peaking function

[Mirezzi]

Can somebody give me a quick primer on how the peaking function works on the A1?

For instance, if you're in "macro" mode trying to shoot something very close (like the Parrot in Sacksnack's footage), what is done to accomplish consistent focus?

Like if the subject moves an inch and you'd ordinarily lose focus, how does peaking prevent that?

 

[Elton]

Peaking basically creates a harsh, ringing outline around and within objects in focus. It's obvious when you play around with it for the very first time.

 

[Mirezzi]

Yeah, I've used peaking in a PD570 before, but does it work any differently in the A1?

I mean, it doesn't keep things in focus, does it?

 

[Barry_Green]

No, it doesn't affect the image at all. It just shows up on your LCD to tell you what is in sharp focus.

 

[moldcad]

Mirezzi, while the basics of the peaking function on the A1 is exactly the same as with other cameras, I must say it is not as effective and ergonomical as on Sony (eg. FX1/Z1, FX7/V1 or even the tiny HC1/A1). The reason is that it can not be customized - only white, and just one intensity level. On the Sony, you can configure it to be red or yellow, which is very distinctive especially when you set your LCD/VF to black&white.

 

[Huy Vu]

I noticed actually that the peaking on the A1 is a lot more "visible" than the FX1. On the FX1 it was a rather subtle effect that requires a sharp eye to notice while the lines stand out clearly on the A1.

 

[BARYE]

Mirezzi, while the basics of the peaking function on the A1 is exactly the same as with other cameras, I must say it is not as effective and ergonomical as on Sony (eg. FX1/Z1, FX7/V1 or even the tiny HC1/A1). The reason is that it can not be customized - only white, and just one intensity level. On the Sony, you can configure it to be red or yellow, which is very distinctive especially when you set your LCD/VF to black&white.

is it too much to hope that a camera with ten quadrillion controls for colors, detail, knee, core etc. etc. -- (most of which I'm clueless about) -- can also have a few customizations available to control those tools that help me get a well focused image ??

In software it would have been easy to customize and enhance peaking the way you described -- (the way that Sony already does it).

How hard would it have been to enable through software the on fly momentary activation of a 4x focus assist ?? (instead of it only being activatable when the tape is not rolling.)