2017 Paper: Autofocus Performance - what can we expect from today's cameras?

**c.a.m** · 12-20-2018, 09:31 AM - **4 Likes**

I posted this comment in another specific thread but thought it might be of general interest.

Here is a test report dated 2017 produced by the German lab Image Engineering; the tests were performed during 2014-2016.

The tests reported in this technical paper covered 8 cameras and some 320 camera/lens combinations. The paper reports on repeatability and accuracy, AF speed, and tracking.

https://www.image-engineering.de/content/library/conference_papers/2017_03/a...erformance.pdf

Interestingly, the K-3 II is included. Test data is provided for the K-3 II's performance in AF tracking, burst mode: the first 7 of 14 shots are fairly good but AF performance drops off in the next 7 shots.

The paper doesn't make any qualitative comparisons between cameras, but it does conclude that [as of late 2016] "to track a moving object is still a difficult task for todays cameras and there is still a lot of room for improvement."

The cameras that were tested are several years old now, and the technical capabilities of cameras (and lenses) continue to evolve.

Last edited by c.a.m; 12-20-2018 at 09:43 AM.

MarkJerling · 12-20-2018, 04:24 PM

Interesting how they found that lens choice made a big difference to AF capability in all camera brands.

**twilhelm** · 12-20-2018, 06:47 PM

It was an enlightening paper. I found the accuracy results most interesting.

hcc · 12-20-2018, 07:49 PM

Excellent article, based upon a scientific methodology, undertaken by an independent expert. Great read.

In a nutshell, the key findings may be:
-"the lens [...] has a significant influence" on the AF system
- "To track a moving object is still a difficult task for todays cameras and there is still a lot of room for improvement"
- "D-SLR cameras have a tendency to have a lower accuracy and repeatability in comparison to [...] cameras" without a mirror
- AF with prime lenses tended to be more accurate than with zoom lenses (p. 221)

The first is possibly the most important one IMHO.

12-20-2018, 09:31 AM - 4 Likes	#1
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,189	2017 Paper: Autofocus Performance - what can we expect from today's cameras? I posted this comment in another specific thread but thought it might be of general interest. Here is a test report dated 2017 produced by the German lab Image Engineering; the tests were performed during 2014-2016. The tests reported in this technical paper covered 8 cameras and some 320 camera/lens combinations. The paper reports on repeatability and accuracy, AF speed, and tracking. https://www.image-engineering.de/content/library/conference_papers/2017_03/a...erformance.pdf Interestingly, the K-3 II is included. Test data is provided for the K-3 II's performance in AF tracking, burst mode: the first 7 of 14 shots are fairly good but AF performance drops off in the next 7 shots. The paper doesn't make any qualitative comparisons between cameras, but it does conclude that [as of late 2016] "to track a moving object is still a difficult task for todays cameras and there is still a lot of room for improvement." The cameras that were tested are several years old now, and the technical capabilities of cameras (and lenses) continue to evolve. Last edited by c.a.m; 12-20-2018 at 09:43 AM.

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12-20-2018, 04:24 PM	#2
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Interesting how they found that lens choice made a big difference to AF capability in all camera brands.

12-20-2018, 06:47 PM	#3
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	It was an enlightening paper. I found the accuracy results most interesting.

12-20-2018, 07:49 PM	#4
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	Excellent article, based upon a scientific methodology, undertaken by an independent expert. Great read. In a nutshell, the key findings may be: -"the lens [...] has a significant influence" on the AF system - "To track a moving object is still a difficult task for todays cameras and there is still a lot of room for improvement" - "D-SLR cameras have a tendency to have a lower accuracy and repeatability in comparison to [...] cameras" without a mirror - AF with prime lenses tended to be more accurate than with zoom lenses (p. 221) The first is possibly the most important one IMHO.