Two days ago we leaked the new NEX firmware upgrade manual. One of the new features is the new peaking feedback system. To see how it works check this Sony H5 review at Dpreview (Click here): “The blue areas show peaks of contrast (as used by the autofocus system), giving clear, obvious feedback about which areas will be captured sharply.”
What I don’t know yet is when Sony will announce the new firmware (and also the new NEX-C3). If you know something feel free to share it by dropping (anonymously) a message using the contact form on the right sidebar. Thanks!
19 Responses
How much will the Nex-C3 cost?
What does “C” stand for? Compact, but why that?
When will Sony’s press-release taking place?
I’d be really happy if Sony can add a Time Lapse mode in firmware updates…
Nikon and Canon’s advanced bodies have it, I think Sony should has it too.
At least add the mode to A77 or NEX-7?
When will the a55 get this update?
When will the a55 get a firmware update?
Has Sony totally forgot about the a55 and every other Alpha camera?
Sony seems to be giving away features for free these days! Remember when the NEX cameras got 3D panoramas in a firmware update?
Would you rather pay for new features?
That is very cool. Would such a thing be possible on phase detection AF systems?
It wouldn’t have anything to do with a phase detection system. It’s not really a function of the autofocus system, it just happens that it performs a very similar task to a contrast-detect AF system, with a different output. Presumably this may mean peaking can borrow hardware functions from the AF system to accelerate the effect, and maybe even be less costly in battery life as a result.
It would need to be an entirely software based addition to a camera based on phase detection. Of course there’s no saying whether or not this is the case even on the NEX. It may not be utilising the AF data at all, and simply be analysing the live image separately.
I have an H5 and tried peaking. Never got satifactory results but was disappointed that the next model, the H9 did not improve the concept but dropped it. Part of the problem with the implementation on the H5 was ergonomics that made it tough to work with. If they had a focus by wire system like the 707 or 717 it would have been much better.
Can you explain more on this? Was the peaking function not enough to give precise focus? Or do you mean it was just inconvenient to use?
Now, this would be very useful if added to the functionalities of SLTs cameras. Sony, are you listening? 😀
So they already had this feature in 2006?
will the a300 get any updates? D:
I seriously doubt it. I have a A350, and I’ve got no hopes of any firmware updates, even though the noise performance is horrendous.
VG10 vg10 VG10 vg10 VG10
This will be great for us who use manual focus lenses or adapters that do not yet support AF. I have a few nikkor lenses from the 80s that I would love to use with this!
Do we know if it works in video mode too?
I didn’t get the previous poster. How can it help with focusing on manual lenses ???
the peaking effect is lens independent. its purely based on the data from the sensor irrespective of what lens is fitted. basically, it takes the image and highlights the areas that have peaking contrast. so as you sweep the lens focus, different image sections achieve peak contrast at different focus settings.. these are the areas that are in focus.
so with a manual lens, you sweep the focus and it should identify accurately where sharpest focus is achieved.
http://fotoblogia.pl/2011/04/29/sony-dogoni-canona-i-nikona interesting article, I recommend reading google.translator
I had a Nikon P&S with this feature a decade ago, and I recall it being useful. With AF, we don’t really need it when it uses the green boxes, but this would be handy for manual focusing. It would be simpler to frame and see the focus rather than have to enter the MFAssist mode. I wonder how many of us will find using MF lenses an acceptable option? Right now, I find it ok in some situations, but less than ideal mostly.