Originally posted by jpzk This is the best explanation of the K3 AF system yet. (partly but to the point).
This is what I would use for birding nearly 100 % of the time then.
Do you agree with that?
Thanks.
JP
I'm still experimenting. I find that if the subject is small, ie. doesn't fit the center focus point, the area af will focus on other things such as background, or lose focus if you got it initially. It isn't hard to acquire focus on small things even at a distance. If it is larger, then it will track reasonably well. I'm using the 9 point array with the center point selected right now. You initially select the point, I use the center, and focus on your subject in the center. If the subject moves or you pan, other points will take over and maintain focus. It works reasonably well, but it isn't omniscient.
The issue I had with my DA*300 on the K-5 was what limited it's reach was the ability to focus on something in the distance. If the subject filled the focus point, no problem, but with a 300mm that is pretty close in. There seemed to be a hard limit at a certain distance, beyond that the IQ wasn't good. With the K-3 It can focus on things further out, and the resolution is denser, giving it a bit more reach.
The low light is truly amazing. This morning early I went down to the beach. I could see the outline of posts in the water, but couldn't see them unfocused in the viewfinder. The camera focused without a problem. I heard a kingfisher, and hoped it would show up and be exposed by a flash. No such luck, but with this body I can plan on doing it.