NEX 6 and pdaf samples

I recieved my Nex-6 w/ 16-50 kit lens yesterday, so I put it through some initial paces. One recurring theme that keeps coming up on dpreview forums is how well the Nex-6 PDAF perform with movement perpendicular to the sensor (i.e., focus ability with quickly changing distance information).

First a few caveats:

1. This is a rudimentary test, not presented as a definitive professional exercise.

2. The NEX-6 was set to continous AF mode, PDAF enabled, center focus spot only, speed priority drive mode -- all while using the 16-50mm PZ kit lens.

3. The shots were indoor in my basement, with very poor lighting. Consequently, I had to bump up the ISO substantially (noise). Samples are JPEG, straight OOC, sharpness/contrast/saturation all set to "0." I've attempted to upload the native JPEGs from my computer, but I don't know if dpreview will degrade or down-res these images.

4. I kept the aperture larger than 5.6 (f number smaller than 5.6), to make sure that PDAF was enabled.

5. Given the lighting conditions, the shutter speed was suboptimal to freeze all motion optimally.

6. The test subjects, my boys aged 5 and 8, are pretty darn fast. I had them sprint as fast as they could towards the camera. I feel this is an accurate representation of the fastest speed you would likely need to capture most child related activities.

7. I pre-focused on the face, but did not actuate the shutter until after they started running -- to capture photos once movement had already begun. Because they are typical boys, they also skipped/jumped while running -- so the it was really hard to keep the focus point just on the face (probably on the chest a couple times).

8. I didn't spend all day setting up this test, I spent 2 minutes & these were the 1st samples I shot. With practice & improved conditions (and a more optimal lens), I'm sure things would improve.

9. I am migrating from the Canon EOS 40D, and my results are at least as good for straight-line movement as anything I ever accomplished with the Canon. Color me impressed, especially given the sub-optimal conditions for this test.

10. I realize that this test is very amateur-level, so please do not feel compelled to point out the many flaws of my technique or photographic skill. I realize that the high ISO causes noise, the shutter speed is too low to prevent some motion blur, and the focal lengths are sub-optimal. I offer this post simply because I do not see anything similar posted, and think other people on the fence may be interested.

Enjoy! -- other NEX-6 test photos posted here (mainly legacy Canon FDn glass):

https://picasaweb.google.com/100478217890567871686/RememberNovember



1st set: f/5, 30mm, ISO 6400, 1/4000



2nd Set: f/4, 18mm, ISO 1600, 1/400



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cheers,
JSE