Comments on: Continuous AF in video mode/live view patent (used in the upcoming Nikon D3100)

By: Hynee

Hynee — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 14:40:06 +0000

@adam, yes I agree.

Figure #1 is a winner IMO, you can have the focus detection unit active while doing video and live view, and do enhanced focus as described in the paragraph starting “Description of the related art”. (The focus detectors assist contrast based focusing.)

What you would lose is (a) optical TTL, but you could do it all with live view, and (b) an unobstructed path to the sensor, and (c) some light loss, light has to go to the focus detection unit too. (b) isn’t so important because the sensor is behind the Bayer grid and low pass filter anyway, flat mirrors are easy to make well. (c) isn’t important either, I think the focus detection units in current SLRs only get about 1% of the light. so the sensor will only lose a similar amount.

I forgot, (d), if this is supposed to be an EVIL camera competitor, Nikon won’t be able to reduce the flange distance, not by 50% as most EVIL cameras do. They could reduce it by 30% however, the 46.5mm flange distance gives 1mm clearance to the reflex mirror in its “up” position on SLRs, laid back at 45 degs there’s probably a good 10mm clearance.

I suspect this is then “new concept DSLR” that was reported in Bloomberg, and it looks great, but I would miss optical TTL and only a 30 or 35mm flange distance would be a shame (compared to 20-25mm for other EVIL cameras).

By: Adam

Adam — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 03:43:31 +0000

I think thy should make upgradeable sensors like CPU’s in computers..

By: John

John — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:47:51 +0000

Are you kidding? Have you ever compared the DOF that an OVF has with the actual depth of field the lens actually gives – they are quite different below f/5.6 on my D300. I would love an EVF that gave me no focus errors (beyond the usual ones not associated with mis-alignment of the mirrors and sensors) and accurate depth of field preview. EVFs have come a long way and are ready for prime time in my opinion. Time for the mirrors and prisms to go on some digital camera models.

John

By: WoutK89

WoutK89 — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:55:48 +0000

The body CPU 214 and the lens drive control circuit 206 exchange various types of information, such as the lens information and information indicating the defocus amount based upon which the focusing lens is driven, via an “ELECTRICAL CONTACT POINT PORTION” 213 present at the mount unit 204.

By: WoutK89

WoutK89 — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:53:01 +0000

I think so too (whatever you think it is)

By: WoutK89

WoutK89 — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:47:33 +0000

Focus motor in lens = SWM = AF-s Lens

By: Chris P

Chris P — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:51:25 +0000

By ‘photo community’ you must mean those who don’t actually own a D700, I, and others I know who also own one, aren’t interested as it does all we need.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:41:55 +0000

With 12mp CMOS sensor? Would keeping the ol 10mp CCD be better for video?

By: Canon Fangirly

Canon Fangirly — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:32:45 +0000

I have to agree here. The independent TS rotation on the new Canon 17mm and 24mm is one thing I’d love to see on Nikon’s PC-E line. It’s almost like working with a view camera.

By: Blckcat

Blckcat — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:32:15 +0000

Is that “black square” between the lens and the body (213) what I think it is?

By: David Hasselblaff

David Hasselblaff — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:25:51 +0000

As good as an electronic view finder can be – it makes things quite difficult if you are trying to safe power. This may not be big of an issue for most photographers, but out in the field I often find myself a bit worried whether or not the batteries will last. I won’t be carrying extra spares because of the electronics.

By: NikoDoby

NikoDoby — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:42:04 +0000

Be thankful you’re not waiting on the Fuji S5 Pro replacement! That’s based on the Nikon D200 and still hasn’t been replaced!

Or be thankful you’re not waiting on the Olympus E-3 replacement.
Or be thankful you’re not waiting on the Sony A700 replacement.
Or be thankful you’re not waiting on the canon 1DsMk3 replacement.
Or be thankful you’re….oh you get the idea

By: preston

preston — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:49:27 +0000

Hell yes to the 17mm PC/E! That’s the only reason I would possibly switch to Canon right now.

By: Brian Davis

Brian Davis — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 03:01:18 +0000

To hell with these stupid entry-level pieces of garbage. The photo community is waiting for a D700 replacement…it’s coming up on 2 years old and needs refreshed. This is supposed to replace the D3000? It’s only 1 year old and is being oversold by the D5000 and D90, so who cares about it? The soccer moms have enough choices.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:38:26 +0000

You’ve never looked through a high quality EVF have you?

Death to the mirror! Long Live Live View!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:36:36 +0000

All of the patents show the focus motor being in the lens, not the body. Perhaps to save room and cost?

By: Johan

Johan — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:21:31 +0000

Agreed. Why would you want to do away with it? A mirror will give you a true picture unlike a small LED in the view finder. They will always look back lit.

By: Toxicab

Toxicab — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:03:24 +0000

Nice post.

What worries me is the current lack of pro-model update news. Though I am optimistic, but not a pixel or video fiend though as a UK user the VAT increase is substantially worrying me as I am going to update before the increase, so price drops on the D700 for another back up body or gawd knows what would be a huge relief.

By: alvix

alvix — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:01:22 +0000

well perfect: a D3X with 32Mp @iso800 and 12Mp @iso12800 plus 1920/30/24 P , this AF magic something ..and .17mm PC/E…and that’s it,,i’m done (included NX3 thankyou..)

By: NikoDoby

NikoDoby — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:43:54 +0000

SAVE THE REFLEX MIRROR!