF performance include: Ambient Light; Clutter (i.e. helmets, sticks, legs, wings); Ambient Background, and also differences between DSLRs, pertinently Dynamic Area.
It would seem that usage of Clutter primarily includes objects in the field of view of similar character to the focal subject, while backgrounds are typically beyond the desired plane of focus (where the camera too often tries to refocus on the background).
A Word or Excel table (with tracked changes) is one way to populate and tweak the respective cells in the Table.
Well, writing the wishlist above makes me realize that Nikon should feature such a Table prominently in their Manuals and online Tech Notes 
kind regards
Woody
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