Difference between phase detection AF and contrast AF|How single-lens cameras focus
if you are using a single-lens camera, you will get
"There are times when it is difficult to focus somehow"
"Videos can get out of focus"
Have you ever felt that way?
One reason for this is the difference between AF (autofocus).
AF of SLR cameras is mainly used for
Phase Detection AF and Contrast AF
There are two mechanisms.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between each and their characteristics,
explain in an easy-to-understand manner what kind of shooting it is suitable for.
Contents
Contents
What is AF (autofocus)?
What is AF (Auto Focus)
A function that automatically focuses the camera.
As a method of focusing
・Phase difference AF
・Contrast AF
is used.
What is phase detection AF?
How > phase detection AF is
"How much and in which direction is the focus off"
It is a method that can be judged at once.
separate the light inside the camera and
Measure the misalignment (phase difference) between the left and right images, and
predict the focus position and adjust it all at once.
- Focusing is fast
・Resistant to moving subjects
・Less hesitation
Benefits
Strong for
・Hard to miss a photo opportunity
・Reliability that has been used in SLRs for many years
Disadvantages
and slightly complex structure
・Depending on the model, there may be individual differences in accuracy
What is contrast AF?
How > contrast AF is
"The position where the screen has the highest contrast = the position where it is in focus"
It is a method of searching.
Move the focus back and forth
Judge that "this is the sharpest".
- High focus accuracy
・For still images
・Simple structure
Benefits
- Accurate focus
・Widely used in mirrorless cameras and digital cameras
・Low error because the sensor itself is used
Disadvantages
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・Weak against moving subjects
・Slow focusing speed
Difference between phase detection AF and contrast AF [Comparison Table]
| item | bit difference AF | contrast AF |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Speed | ◎ fast | △ Slightly slow |
| precision | ○ | ◎ High |
| Motion Photography | ◎ Strong | △ Weak |
| still image | ○ | ◎ |
| Movie AF | ○ | △ |
What is the mainstream "phase detection AF" these days?
on recent mirrorless SLRs,
The method of phase detection AF has become the mainstream.
this is
Phase detection AF speed
Contrast AF accuracy
a mechanism that takes the best of both worlds.
Focus smoothly even when shooting videos,
It enables high-precision AF such as people, animals, and eye AF.
Which one is better suited for?
Who is suitable for phase detection AF
, sports, children, and animals
・I don't want to miss a moment's expression
・There are many moving subjects
Who is Contrast AF suitable for
?・Landscape/Object Photography/Cooking Photography
・Decide on a slow composition and shoot
・I want to focus on high accuracy
summary
To summarize the differences between phase detection AF and contrast AF,
Focus on speed, for moving objects → Phase detection AF
Accuracy-oriented, Suitable for still images → Contrast AF
and now
Hybrid of phase detection AF + contrast AF is the mainstream.
If you understand the AF method< br data-start="1971" data-end="1974" />
It will be much easier to take photos and videos.
