Auto Focus of Fuji GFX-50s - Real Slow?

[Thomas KP Lee]

By looking at the video below:

It seems the Auto Focus of the GFX is real slow. Is it because the the CMOS sensor does not have the PDAF pixels like the A7 series to speed up AF?

If this is the case, then the present two models of mirrorless med format camera are not going to able to compete with the SLR type of med format camera such as the Pentax 645Z when shooting moving objects, even for street shots!

So far, the main advantage of the mirrorless med format camera is the ability to have various adapters to use all kinds of lenses!

 

[Teila Day]

By looking at the video below:

I watched the video and my question is why on earth wouldn't he test the AF in conditions and with subject matter that is more likely to present itself to most photographers using the camera. While that was horribly slow focusing, I'd be very surprised if the focus was that slow when the lens is aimed at a person standing next to a barn door in decent light.

It seems the Auto Focus of the GFX is real slow. Is it because the the CMOS sensor does not have the PDAF pixels like the A7 series to speed up AF?

If this is the case, then the present two models of mirrorless med format camera are not going to able to compete with the SLR type of med format camera such as the Pentax 645Z when shooting moving objects, even for street shots!

The cameras will compete just fine with the 645Z whether they have decent AF or not. Frankly I would've purchased a 645Z, Phase, or Hasselblad whether it had auto focus or not.

So far, the main advantage of the mirrorless med format camera is the ability to have various adapters to use all kinds of lenses!

For some, but I think most buyers will primarily use several or a few of the Fuji lenses and call it a day. I think the *main* advantage is the lack of weight compared to many non-mirrorless MF systems.

--
Teila K. Day
http://teiladay.com

 

[carylee2002]

The GFX was not created to be a speed demon autofocusing camera. It is targeted for Commercial, Fashion, Landscape, and Product Photographers who shoot in a controlled studio or long exposure atmosphere. It is not for Sports, Street or Wildlife photography in which there are plenty of FF/DX cameras that can do the job.

 

[Teila Day]

The GFX was not created to be a speed demon autofocusing camera.

No recent (or past) MF (medium format) camera was created to be a "speed demon" in the realm of autofocus (AF). However, these days those who currently use, and those who are prospective buyers of MF cameras, do reasonably expect at least a competent auto focus system.

It is targeted for Commercial, Fashion, Landscape, and Product Photographers who shoot in a controlled studio or long exposure atmosphere.

That's a stereotype that people need to stop perpetuating... same with "medium format is only good for large prints". Both are honestly stereotypes mostly held mostly by people who don't shoot medium format. It's like people who say the D5 and 1Dx are "sport" cameras... noooo... they're just fast cameras with proper buffers and AF, etc., that better allow one to capture 'action' better than most other cameras on the planet.

... Action can be anything from sports, to VIP events where you've to constantly use short bursts to get great shots of large groups of people and not get hands in front of faces, contorted mouths, chewing guy showing, eyes closed, hair in weird motion, etc... and a fast camera allows for that kind of shooting. Of course Nikon/Canon will call it a "sports" camera because when people think "action" that's the first thing that comes to mind. The reality is the camera (any camera) is just a tool to be used for situations that best suit the tool being used.

Likewise- MF is not just for studio and static use.

Here's the real deal. Most people who shoot medium format are not shooting fashion, and those who do aren't likely to choose the GFX over a more competent option such as the 645Z or Hasselblad's 50c, or comparable Phase camera which are more suited for the job.

The GFX is targeted for a general MF audience (like most MF cameras) and simply because of it's mirrorless design, it will not fair in some regards as well as more conventional MF designs.

Prior to CMOS sensors MF had relatively horrible high iso performance so it stood to reason that most jobs using MF were relegated to studio and well lit scenes; but years ago when CMOS sensors replaced CCD, that all changed.

It is not for Sports, Street or Wildlife photography in which there are plenty of FF/DX cameras that can do the job.

