Auto Focus Response - Pro1 vs Rebel vs D70

[RhoXS]

As has been discussed here many times, the G3/G5 is a great camera but the slow auto focus is a major problem. Is there anyone who has experience with the Pro1 and/or Digital Rebel and/or the new Nikon D70 that can compare their autofocus response? I am going to replace the G3 sooner or later because of this issue but I certainly do not want to replace it and experience the same or similar problem. The Nikon D70 appeals to me because I have used Nikon equipment for almost thirty years and I have a number of lenses that I could use.

[darrylr]

Well the Digital Rebel and the D70 are going to be in a class of their own when compared to the Pro1 and G3/G5 on AF speed.

If you don't have any equipment already the D70 looks like a really good deal. If I was buying today though it would be a Canon 10D since I already have quite a few $$'s invested in Canon accessories. The main reason would be for the much better AF speed as well as the ability to use all of the excellent Canon lenses out there.

-Darryl

[msvadi]

I just bought a DRebel and sold my G2. The AF speed depends on lenses. But even with the lens I have (no USM) it's Super(!!!) fast compared to G2. I take lots of pictures of my children and with G2 I missed so many moments.

But it's not just autofocus. The difference in picture quality is Huge. I don't think that Pro-1 can compete with a DRebel in picture quality.

Anyway, since you have and used to Nikon equipment, I think that the answer is simple: get a D70. You'll be happy ;)

[nomel]

What is the main factor in autofocus speed?

Is it the cameras processor trying to find max contrast? Or the motor? or what? What if you could put a faster motor in?

[robh]

Having owned a G3 and now a Pro1 I would say the AF of the Pro1 is far superior to the G series (I have not had one out of focus shot in over 200 I have taken so far, I never ever had this success rate with the G3).

I have had a look at the 300D and D70 and their AF again is superior to the Pro1. The Pro1 is much smaller and having a 28-200mm zoom for my purposes is a better deal. From what I have seen the Pro1 can certainly hold its own with The DSLR's in picture quality at the lower ISO settings (if not better), but NOT at the higher ones.

Your question regarding the AF, digital compacts use a totally different system (contrast detection) compared to the DSLR's that us a more complex phase detection system.

...Rob

[John_T]

...er. I believe the Pro 1 uses a hybrid AF system, triangulation to approximate the distance and then contrast detection to fine tune. I forget the exact terminology. Probably couldn't spell that right either...

[John_T]

Red - the ultimate test for AF..

...shot today with my Pro 1 on P..

http://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting/data//500/20945CRW_0215.jpg

[4walls]

Interesting, today I looked at the Pro1, salesman said, "Zoom to 135mm, then stand about 4 feet away from an object and try to focus."

I could not focus at this distance.

Things that make you go hmmmm.

(He was trying to sell me a D70)

[John_T]

...hmmm, guess he was trying to sell you a D70. I just did his test fifteen times and got focus every time.

[KRDV]

It seems that many people cannot get this camera to work correctly in the camera store - I tend to think that it's improper technique.