AFS-S issue - Returning my XT5

Erik Baumgartner wrote:

imnotmarvin wrote:

BobsYourUncle wrote:

A few questions.

RAF or OOC Jpeg? If RAF, what is your workflow?
When testing on the tripod did you do 2 or 10s delay? IS should be off but I you reported you did with and without but the image you posted is with.
As far as resolution goes the 18-55 is not on the "recommended list" but the 23/2 is.
You may want to try f/5.6 though I don't think diffraction is a major issue/

My initial testing was outside, hand held with an X-H2/16-55/2.8 and got the following full res image from RAW, sharpened with Topaz...... No issues here but let's try to see what can be done to determine if there is a problem with your cam.

Thanks Bob. For this test the images were shot RAF, brought into LR, compared and exported as JPEGs without any editing.

Are you sure it’s a focus issue?. This is just not how you should be comparing these cameras at all. The default Lightroom import settings are far from optimal with the 26MP sensor and even more suboptimal with 40MP sensor. The two sensors are different and require significantly sharpening settings for an optimal result. If you’re not going to process them properly you not going to be able to compare them properly. You’d be better off comparing SOOC jpgs (NR at -4).

I used the 2s delay for the shutter release. I didn't see a difference with the different IS modes. I'm guessing the old rule of "turn it off on a tripod" still applies? I had the same experience with the 23mm f/2. I checked a few settings on the camera after posting and did see that I was not in single point AF. Because it appears I have a front focus issue I'm going to try shooting again later today. I also turned off the screen touch for focus and the shutter release focus. I'm hoping this is just adapting to a new body as a user and not an actual problem.

Great images of the planes by the way.

Eric's suggestion of initially comparing SOOC's is a good one.  The reason I had asked about  processing is what Eric stated.  The RAWS, especially the 40mp sensor, require sharpening, and as long as your shooting technique accommodates the larger, more tightly packed sensor, they should be ok.  When I first bought my D800e many years ago I was disappointed I wasn't getting the resolution I had seen with others achieve with the new 36mp sensor.  What I came to find out quite quickly is I needed to up my game.  Tripod, shutter delay, etc. brought me to the sharpness and resolution the camera was built for.

If you want to test with RAFS's here is my PP routine which led to the image above and works quite well.  Assuming my shot has not contributed to any motion blur, I first process the RAF with X-Transformer, then import to LR for minor adjustments  with NO SHARPENING applied.  Export (no output sharpening) to JPEG or TIFF (others may differ at this point).  Examine the resultant file with PS and once satisfied (still no sharpening applied) save your file for the next step....use Topaz Sharpen AI.  Topaz analyzes the image and presents initial settings.  These are usually too aggressive so I dial it back.  Once satisfied Topaz exports the file and then you have it.  Higher ISO images with a moderate to high amount of noise is processed with Topaz Denoise first before Sharpen.  Hope that helps.