828 Auto Focusing Under Low Light

[snowspeeder]

I went to an event last night as I was asked to take some shots. The place was very dimly lit (if you could imagine how dim a candle would lit a room). Under these conditions, my 828 had severe difficulties (almost impossible) attempting to lock on the subjects. Images that came out were a little blurry. As I was also using the F32X, finally decided to use the hologram to help lock on the subject, even that proved to be no easy task. It was quite a disaster.

[rexus]

Under low light condition, it is required some form of light, so that the camera can use the contrast to determine the focus. Thus a hologram or preflash is required. Else u can try manual focus which is not an easy task.

[snowspeeder]

Originally Posted by rexus Under low light condition, it is required some form of light, so that the camera can use the contrast to determine the focus. Thus a hologram or preflash is required. Else u can try manual focus which is not an easy task.

From what I know, the preflash does help in the flash exposure, but does it assist the camera to get a lock on the subject? Tried manual, not good for me cos i'm myopic.

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

nightshot mode? using the ir to focus den shoot as per normal. i forget the exact term but its there, 1 is to shoot in green, another is view in green den u shoot with flash. its for for focusing...

the F32x gave this super big circle of red focusing light... like flooding...

[snowspeeder]

Indeed, I should have thought of using the nightframe mode to shoot with flash. But not sure if that works with the F32X or does it have to rely on the built-in flash?

[King Tiger]

Try using Night Framing.
I think shooting at almost zero lighting condition and it works well.

[art2d2]

The hologram works 90% of the time for me, but when I do event coverage, its a no-no. So boh-pian I have to use Auto A pre-flash on my F32X. And that drains battery like mad. haha.

[snowspeeder]

Just did some tests last night under dark conditions in my room. No hologram was used in this case, as in covering actual events, the use of holograms is quite unacceptable.

When the room is very dimly lit, I tried focusing on a black object (my scv cable box). Evidently, the focus lock cannot be obtained. So I attempted the following:

a) Using the Auto A mode flash. This resulted in a blurr image, lacking in sharpness.
b) Tried using manul flash, similar results.
c) Used the Nightframe mode. It took about 2 seconds to lock on the subject and most of the time the image is sharp.

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

Originally Posted by snowspeeder Just did some tests last night under dark conditions in my room. No hologram was used in this case, as in covering actual events, the use of holograms is quite unacceptable. When the room is very dimly lit, I tried focusing on a black object (my scv cable box). Evidently, the focus lock cannot be obtained. So I attempted the following: a) Using the Auto A mode flash. This resulted in a blurr image, lacking in sharpness. b) Tried using manul flash, similar results. c) Used the Nightframe mode. It took about 2 seconds to lock on the subject and most of the time the image is sharp.

i wonder which 1 use up more power... nightframe or the auto A... cos IF i were to take those wedding shots, den i have the IRM, den i just hook it by the side, den use F32x (do i need auto A or do i use something else here? wat did u use when u use nightframe??) den overall power would be draining on the sony battery rite. but since i have IRM, den it provided more 'light' den faster focus hence less power used by the sony IR, best of all, no red light on subject making them uncomfortable... only bad thing is the setup is very heavy... and that piece of aluminium actually cuts & scratches...

who getting married soon?

[snowspeeder]

Originally Posted by Del_CtrlnoAlt i wonder which 1 use up more power... nightframe or the auto A... cos IF i were to take those wedding shots, den i have the IRM, den i just hook it by the side, den use F32x (do i need auto A or do i use something else here? wat did u use when u use nightframe??) den overall power would be draining on the sony battery rite. but since i have IRM, den it provided more 'light' den faster focus hence less power used by the sony IR, best of all, no red light on subject making them uncomfortable... only bad thing is the setup is very heavy... and that piece of aluminium actually cuts & scratches... who getting married soon?

What's an IRM? Don't think I've seen one before.

The nightframe mode is more appropriate for very badly lit places. Don't think you'll need it for wedding shots, unless during the bride and groom's march into the hotel ballroom, some hotels like to really dim down the lights thus making focusing a difficult task. As for battery consumption between the nigthframe mode and the auto A mode, i got a feeling it will take up more on the F32X batteries than on the 828 battery (as the latter is quite energy efficient). In either case, best to bring loads of battery ammunition for wedding days.

For my next wedding assignment, the quantity of batteries I would need would be:
a) For the F32X -- 5 sets of rechargeables + 2 sets (min) of alkaline titaniums
b) For the 828 -- 3 sets (1 original sony & 2 compatibles which are just as good or better)

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

your wedding assignment hor, is paid or u help fren? can i join if i am free? cos i dun have much exposure on this kind... sounds like fun to me... anyway i take the pics den i won't post, neither will i give them, mayb some really nice 1 i give to them...

[snowspeeder]

Originally Posted by Del_CtrlnoAlt your wedding assignment hor, is paid or u help fren? can i join if i am free? cos i dun have much exposure on this kind... sounds like fun to me... anyway i take the pics den i won't post, neither will i give them, mayb some really nice 1 i give to them...

The variety of assignments are paid ones -- weddings, birthdays, corporate events, etc. If you interested, I can rope you in next time. Basically the pics that I take are quite moderate, nothing really pro. But its the method which I present them that can allow me to get the assignments.

This evening I'll be helping a business friend provide photo coverage for her business clients and friends. Instead of charging, I manged to get her to barter with me a couple of boxes of business cards (including design).