MF is definitely for street and wildlife photography! MF has always been used in street photography and is commonly preferred for street shooting by many professional and amateur photographers alike. Most street shots can easily be captured by MF and a good portion of those shots can be had without using AF.

For most wildlife that I'd be interested in shooting, I'd much rather do so with a MF camera hands down. The problem is that certain focal lengths can only be had in lenses designed for smaller cameras (e.g. 800mm f/5.6 lens, 400mm f/2.8, etc..) So a compromise has to be made depending on what's being photographed.

There's no way in heck would I pull a 1Dx out of the bag, or even want to have a 5Dsr to shoot the below photographs over a MF camera that offered 50mp or more. Absolutely no way. Such would never cross my mind unless the scene was just out of reach and a large telephoto lens over 600mm was needed, for example.

[ATTACH alt="from web/google search... There's no way I'd want to shoot this with a FF camera. You can stitch all you want... stitching doesn't change the size of the detail or range of colours captured by the camera. Many people will "stitch" and wind up with a large scene of small detail. "]1588745[/ATTACH]
from web/google search... There's no way I'd want to shoot this with a FF camera. You can stitch all you want... stitching doesn't change the size of the detail or range of colours captured by the camera. Many people will "stitch" and wind up with a large scene of small detail.


From web/google search... I would not want to use FF for this shot, I'd MUCH rather use MF for such expansive shots. What's nice about the GFX is that it will allow shots like this to be captured with greater detail while lugging less heft than other MF systems. I prefer OVF so I'd be content lugging about more weight. Many don't share my sentiment and can really benefit from the GFX.

The fact of the matter is there is only one (1) FF camera that currently offers 50mp, etc., and while the Canon 5Dsr is a cracking great camera, even it does not give the same ultimate quality and low light latitude that medium format gives today.

Best in photography to you!

--
Teila K. Day
http://teiladay.com

 

[left eye]

By looking at the video below:

It seems the Auto Focus of the GFX is real slow. Is it because the the CMOS sensor does not have the PDAF pixels like the A7 series to speed up AF?

If this is the case, then the present two models of mirrorless med format camera are not going to able to compete with the SLR type of med format camera such as the Pentax 645Z when shooting moving objects, even for street shots!

So far, the main advantage of the mirrorless med format camera is the ability to have various adapters to use all kinds of lenses!

I have the GFX + 32-64mm [actually this is the best lens for quiet and fast focusing - as focusing is internal], it focuses in less than 1/2 second and it's totally 100% accurate - something I've never found with having a separate AF sensor as used by mirror-based cameras.

I'm saying this through experience, I actually find it astoundingly quick, it never hunts, and it feels confident. Even in low light it focuses well.

I have zero complaints about the AF of this camera, in fact it's best AF I've used, ok it's not lightening quick, like .-. but it's as quick as .---.

If it's a concern based on what you've read or seen somewhere, all I can say is it shouldn't be a concern - unless you want it for sports - but I doubt it.

 

[uMad]

the video shows the AF of the Fuji in video mode. I don't think there are many that buy that camera to make videos with it. How is video AF on the pentax and other medium format cameras?

 

[JimKasson]

Prior to CMOS sensors MF had relatively horrible high iso performance so it stood to reason that most jobs using MF were relegated to studio and well lit scenes; but years ago when CMOS sensors replaced CCD, that all changed.

AFAIK, there weren't CMOS MF sensors shipping until the Sony 33x44mm and 41x54 mm sensors. Did I miss something?

Jim

 

[Jay A]

The focus speed in this video is nothing like it is when shooting stills. Not even close. I actually have no issue whatsoever with the focus speed for stills.

If you are interested in this camera for video, I would advise that there are many better choices for a video camera, especially at this price point.

 

[Thomas KP Lee]

By looking at the video below:

It seems the Auto Focus of the GFX is real slow. Is it because the the CMOS sensor does not have the PDAF pixels like the A7 series to speed up AF?

