AF-A AF-C AF-S on Alpha 6000 and Alpha 5100

[benmao]

 

I use AF-C and AF-S but not AF-A now. The question arised, what is really the difference.

 

The main difference between these modes is, that AF-S only sets the focus once while AF-C sets the focus continuously.

 

Is there any other difference? Are all modes using phase detect focus in the beginning and use contrast at the end?

 

 

Is it better to use AF-C instead of AF-A if it is known that the object moves?

 

Kind regards

Ernst

[dp2014]

From what I understand, AF-S uses the hybrid so it might use phase-detection to get the focus roughly and finish with contrast-detection. While AF-C will be phase-detection only.

 

Yes, if you are tracking a moving subject AF-C is probably better just in case the camera doesn't get it right.

 

Also, make sure you know your focus areas since AF-C will not work in certain modes.

[benmao]

 

While AF-C will be phase-detection only.

 

I am not sure because there is a video tutorial somewhere on the Sony homepage which explains the hybride autofocus. One can see that they used an Alpha 6000 switched to AF-C and wide focus field (you can see the little squares).

[benmao]

 

 

I am not sure because there is a video tutorial somewhere on the Sony homepage which explains the hybride autofocus. One can see that they used an Alpha 6000 switched to AF-C and wide focus field (you can see the little squares).

http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/content/cbt-tut/shared/video-tutorial-ilce6000/video-tutorial-ilce6000

 

Phase detection is shown using the Alpha 200, Contrast detection is shown using a smartphone and the hybrid af is shown using the Alpha 6000 with AF-C.

After some eight minutes they say that both, phase detection and contrast detection is used in order to reach a better sharpness.

[Sondukar]

The best overview about AF modes on Sony 6000 and a lot of further information you will get on the Gary Fong's webpage or on youtube.

http://www.garyfong.com/videos/unleashing-power-your-sony-a6000

[benmao]

The best overview about AF modes on Sony 6000 and a lot of further information you will get on the Gary Fong's webpage or on youtube.

http://www.garyfong.com/videos/unleashing-power-your-sony-a6000

Thank you, I have just ordered the video. Let's see...

[benmao]

 

The best overview about AF modes on Sony 6000 and a lot of further information you will get on the Gary Fong's webpage or on youtube.

 

I have watched that video (" Unleashing The Power Of Your Sony A6000"). The Video is not bad as a general introduction to the Alpha 6000, but the Information about Autofocus is very limited and brought no new information to me.

 

If I play with the settings I cannot see any difference between AF-A and AF-S.

With AF-C the focus cannot be locked by pressing the shutter but is adjusted continuously as one would expect.

The famous speed seems only be available if AF-C is set and Wide Focus (or Zone) area is also set at the same time.

 

Finally I will keep my current settings:

 

MR1 for sports: S AF-C WideFocusArea

MR2 for most other situations: P AF-S FlexibleSpot

MR3 for low light situations where I change both, speed and aperture and control the ISO this way: M AF-S FlexibleSpot

 

Custom Key C1: AF/MF Control Toggle

AEL Button: Focus Magnifier

 

 

Ernst

[dp2014]

This video shows AF-A actually switching between AF-S and AF-C

 

 

So in theory it should work.

[benmao]

I did not see this video before. With wide focus area it is shown that it works. I had tried just with my hands and it did not work. I am curious if it will work with my son running towards me. I will try later...

 

PS: I normally use small focus area with flexible spot by default but wide area with AF-C. So the usability of AF-A is limited for me.

[benmao]

 

 

I am curious if it will work with my son running towards me. I will try later...

 

It did not work. It only worked in very rare situations if I make it like in the video: Move a small object very fast towards the camera. Therefore I will not use AF-A.