Previous versions of T-O Shooter's message #14090930 « UPDATE - Nikon D5/D500 Dynamic AF Issue »
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Re: UPDATE - Nikon D5/D500 Dynamic AF Issue
ilkka_nissila wrote:
That is an interesting response. It does look like it really came from the design team. The marketing people would never say that it sometimes can focus on something contrasty which is not the intended subject but that it can happen. The designers of course understand the limitations of the system and seem to want to help out.
If a system is designed to respond fast to changes in distance in either direction, chances are it is also likely to focus on a different subject at a different distance.
Note as repeated in Nikon's previous answer: dynamic area doesn't track subject movement laterally but 3D (and auto) is for that. I think a part of the problem is that some users believe that it should track the subject within the dynamic area and this influences how they try to use it. The instructions given seem to the point: do your best to keep the primary point on the subject. If focus is lost, if the subject is good and contrasty, just keep shooting until it picks up the subject again. Or, let go of the button and restart taking care to point at the subject. (I guess having a short blocked shot response allows faster reacquisition of the subject.)
It is quite nice and unusual to get a direct answer from designers at Nikon Japan.
I think you've overlooked an important bit of info. A part of the response said
"I apologize for the delay, and for the confusion. According to our design group at Nikon Corp, the Dynamic Area AF function has been enhanced with the newest AF sensor, particularly for subjects moving toward or away from the camera.
Dynamic Area AF (9, 53, 72, or 153 point) does not track the subject, however it will expand the area the subject will remain focused should it BRIEFLY leave the initial focus point.
If the subject leaves the selected number of AF points, then the camera will refocus.
If the subject leaves the initial focus area and enough time has lapsed before the subject is recentered, the camera will refocus."Dynamic Area AF (9, 53, 72, or 153 point) does not track the subject, however it will expand the area the subject will remain focused should it BRIEFLY leave the initial focus point.
Nikon is saying the selected number of points should hold focus. They do not. 1 second or less after leaving the primary focus the D500 will refocus, whether the remaining number of points are on the target or not. As I said on DP, this is a "Got ya Nikon" moment. Now Nikon - FIX IT!
Jul 01, 2017 at 09:04 AM
T-O Shooter Offline [X]
Re: UPDATE - Nikon D5/D500 Dynamic AF Issue
ilkka_nissila wrote:
That is an interesting response. It does look like it really came from the design team. The marketing people would never say that it sometimes can focus on something contrasty which is not the intended subject but that it can happen. The designers of course understand the limitations of the system and seem to want to help out.
If a system is designed to respond fast to changes in distance in either direction, chances are it is also likely to focus on a different subject at a different distance.
Note as repeated in Nikon's previous answer: dynamic area doesn't track subject movement laterally but 3D (and auto) is for that. I think a part of the problem is that some users believe that it should track the subject within the dynamic area and this influences how they try to use it. The instructions given seem to the point: do your best to keep the primary point on the subject. If focus is lost, if the subject is good and contrasty, just keep shooting until it picks up the subject again. Or, let go of the button and restart taking care to point at the subject. (I guess having a short blocked shot response allows faster reacquisition of the subject.)
It is quite nice and unusual to get a direct answer from designers at Nikon Japan.
I think you've overlooked an important bit of info. A part of the response said
"I apologize for the delay, and for the confusion. According to our design group at Nikon Corp, the Dynamic Area AF function has been enhanced with the newest AF sensor, particularly for subjects moving toward or away from the camera.
Dynamic Area AF (9, 53, 72, or 153 point) does not track the subject, however it will expand the area the subject will remain focused should it BRIEFLY leave the initial focus point.
If the subject leaves the selected number of AF points, then the camera will refocus.
If the subject leaves the initial focus area and enough time has lapsed before the subject is recentered, the camera will refocus."Dynamic Area AF (9, 53, 72, or 153 point) does not track the subject, however it will expand the area the subject will remain focused should it BRIEFLY leave the initial focus point.
Nikon is saying the selected number of points should hold focus. They do not. 1 second or less after leaving the primary focus the D500 will refocus, whether the remaining number of points are on the target or not. As I said on DP, this is a "Gotta Nikon" moment. Now Nikon - FIX IT!
Jun 30, 2017 at 04:36 PM
Previous versions of T-O Shooter's message #14090930 « UPDATE - Nikon D5/D500 Dynamic AF Issue »
