A6400 Real Time Tracking and Macro

[Susurs]

Hi!

Just wanted to share my thoughts/experience regarding "Focus area" settings using A6400/SEL90M28G. I was very excited to test the new "Tracking" mode; however, I have encountered some difficulties regarding the specific mode and close-up/macro photography.

In AF-C - When "Focus area" is set to "Tracking" (Expand/Any size of flexible spot), focus locks on subject fine in almost every situation, and keeps tracking it in real time as expected. However, resulting images are confusing. When using this option for taking pictures of any subjects/objects within further distance (1 meter+), images are very sharp and there are no issues at all. Confusion starts with close-ups. I would not call this extreme macro, just images taken close to min. SEL90M28G focusing distance. As mentioned previously, focus locks on the subject/object very well, and keeps tracking it (the square is green) but the outcome is often out of focus/blurry. In comparison, the exact same scene photographed with AF-C/Flexible spot S/M from the same distance results in much better outcome. Well, there are some missed images (naturally) depending on the scene/conditions - but rarely. Therefore, I do not believe there is anything wrong with the camera, lens itself.

What confuses me is the fact that "Tracking" in close-ups is locking on subject/object extremely well, and focus is confirmed (green all the time – leading user to believe that everything is fine), but the result is not as expected for macro/more vague if compared to simply AF-C/Flexible spot without tracking.

I do understand that the algorithm is new, and I think it is really great feature. Just wanted to share my thoughts/experience. Perhaps, it could be useful for anybody/any thoughts regarding macro photography.

P.S. I know all the macro and manual focus should be used thing. There are some situations where I like AF.

 

[MacNut]

How is that camera? I want to go full frame but can't justify the cost right now. I do want to get into the Sony E mount.

 

[Clix Pix]

I can see where focus tracking would be very useful when shooting macros of bugs or butterflies, something which is moving and likely to keep moving while you're shooting, but maybe it would be better to not use it when shooting macros of something which is going to stay put in place -- flower, plant, object....?

 

[Susurs]

I can see where focus tracking would be very useful when shooting macros of bugs or butterflies, something which is moving and likely to keep moving while you're shooting, but maybe it would be better to not use it when shooting macros of something which is going to stay put in place -- flower, plant, object....?

That was my initial idea - that this feature would help me with moving subjects. As it did not - I started to look for a cause, and test it with some ‘more still’ subjects.
[doublepost=1559768249][/doublepost]On this thread which I started there seem to be some pretty good explanations to why this issue is occuring:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4398678

...and I included a link to Imaging-Resource review (to which I was directed to) as well.
[doublepost=1559768750][/doublepost]

How is that camera? I want to go full frame but can't justify the cost right now. I do want to get into the Sony E mount.

Owerall, I like this camera a lot. It is no match for my FF and I had to get used to that fact, but as an APS-C mirrorless it is great. There are issues like this Real Time Tracking macro thing, it still uses ‘old’ type of battery, micro USB, UHS-I...but, well... for the price it has great features, advanced AF system, weather sealed body, it’s lightweight... Real time usage is simple but it offers good range of features...

 

[Clix Pix]

Thanks for the link to that DPR thread! Helpful info there plus the link to the Imaging Resources site and thread there, too....

I still have not bought a new A7R III, the camera I want to be my next one, nor the 90mm macro lens that I want to put on it, but am hoping to do so one of these days. I had briefly considered going with the A6400 or another APS-C Sony, but am still really lusting for that full frame A7R III, so it's taking longer to get the money together for that purchase.... I really love full-frame, especially for macro and these days I am not doing a lot of shooting where the APS-C supposedly "extra reach" would make all that much of a difference for me. I really like Sony and the E-mount, but it is long past time to move on beyond my NEX-7 and I am not particularly enthralled by Nikon's latest offerings, either mirrorless or DSLR. At some point I will be arriving at a local camera shop which takes trade-ins and will be doing some serious business!

 

[MacNut]

Thanks for the link to that DPR thread! Helpful info there plus the link to the Imaging Resources site and thread there, too....

I still have not bought a new A7R III, the camera I want to be my next one, nor the 90mm macro lens that I want to put on it, but am hoping to do so one of these days. I had briefly considered going with the A6400 or another APS-C Sony, but am still really lusting for that full frame A7R III, so it's taking longer to get the money together for that purchase.... I really love full-frame, especially for macro and these days I am not doing a lot of shooting where the APS-C supposedly "extra reach" would make all that much of a difference for me. I really like Sony and the E-mount, but it is long past time to move on beyond my NEX-7 and I am not particularly enthralled by Nikon's latest offerings, either mirrorless or DSLR. At some point I will be arriving at a local camera shop which takes trade-ins and will be doing some serious business!

Isn't Sony rumored to be releasing the A7Siii this fall? I'd love to get the A7iii but it is currently out of my budget. Supposedly their big upgrade to the flagships are coming. Hopefully that will lower the prices on the older models.

 

[Clix Pix]

Yes, I think you’re right.....the A7SIII is more geared towards video, if I recall correctly, but even so, prices on the older models should be dropping once the new ones are available. That would be very helpful!!!

 

[MacNut]

Yes, I think you’re right.....the A7SIII is more geared towards video, if I recall correctly, but even so, prices on the older models should be dropping once the new ones are available. That would be very helpful!!!

The A9ii is suppose to drop this fall in time for the Winter Olympics, and maybe the A7Riv.

 

[Clix Pix]

Ahhhh....... the A7R IV....... That indeed would probably bring on a price reduction in the A7R III -- niiiice!!!!!

 

[fathergll]

How is that camera? I want to go full frame but can't justify the cost right now. I do want to get into the Sony E mount.

Sony has a sale going on right now.

https://petapixel.com/2019/05/30/sony-just-slashed-its-mirrorless-camera-prices-by-up-to-1000/

 

[Clix Pix]

WOW!!!! Thanks for this info and link!