Slightly Soft Focus with Detail in negative numbers

[Bassman2003]

My question is: Why turn down the detail? If the glass is high quality, and I have checked my focus critically, why will it be less than sharp? Would it not be smarter to zero out Detail and if too sharp soften it in post?

Thanks,

In my experience with Panasonic cameras, detail often results in edge fringing. I have always turned the detail to negative numbers to soften the transition between edges, like a person's arm to the wall behind. Too much detail and the edge of the arm will get lines outlining the shape. Less fringing looks more natural but is at the cost of detail.

[hscully]

The AF100 was designed to resolve about 800 lines of resolution. The F3 and C300 should be somewhat sharper, yes.

That's true. I was on set with an F3 yesterday. That's a great camera but, just to state the obvious, which I know you've cautioned more than a few times Barry, it's three times the price of an AF100.

[Bucknfl]

Alot of people on this board like minus detail. You need to experiment for yourself to see if you like higher detail settings.