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Sony NXCAM NEX-FS700 CineAlta
4K EXMOR sensor with SDI, slow-motion recording.

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Old February 21st, 2013, 01:27 AM   #1
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A Mount with Phase Detection or E-mount?

For those who wish to use autofocus frequently, which route would you suggest and why, the A-mount lenses with the LEA2 adapter (you lose 1 stop of light I hear) so you get the allegedly superior Phase Detection focusing, or the E-mount lenses and their allegedly inferior face detection and supposed autofocus drift issues on moving subjects.

Thanks!
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Old February 21st, 2013, 06:06 AM   #2
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Re: A Mount with Phase Detection or E-mount?

I considered both and decided to stay with E. The issue with A is also that the AF only works at specific iris settings. That was the dealbreaker for me.
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Old June 4th, 2013, 05:45 PM   #3
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Re: A Mount with Phase Detection or E-mount?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Medico View Post
I The issue with A is also that the AF only works at specific iris settings. .
Do you have more details about this limitation please? A link maybe?

Thanks

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Old June 4th, 2013, 07:19 PM   #4
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Re: A Mount with Phase Detection or E-mount?

Sure. Check out the page here - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/819768-REG/Sony_LA_EA2_A_Mount_Lens_to_NEX.html
Look down at the bottom to #3. It reads:

Aperture setting for video capture is fixed at the maximum aperture of the lens or f/3.5, whichever is lower (AF-C).
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Old June 5th, 2013, 06:26 AM   #5
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Re: A Mount with Phase Detection or E-mount?

Thanks!

I think I get it now ... in video based continuous AF the lens needs as much light as possible, thus opens up ( like it would on a still camera ) and has to stay that way for the duration of the shot.

I appreciate the nudge...

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Old June 5th, 2013, 08:08 AM   #6
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Re: A Mount with Phase Detection or E-mount?

Actually it restricts you from opening the lens up all the way if you have a fast lens.
Say you have a F2.8 zoom. You must shoot at F3.5. Say you have a fast 1.4 prime.
You must shoot at F3.5. If you want to use autofocus in both cases you can't open
the lens up.
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Old June 5th, 2013, 08:19 AM   #7
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Re: A Mount with Phase Detection or E-mount?

And if you want to shoot at 5.6 to make it a bit easier for the autofocus to keep up in a sporting event with plenty of light or to hold on to more background. You can't do that either. It is 3.5 or nothing (assuming a 3.5 or faster lens).
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Old June 6th, 2013, 06:51 AM   #8
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Re: A Mount with Phase Detection or E-mount?

Got it ... could be a bit confusing if you weren't ready for it!

But when required its workable...

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Old June 6th, 2013, 11:42 AM   #9
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Re: A Mount with Phase Detection or E-mount?

I've never really had problems with my LA-EA2. With my weddings and on the move shoots it's been more help than anything else. I mostly use the Sony Zeiss 24-70 2.8 with it and the extra stop is not that big a deal for me. Pushing the iso up a stop works in its place.

The thing I love about it, is that the focus is so fast and silent with that lens that its hard to imagine it's as accurate as it is. But it works like a charm.

If only taking into account auto focus, the A mount is a better option. Also a wider range of lenses to choose from than the E mount.

I'd say if you can, try them both out first and decide for yourself.
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Old June 17th, 2013, 12:39 AM   #10
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Re: A Mount with Phase Detection or E-mount?

I tried some e-mounts, including the kit lens, and I was not impressed at all with its autofocus ability Slow and hunts a bit. Even the kit lens footage at NAB had out of focus instances.

I tried a quality A mount and LEA2 adapter and was pleased, so the latter is the route I went.
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Old June 17th, 2013, 06:58 AM   #11
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Re: A Mount with Phase Detection or E-mount?

I own both the LEA2 and E mount lenses.

I've had amazing success using Face Detection and the kit lens.
I'm from a film background and normally use an assistant.
The FD system has given me a usable shot the 1st time, which would have taken 10 tries with the assistant.
When I'm shooting a documentary... and I don't know what's going to happen next, I'll use the kit lens.

I've rarely use Phase Detection because of it's restrictions.
But after reading these posts... I'm looking forward to giving PD a second try.



Bill Kerrigan
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http://indiecameras.com

Last edited by Bill Kerrigan; June 17th, 2013 at 10:29 AM.
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