HPX250: Did the March 2012 firmware update improve AF focusing speed or accuracy w/ HPX250?

[jbklynnyc]

I'm a prospective purchaser of the HPX250 and read through the threads here since the spring update's release and didn't see any written experiences regarding whether or not AF focus speed and accuracy have been improved. Does anyone have any observations to share?

I shoot events and short docs, and tend to rely on AF I'd say about 50% of the time, depending on lighting conditions. I find that I rarely use the rocker-servo zoom.

 

[?orilla Shänks]

I've had my 250 for exactly 2 weeks now... ive messed with auto focus at night and not a fan of it, not confident with it, its kinda slow for my linking? .. i always put it on manual, with practise i and am able to do the focusing my self confidently specially with the red assist on. Just takes a while to get used to

 

[LiamR]

I haven't personally shot a lot of night time stuff with the camera, but I do shoot a lot of sport, mountain biking in particular, and I use AF 95% of the time, the only time I don't use it is for interviews as it tends to run a bit, not sure why it does that to be honest? I have noticed that if I am zoomed in say 80% or more and the subject is getting really close and takes up most the frame it does require me to over-ride and spin the focus ring.

Here is all the stuff I've shot so far with the HPX.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?284041-Val-Di-Sole-World-Cup-Mountain-Biking

- Liam

 

[jbklynnyc]

Thanks for your responses.

Actually, the question was did the 3/12 update IMPROVE AF focusing speed or accuracy.

That is, can people who owned the camera before the update, and who applied the update, speak to whether or not these traits are better as a result?

 

[BillinSC]

I have had my HPX250 for 3 months. I believe it is better. I have no specific methodology to confirm that. The auto focus depends on contrast. I do not see much hunting for focus. I have had few issues. I will say that learning how to use the EVF detail and also the addition of red focus, manual focus is very easy and quick as well.