If this is the case, then the present two models of mirrorless med format camera are not going to able to compete with the SLR type of med format camera such as the Pentax 645Z when shooting moving objects, even for street shots!

So far, the main advantage of the mirrorless med format camera is the ability to have various adapters to use all kinds of lenses!

I have the GFX + 32-64mm [actually this is the best lens for quiet and fast focusing - as focusing is internal], it focuses in less than 1/2 second and it's totally 100% accurate - something I've never found with having a separate AF sensor as used by mirror-based cameras.

I'm saying this through experience, I actually find it astoundingly quick, it never hunts, and it feels confident. Even in low light it focuses well.

I have zero complaints about the AF of this camera, in fact it's best AF I've used, ok it's not lightening quick, like .-. but it's as quick as .---.

If it's a concern based on what you've read or seen somewhere, all I can say is it shouldn't be a concern - unless you want it for sports - but I doubt it.

Thank you for this information, GFX + 32-64 lens is also the combination I will buy, as I think I can use adapters to use other glasses for landscape which do not need AF.

When you said less than 1/2 sec, I feel that means it is slower than normal DSLR, and may seems similar to the old time mirrorless camera ( such as the all-in-one point-and-shoot digital camera) before Sony able to speed up the AF in their mirrorless. Do you think you can use GFX + 32-64 easily for shooting kids or dogs which are keep moving?

 

[Thomas KP Lee]

The focus speed in this video is nothing like it is when shooting stills. Not even close. I actually have no issue whatsoever with the focus speed for stills.

If you are interested in this camera for video, I would advise that there are many better choices for a video camera, especially at this price point.

Agree, I never used my 645Z for shooting video, in fact, not even FF. I mostly use A6000, A6500 for video shooting which is enough for 4K video and have much lighter body for using on electrical stabilizer such as CRANE that can only handle 1.2Kg total.

 

[JimKasson]

By looking at the video below:

It seems the Auto Focus of the GFX is real slow. Is it because the the CMOS sensor does not have the PDAF pixels like the A7 series to speed up AF?

If this is the case, then the present two models of mirrorless med format camera are not going to able to compete with the SLR type of med format camera such as the Pentax 645Z when shooting moving objects, even for street shots!

So far, the main advantage of the mirrorless med format camera is the ability to have various adapters to use all kinds of lenses!

I have the GFX + 32-64mm [actually this is the best lens for quiet and fast focusing - as focusing is internal], it focuses in less than 1/2 second and it's totally 100% accurate - something I've never found with having a separate AF sensor as used by mirror-based cameras.

I'm saying this through experience, I actually find it astoundingly quick, it never hunts, and it feels confident. Even in low light it focuses well.

I have zero complaints about the AF of this camera, in fact it's best AF I've used, ok it's not lightening quick, like .-. but it's as quick as .---.

If it's a concern based on what you've read or seen somewhere, all I can say is it shouldn't be a concern - unless you want it for sports - but I doubt it.

Thank you for this information, GFX + 32-64 lens is also the combination I will buy, as I think I can use adapters to use other glasses for landscape which do not need AF.

When you said less than 1/2 sec, I feel that means it is slower than normal DSLR, and may seems similar to the old time mirrorless camera ( such as the all-in-one point-and-shoot digital camera) before Sony able to speed up the AF in their mirrorless. Do you think you can use GFX + 32-64 easily for shooting kids or dogs which are keep moving?

I'm not using the zoom but I have the other two lenses. I would not use the GFX fast-moving kids and dogs. I would not use an a7RII, which is a lot faster, either, though. I'd use a D5. For fast moving subjects, you want predictive auto focus.

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Jim

 

[left eye]

By looking at the video below:

It seems the Auto Focus of the GFX is real slow. Is it because the the CMOS sensor does not have the PDAF pixels like the A7 series to speed up AF?

