AF comparison question

Leaving aside any problems with the 450D/XSi AF, have any of you compared that AF with higher-end Canon cameras, like the 40D, 50D, or even 5D Mk1 and II? Is there a big difference in the ability of higher-end cameras to get sharp focus over the 450D/XSi?

In other words, assuming the AF in my 450D/XSi is working exactly as designed, would I notice much improvement if I were to use say a 50D for a while?

FF

The only experience I have is taking a few shots with a 30D.
Must say that using the AF sometimes feels like a pain in the a**
Only works 100% effectively when in short distance shots.

So I guess it's no big difference

I have a 50D and a 450D

the 50D focus is faster and hunts less... the view finder is larger and the camera tends to be more accurate in sports environment. Part of it is the lens you use... My 70-200 2.8 feels very quick on either camera, if you are using a 17-40, focusing is not very difficult since subject matter is usually quite far.

When I use the 450D or 50D in doors I always use a canon speedlite with red LED light focus assist. Focus is fast for both bodies under these conditions.

I get good results with the 450D, I just get even better results with the 50D... part of it is the 50D has 6.3 FPs vs 3.5 on the 450... so I take more shots but the 50D keeps up and keeps things in focus.

dave 2009 said:

the 50D focus is faster and hunts less... the view finder is larger

Click to expand...

Agree. I was playing around with a 50D in a shop and was frankly shocked at how quickly it acquired (initial) focus. It was remarkably quick even with non-USM lenses like the 18-200. No experience with servo, sorry.

Cheers
HighPriest

Thanks. I've obviously read the reviews, which tend to say the AF on the higher-end cameras is faster and more accurate, but it's interesting to see that you can actually see the difference.

FF

Yes, you will notice faster AF going with a 50d. But I wouldn't say 50D actually "focus" faster, I would say for sure that 50D has a much shorter viewfinder blackout time than Rebel XSi. Rebel XSi also has much shorter blackout time compare to my XTi.

The viewfinder blackout time can be critical during continuous shooting. Couple milliseconds really does add up during continuous shooting. The 50D will return your viewfinder faster and allow you to see your next shot faster. Check dpreview or google for different camera's viewfinder blackout time.

Flying Fish said:

Leaving aside any problems with the 450D/XSi AF, have any of you
compared that AF with higher-end Canon cameras, like the 40D, 50D, or
even 5D Mk1 and II? Is there a big difference in the ability of
higher-end cameras to get sharp focus over the 450D/XSi?

In other words, assuming the AF in my 450D/XSi is working exactly as
designed, would I notice much improvement if I were to use say a 50D
for a while?

FF

Click to expand...