Low light focusing of V3 compared to V1

WD · Apr 27, 2014

Love my V1, however, find the low-light focusing could be better. Will the V3 focus faster in dim lighting and acquire focus more dependably than the V1? Is there a real, discernible difference?

Thank you in advance,

MattZisk · Apr 27, 2014

I Need to do a proper test, but here's what I have so far.

I don't know if it's because I am willing to push the ISO higher or because the focusing is in low light is better, but with native CX lenses, my impression is that the low-light focusing is noticeably better with the V3. FX/DX on the FT-1 seems to be about the same.

I need a block of time to set up a proper test, with a variable light source and the camera exposures set the same way, to see if I can find the lower-light-limit of reliability for the two cameras. I'll get to it eventually, but it won't likely be for some time, given how busy I am at work at the moment.

Aspenz · Apr 27, 2014

You might have to trust my word on this, since I'm planning to release a lowlight test video of all three when I finally get my V3, but I've done extensive testing and the V2 is faster in lowlight. With the 18.5 and Assist light off, the V1 has AF sensitivity from 0eV while the V2 goes down to -1eV. The V2 focuses instantly up to around 4eV, beyond which it is fast until around 1eV and slowly goes down till -1eV.

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/aspenz/

WD · Apr 28, 2014

Thanks to both for your reply. I do frequent shooting in low light w/o flash or AF assist and this info is high on my list. I'll look forward to your results with great interest.

Regards,

Aspenz · Apr 28, 2014

WD said:
Thanks to both for your reply. I do frequent shooting in low light w/o flash or AF assist and this info is high on my list. I'll look forward to your results with great interest.

Regards,

jeff-c · Apr 28, 2014

It's pretty obvious: V3 > V2 > V1.

I notice the M mode is used in the V1 whereas the A mode is used with the other two. Although I don't think this would make any difference in terms of contrast AF speed.

WD · Apr 29, 2014

Thank you, Aspenz. It appears the V3 has made progress in the low-light area, perhaps not dramatic, but better.

I bought a Panasonic G6 simply to compare m4/3 with the V1, prior to adding any additional equipment to my V1 kit, and have been impressed with it's capabilities. My sizable list of Nikon equipment has kept me hoping for enough of an improvement over the V2 to keep me solidly in the N1 camp. Switching systems is such a pain.

I'lll wait for a personal hands-on, but your video looks good promising.

Thanks again,

Aspenz · Apr 29, 2014

WD said:
Thank you, Aspenz. It appears the V3 has made progress in the low-light area, perhaps not dramatic, but better.

I bought a Panasonic G6 simply to compare m4/3 with the V1, prior to adding any additional equipment to my V1 kit, and have been impressed with it's capabilities. My sizable list of Nikon equipment has kept me hoping for enough of an improvement over the V2 to keep me solidly in the N1 camp. Switching systems is such a pain.

I'lll wait for a personal hands-on, but your video looks good promising.

Thanks again,

Saldahna · Jul 18, 2014

WD said:
Love my V1, however, find the low-light focusing could be better. Will the V3 focus faster in dim lighting and acquire focus more dependably than the V1? Is there a real, discernible difference?

Thank you in advance,

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Low light focusing of V3 compared to V1

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