> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Tom
> DelRosario
> Sent: Friday, August 31, 2001 2:44 PM
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: EOS Elan 7 AF Assist
>
>
> I find it weird that there was a post here that lauded the EOS 5
> for 1EV extra sensitivity over then Elan 7, but then stated they
> wouldn't take low-light photos.
>
> I was trying out my Elan 7 last night. I loaded my 50/1.8 II,
> set the ISO to 100 and used Av mode at f/2.0. At that aperture
> and ISO, EV 1 is 2 seconds. In order to get EV 1 at my house, I
> practically had to shut off every light in my house except for a
> dim light in a separate room. Even in a dimly lit room, the
> meter read � second, equivalent to EV 3.
>
> However, I must say that I was disappointed in the low-light AF
> performance. While it would focus sometimes at EV 1, it was very
> erratic. The AF assist helped in achieving focus much quicker,
> but it was still disappointing.
>
> What was even more disappointing was that the AF assist would
> fire (sometimes) even at EV 6 (1/8 sec, f/2). This was greatly
> surprising to me, as I have often shot at EV 6 with high-speed
> film and no flash, and AF was able to work in those situations.
>
> I would guess that the interior of a Circuit City would probably
> be about EV 6 or 7 or so, so I could see the AF assist firing
> occassionaly. However, with a fast lens, the camera is able to
> focus without the assist (just push the flash down in the
> creative mode). I guess the AF assist just allows it to work faster.
Don't forget, I was using a zoom with a max aperture of f/3.5 or f/4. If I
use my 20-35mm for people shots I would have the same problem. Also, I
wonder if the problem of the excess use of the AF assist is a matter of the
software that determines when to turn it on. Maybe the hardware is more
sensitive but the software gives up too soon. I don't know, but it flickered
all over the place.
> I did rent a 550EX once and I was surprised then at how often the
> EX's IR assist would light up the subject, in light that I didn't
> even consider too dim.
> Sorry to ramble, I don't even really have a point except to say
> that the Elan 7's flash will emit AF assist even in conditions
> which may allow AF without the assist.
Hmm. Maybe a firmware upgrade would be all it takes.
----------------------------------------------
Gerry Palo
Denver, Colorado*
*
****
*******
***********************************************************
* For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see:
* http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm
***********************************************************