If this is the case, then the present two models of mirrorless med format camera are not going to able to compete with the SLR type of med format camera such as the Pentax 645Z when shooting moving objects, even for street shots!

So far, the main advantage of the mirrorless med format camera is the ability to have various adapters to use all kinds of lenses!

I have the GFX + 32-64mm [actually this is the best lens for quiet and fast focusing - as focusing is internal], it focuses in less than 1/2 second and it's totally 100% accurate - something I've never found with having a separate AF sensor as used by mirror-based cameras.

I'm saying this through experience, I actually find it astoundingly quick, it never hunts, and it feels confident. Even in low light it focuses well.

I have zero complaints about the AF of this camera, in fact it's best AF I've used, ok it's not lightening quick, like .-. but it's as quick as .---.

If it's a concern based on what you've read or seen somewhere, all I can say is it shouldn't be a concern - unless you want it for sports - but I doubt it.

Thank you for this information, GFX + 32-64 lens is also the combination I will buy, as I think I can use adapters to use other glasses for landscape which do not need AF.

When you said less than 1/2 sec, I feel that means it is slower than normal DSLR,

- it's faster than my Pentax K-5 dSLR [which takes about 0.75sec to AF], though my Lumix GH4 is faster still [takes 0.25 sec], basically the GFX is quick - but not like a lightening-bolt.

and may seems similar to the old time mirrorless camera ( such as the all-in-one point-and-shoot digital camera) before Sony able to speed up the AF in their mirrorless.

- no, it's far quicker. I know how slow contrast-detect was in the early days of 'live view', the GFX is really quick in comparison, there's no worries. It's fast.

And it's 100% accurate.

Do you think you can use GFX + 32-64 easily for shooting kids or dogs which are keep moving?

The GFX is aimed at professional photographers [i.e you earn money from every shot you deliver], I don't mean to be disrespectful but dogs and children aren't really the intended subject of the GFX, if that is your subject, you shouldn't be spending £8k+ on a MF camera, get a Canon 5D or Nikon D5. What are you currently using, and why do you need 'more'?

Though to answer your question, if your dogs and children aren't running around the GFX will do fine, if they are running around, tell them to chill out and slow down!

 

[Chris Dodkin]

It's quick and accurate - not as lightning fast as the latest AF on the X-T2, but then it does't have the very latest AF technology, and the lenses have much more glass to move!

Certainly more than capable, and as others have noted, more consistent than legacy AF systems from DSLRs.

 

[Teila Day]

Prior to CMOS sensors MF had relatively horrible high iso performance so it stood to reason that most jobs using MF were relegated to studio and well lit scenes; but years ago when CMOS sensors replaced CCD, that all changed.

AFAIK, there weren't CMOS MF sensors shipping until the Sony 33x44mm and 41x54 mm sensors. Did I miss something?

Jim

 

[Thomas KP Lee]

By looking at the video below:

It seems the Auto Focus of the GFX is real slow. Is it because the the CMOS sensor does not have the PDAF pixels like the A7 series to speed up AF?

If this is the case, then the present two models of mirrorless med format camera are not going to able to compete with the SLR type of med format camera such as the Pentax 645Z when shooting moving objects, even for street shots!

So far, the main advantage of the mirrorless med format camera is the ability to have various adapters to use all kinds of lenses!

I have the GFX + 32-64mm [actually this is the best lens for quiet and fast focusing - as focusing is internal], it focuses in less than 1/2 second and it's totally 100% accurate - something I've never found with having a separate AF sensor as used by mirror-based cameras.

I'm saying this through experience, I actually find it astoundingly quick, it never hunts, and it feels confident. Even in low light it focuses well.

I have zero complaints about the AF of this camera, in fact it's best AF I've used, ok it's not lightening quick, like .-. but it's as quick as .---.

If it's a concern based on what you've read or seen somewhere, all I can say is it shouldn't be a concern - unless you want it for sports - but I doubt it.

