Many users here and elsewhere are reporting that the autofocus on the A1 appears to have been improved by the recent 3.0 firmware update. Sony has not claimed that the step-uo to a major revision of the firmware has changed the AF functioning.
Wishful thinking is always a possibility with self-evaluating something as variable and subtle as autofocus performance. But optimazation of code, elimination of bugs, and improved algorithms are also a real possibility that could improve the A1's AF. Sony may not wish to say much in order to not upset the A1 II's applecart while they continue to market and improve the A1 at a lower price point that it has ever reached before. This would give them an additional competitor for Canon and Nikon attractive, high-performing cameras that are at lower price point than the A1 II.
What are your experiences with autofocus on the A1 after upgrading the firmware to 3.0?
In addition to your poll answer, it would be interesting to hear your impressions and reasons for thinking the AF did or did not change, what you shoot using autofocus, which autofocus settings you generally employ (e.g. tracking, eye-AF, etc.), and perhaps also, if relevant, which firmware version you were upgrading from.
I think there is some improvement. But I agree it is very hard to quantify and to be sure of ones own assessment.
My feeling is the Eye-AF is more stable even when holding AF down for longer periods.
I also feel that there is a bit more consistency in focus for BIF sequences.
I feel that this FW has sort of brought the camera back to the highly praised FW 1.20. Basically made up for the regressions in AF that people have noticed from 1.3 onwards.
What I think I notice in the A1's autofocus with tracking and with eye-af since installing 3.0 is that:
1. The acquisition of the target seems to consistently happen more quickly.
2. The smaller of the focus tracking areas (small, medium, large spot, center tracking spot) seem to be better centered on what I am aiming at, i.e. they "fit" more precisely on the target rather than being a bit off to the side.
3. They track the target more smoothly with fewer jiggles or jumps.
4. They stick to the target more consistently, losing it less often.
Again, it is hard to know whether this is wishful thinking. However, I will say that when I installed the new firmware, I had no thoughts or expectations of autofocus improvement. But I began to notice immediately what I thought was improvement, though I was reluctant to believe it.
Where else have you read that the AF has improved?
chiron wrote:
Many users here and elsewhere are reporting that the autofocus on the A1 appears to have been improved by the recent 3.0 firmware update. Sony has not claimed that the step-uo to a major revision of the firmware has changed the AF functioning.
Wishful thinking is always a possibility with self-evaluating something as variable and subtle as autofocus performance. But optimazation of code, elimination of bugs, and improved algorithms are also a real possibility that could improve the A1's AF. Sony may not wish to say much in order to not upset the A1 II's applecart while they continue to market and improve the A1 at a lower price point that it has ever reached before. This would give them an additional competitor for Canon and Nikon attractive, high-performing cameras that are at lower price point than the A1 II.
What are your experiences with autofocus on the A1 after upgrading the firmware to 3.0?
In addition to your poll answer, it would be interesting to hear your impressions and reasons for thinking the AF did or did not change, what you shoot using autofocus, which autofocus settings you generally employ (e.g. tracking, eye-AF, etc.), and perhaps also, if relevant, which firmware version you were upgrading from....Show more →
Birds seem no different but that's not to say it hasn't improved a wee bit.
Managed to find and track an otter and the AF is no better in that regard. Using animal eye-af is still very hit and miss on the eye, often sticking on the ear or part of the flank. Bear in mind this is likely very species specific. Disabling eye-af as I normally do for otters and it's fine.
I think I remember seeing that they fixed a bug with the 200-600 when used with the A1, which helps me. I'm not completely sure if it is better, but I haven't seen any new problems at least.
