C100: Dual pixel upgrade

C

Carroll B

Active member
Considering the upgrade and wanted to hear feedback from those that invested the additional $500.

Would you do it again?
 
Just do it. It's not a perfect execution of technology - and usually I NEVER use any kind of auto-focus on any of my cams so I was highly skeptical...

But often times in Run-n-Gun (and other scenarios) it's so much more useful than I expected, even with the limitations of that centre letter box target area - assigning Focus Lock to Button No 7 (default is MAGN button) will be your friend.
 
I have got it done for my C300. Wish the AF point could have been shifted to the sides when needed. After preliminary tests I know the limitations. This would be of help in many situations. The price is a bit steep. However in many situations this will be the difference between good shots and trash. If you are in run-n-gun situations then this is definitely a must.
 
I shot this specifically as a real world torture test for the AF the day I got my camera back: https://vimeo.com/90836328
It did pretty well, but the AF is easily distracted so you need to learn to use it wisely. Remapping the 7 button on the handgrip from MAG to AF on/off and getting used to it will make the AF much more useful. Grab focus on your subject in the middle of frame, hit the AF button and then recompose.
As far as the arc pan, it works. I've shot a bunch of snowboarding stuff exactly like that. Just make sure there's nothing in between you and the subject that the AF might grab onto while panning.
 
I haven't gotten the upgrade and don't think I will. Definitely looks promising, and this year alone I'm shooting 20+ weddings... but personally I don't see the need. I like to have full control and don't feel I ever 'miss' and shots when I have control. Whereas if it was an important shot and something changed or moved that cause the auto focus to shift I would lose my S***!!!! heh
 
I've had an ongoing assignment that involves shooting jewellery being made, with reportage of discussions with the designer and the jewellers 'as it happens'. Nothing staged, all 'fly on the wall' stuff - although it's more like 'fly buzzing around' as I need to cover the angles.

Basically, the assignment would have been VERY difficult without DPAF. Main lenses were the 100mm 2.8 Macro IS, and the 18-135 STM. Due to the speed at which I have to work, and the confined spaces I'm working in, no tripod, not even a monopod as I'm having to change height to shoot around heads and under elbows and all sorts of contortions. DPAF, and the ability to switch it on and off, leaves one less thing to worry about - especially with the 18-135.

It is especially useful for the sort of person who buys a C100 - event videography and non-broadcast docco. If your milieu is shooting with Cine Primes with an assistant and/or focus puller, it's of no interest. If, however, you're required to get a lot of coverage very fast, you're working with the STM lenses and the 'Run & Gun' style of coverage, the DPAF is 'Sine Qua Non'. It's a bloody brilliant bacon saver.
 
I virtually never use auto tracking focus with my 300, but a i do have a button set for instant auto which is use all the time . Instant auto is a great reality check in doc style shooting situations.
 
I'm with you. Anytime I am doing a cinema Varite style shoot it's all stm canons the whole way. I can keep the 10-18, 18-135 and the 55-250 on me without Getting tired the IS and the AF allows you to shoot barebones all day. For MORE planend and choreographed Productions I grab my zeiss primes follow focus and slider.
 
I agree as well...

I agree as well...

MattDavis said:
I've had an ongoing assignment that involves shooting jewellery being made, with reportage of discussions with the designer and the jewellers 'as it happens'. Nothing staged, all 'fly on the wall' stuff - although it's more like 'fly buzzing around' as I need to cover the angles.

Basically, the assignment would have been VERY difficult without DPAF. Main lenses were the 100mm 2.8 Macro IS, and the 18-135 STM. Due to the speed at which I have to work, and the confined spaces I'm working in, no tripod, not even a monopod as I'm having to change height to shoot around heads and under elbows and all sorts of contortions. DPAF, and the ability to switch it on and off, leaves one less thing to worry about - especially with the 18-135.

It is especially useful for the sort of person who buys a C100 - event videography and non-broadcast docco. If your milieu is shooting with Cine Primes with an assistant and/or focus puller, it's of no interest. If, however, you're required to get a lot of coverage very fast, you're working with the STM lenses and the 'Run & Gun' style of coverage, the DPAF is 'Sine Qua Non'. It's a bloody brilliant bacon saver.
Click to expand...


I shoot a ton of outside shots and events, and sometimes the DPAF is great. One thing to realize as well is when you get the upgrade, your one shot auto focus gets way faster. Thats what we use alot out doors because the EVF is a complete pile of ... well crap when outside, but not a huge deal because we use the ninja. But also think of that one shot as well because it can help nail focus when needed. IMO... but I am a newbie :)
 
Just found this on Vimeo and although my camera is already on its way back from the upgrade, this might convince some more of the DAF:
The shooter Dean Sherwood states:"Canon C100 with the Dual Pixel Auto Focus upgrade, probably used it about 90% of the time including reframing after the DAF focused."
Not saying I like everything about this video, but I definitely find myself more and more in situations like this.
All in all Dean made the C100 shine!

I use AF when taking stills, locking focus and reframing should already be second nature to a lot of people.
Looking forward to use it in video, as yet another tool to improve my shooting (just like focus magnification, zebras, waveforms, levels...).
 
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