Thank you for this information, GFX + 32-64 lens is also the combination I will buy, as I think I can use adapters to use other glasses for landscape which do not need AF.

When you said less than 1/2 sec, I feel that means it is slower than normal DSLR,

- it's faster than my Pentax K-5 dSLR [which takes about 0.75sec to AF], though my Lumix GH4 is faster still [takes 0.25 sec], basically the GFX is quick - but not like a lightening-bolt.

and may seems similar to the old time mirrorless camera ( such as the all-in-one point-and-shoot digital camera) before Sony able to speed up the AF in their mirrorless.

- no, it's far quicker. I know how slow contrast-detect was in the early days of 'live view', the GFX is really quick in comparison, there's no worries. It's fast.

And it's 100% accurate.

Do you think you can use GFX + 32-64 easily for shooting kids or dogs which are keep moving?

The GFX is aimed at professional photographers [i.e you earn money from every shot you deliver], I don't mean to be disrespectful but dogs and children aren't really the intended subject of the GFX, if that is your subject, you shouldn't be spending £8k+ on a MF camera, get a Canon 5D or Nikon D5. What are you currently using, and why do you need 'more'?

Though to answer your question, if your dogs and children aren't running around the GFX will do fine, if they are running around, tell them to chill out and slow down!

I use a lot of different camera and lenses: I have Hasselblad H4D-40 and the complete line of all the H/HC/HCD lenses, and even the tilt/shift adapter for several years, but I stop investing into the Hasselblad camera as it is way behind in camera operations, for example, no live view, so the tilt/shift adapter is difficult to be used outdoor without computer tethering. In the past I also hope there will be some portable screen such as smart phone can be hooked to the camera for larger live view too. So one reason for me to buy GFX is hope to make use of line of the H/HC/HCD lenses, but at present, I would wait for the adapter that can provide AF, as well as providing the use of the leaf shutter on these lenses.

I do have Pentax 645Z and over 20 lenses, from Pentax with AF, and adapted from Hasselblad V, Schneider etc those MF lenses. Good thing of P645Z is that the live view make manual focus easy.

Then on 135, I have Canon 1Dx, 7D2, etc and 80% of the red line lenses, so for sport, wild live, I would still have to use these camera and lenses such as the 600/4 IS II, etc.

I also have most of the Sony mirrorless camera since NEX 7 onwards, so when wish to travel light, I will carry these, but so far, they are not as good for speed and multi shoots.

Also I have Sony A77, A77II, A99, A99II and a lot of Minolta and Sony lenses ( over 30 ).

Plus I am a collector for lenses of all kinds, especially large size lenses, for example, my head photo is a 1300mm f4 for 70mm film ( 12.5 inches diameter Mirror lens) weighted 75 Kg originally and I modified it to reduce to about 60Kg and now on a Cartoni Omega fluid head. I have three pcs of the Nikon 2000 f11 that two of them I had modified for Hasselblad V mount such that I can use with Pentx 645Z.

I do not earn living as a photography professional, but I do like to be a professional photographer.

 

[left eye]

By looking at the video below:

It seems the Auto Focus of the GFX is real slow. Is it because the the CMOS sensor does not have the PDAF pixels like the A7 series to speed up AF?

If this is the case, then the present two models of mirrorless med format camera are not going to able to compete with the SLR type of med format camera such as the Pentax 645Z when shooting moving objects, even for street shots!

So far, the main advantage of the mirrorless med format camera is the ability to have various adapters to use all kinds of lenses!

I have the GFX + 32-64mm [actually this is the best lens for quiet and fast focusing - as focusing is internal], it focuses in less than 1/2 second and it's totally 100% accurate - something I've never found with having a separate AF sensor as used by mirror-based cameras.

I'm saying this through experience, I actually find it astoundingly quick, it never hunts, and it feels confident. Even in low light it focuses well.

