Can K-5 AF a black cat in a dark room?

**apisto** · 12-13-2010, 12:45 PM

How about if the cat is moving?

**Sailor** · 12-13-2010, 03:38 PM

If it's Schrodinger's cat, we'll just never be certain.

Jer

dgaies · 12-13-2010, 04:25 PM

Originally posted by apisto

How about if the cat is moving?

drug it.

Eruditass · 12-13-2010, 04:28 PM

Really? At what distance?

Even without a contrast grid pattern that most flashes use for af-assist (which would be so awesome if this was put into bodies given how effective and unobtrusive it is)?

glanglois · 12-13-2010, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by Sailor

If it's Schrodinger's cat, we'll just never be certain.

Jer

Thanks, Jer. Best chuckle of the day

In answer to the original question, yes. But if the very dim light is on the red/yellow end of the spectrum, it will focus but may well do so incorrectly. Reportedly (by the same Spanish source) to be fixed in next SW release.

In the meantime, I'm boarding my dog until we get this straightened out. I'd rather keep the lights on but the neighbors would rather that the dog goes .....

Ira · 12-13-2010, 05:24 PM

Originally posted by dgaies

Yes, with the AF-assist light, the K-5 can focus on a black cat (or in my case a black dog) in complete darkness. Your success will, in part, depend on how close you are to the subject.

Unless you're shooting at F22 in total darkness, how the heck can AF properly lock in focus when you don't know what it's actually locking in on for proper focus?

My answer:

If you can't visually confirm the focus with your own eyes in the viewfinder, you can't expect AF to do any better.

dgaies · 12-13-2010, 05:49 PM

Originally posted by Ira

Unless you're shooting at F22 in total darkness, how the heck can AF properly lock in focus when you don't know what it's actually locking in on for proper focus?

My answer:

If you can't visually confirm the focus with your own eyes in the viewfinder, you can't expect AF to do any better.

I don't know the answer as to why, buy my AF locks in light far below what I could possibly confirm through the viewfinder. Probably the best lens for the job is the DA40, which can autofocus in just about any light.

Eruditass · 12-13-2010, 09:30 PM

Originally posted by Ira

Unless you're shooting at F22 in total darkness, how the heck can AF properly lock in focus when you don't know what it's actually locking in on for proper focus?

My answer:

If you can't visually confirm the focus with your own eyes in the viewfinder, you can't expect AF to do any better.

Except for long exposures and flashes (particularly off camera flashes). Oh and I hear the K-5 is a bit of a freak when it comes to pulling detail out of shadows.

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12-13-2010, 12:45 PM	#16
apisto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 588	How about if the cat is moving?

12-13-2010, 03:38 PM	#17
Sailor Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Coastal Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 26,205	If it's Schrodinger's cat, we'll just never be certain. Jer

12-13-2010, 04:25 PM	#18
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by apisto How about if the cat is moving? drug it.

12-13-2010, 04:28 PM	#19
Eruditass Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	Really? At what distance? Even without a contrast grid pattern that most flashes use for af-assist (which would be so awesome if this was put into bodies given how effective and unobtrusive it is)?

12-13-2010, 05:15 PM	#20
glanglois Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Madison, Wis., USA Posts: 1,506	Originally posted by Sailor If it's Schrodinger's cat, we'll just never be certain. Jer Thanks, Jer. Best chuckle of the day In answer to the original question, yes. But if the very dim light is on the red/yellow end of the spectrum, it will focus but may well do so incorrectly. Reportedly (by the same Spanish source) to be fixed in next SW release. In the meantime, I'm boarding my dog until we get this straightened out. I'd rather keep the lights on but the neighbors would rather that the dog goes .....

12-13-2010, 05:24 PM	#21
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Originally posted by dgaies Yes, with the AF-assist light, the K-5 can focus on a black cat (or in my case a black dog) in complete darkness. Your success will, in part, depend on how close you are to the subject. Unless you're shooting at F22 in total darkness, how the heck can AF properly lock in focus when you don't know what it's actually locking in on for proper focus? My answer: If you can't visually confirm the focus with your own eyes in the viewfinder, you can't expect AF to do any better.

12-13-2010, 05:49 PM	#22
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by Ira Unless you're shooting at F22 in total darkness, how the heck can AF properly lock in focus when you don't know what it's actually locking in on for proper focus? My answer: If you can't visually confirm the focus with your own eyes in the viewfinder, you can't expect AF to do any better. I don't know the answer as to why, buy my AF locks in light far below what I could possibly confirm through the viewfinder. Probably the best lens for the job is the DA40, which can autofocus in just about any light.

12-13-2010, 09:30 PM	#23
Eruditass Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	Originally posted by Ira Unless you're shooting at F22 in total darkness, how the heck can AF properly lock in focus when you don't know what it's actually locking in on for proper focus? My answer: If you can't visually confirm the focus with your own eyes in the viewfinder, you can't expect AF to do any better. Except for long exposures and flashes (particularly off camera flashes). Oh and I hear the K-5 is a bit of a freak when it comes to pulling detail out of shadows.