I have zero complaints about the AF of this camera, in fact it's best AF I've used, ok it's not lightening quick, like .-. but it's as quick as .---.

If it's a concern based on what you've read or seen somewhere, all I can say is it shouldn't be a concern - unless you want it for sports - but I doubt it.

Thank you for this information, GFX + 32-64 lens is also the combination I will buy, as I think I can use adapters to use other glasses for landscape which do not need AF.

When you said less than 1/2 sec, I feel that means it is slower than normal DSLR,

- it's faster than my Pentax K-5 dSLR [which takes about 0.75sec to AF], though my Lumix GH4 is faster still [takes 0.25 sec], basically the GFX is quick - but not like a lightening-bolt.

and may seems similar to the old time mirrorless camera ( such as the all-in-one point-and-shoot digital camera) before Sony able to speed up the AF in their mirrorless.

- no, it's far quicker. I know how slow contrast-detect was in the early days of 'live view', the GFX is really quick in comparison, there's no worries. It's fast.

And it's 100% accurate.

Do you think you can use GFX + 32-64 easily for shooting kids or dogs which are keep moving?

The GFX is aimed at professional photographers [i.e you earn money from every shot you deliver], I don't mean to be disrespectful but dogs and children aren't really the intended subject of the GFX, if that is your subject, you shouldn't be spending £8k+ on a MF camera, get a Canon 5D or Nikon D5. What are you currently using, and why do you need 'more'?

Though to answer your question, if your dogs and children aren't running around the GFX will do fine, if they are running around, tell them to chill out and slow down!

I use a lot of different camera and lenses: I have Hasselblad H4D-40 and the complete line of all the H/HC/HCD lenses, and even the tilt/shift adapter for several years, but I stop investing into the Hasselblad camera as it is way behind in camera operations, for example, no live view, so the tilt/shift adapter is difficult to be used outdoor without computer tethering. In the past I also hope there will be some portable screen such as smart phone can be hooked to the camera for larger live view too. So one reason for me to buy GFX is hope to make use of line of the H/HC/HCD lenses, but at present, I would wait for the adapter that can provide AF, as well as providing the use of the leaf shutter on these lenses.

As you'll know you can get an adaptor now, but it's manual focusing only, I'm not sure if you'll see an AF version soon. It does give high speed flash synchronization up to a 1/800 sec if that might be of use.

Jim reports that the HC lenses seems soft on the GFX, read - https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/59346034

I do have Pentax 645Z and over 20 lenses, from Pentax with AF, and adapted from Hasselblad V, Schneider etc those MF lenses. Good thing of P645Z is that the live view make manual focus easy.

If you have the 645z I'd say the main difference the GFX will make is you can succesfully take shots hand-held (no mirror and virtually no shutter shock). Plus it's a bit lighter.

I use the tilt EVF for most shots (X1D is fixed), and the startup time and general speed is fast (unlike the X1D).

Then on 135, I have Canon 1Dx, 7D2, etc and 80% of the red line lenses, so for sport, wild live, I would still have to use these camera and lenses such as the 600/4 IS II, etc.

I also have most of the Sony mirrorless camera since NEX 7 onwards, so when wish to travel light, I will carry these, but so far, they are not as good for speed and multi shoots.

Also I have Sony A77, A77II, A99, A99II and a lot of Minolta and Sony lenses ( over 30 ).

ok in all that's a lot of gear.

Plus I am a collector for lenses of all kinds, especially large size lenses, for example, my head photo is a 1300mm f4 for 70mm film ( 12.5 inches diameter Mirror lens) weighted 75 Kg originally and I modified it to reduce to about 60Kg and now on a Cartoni Omega fluid head. I have three pcs of the Nikon 2000 f11 that two of them I had modified for Hasselblad V mount such that I can use with Pentx 645Z.

I do not earn living as a photography professional, but I do like to be a professional photographer.

good on ya!