GH2 touch screen AF (superzoom example)

I've previously tested the touch screen AF of the GH2, using the 45mm macro lens.

Here's another example using the touch screen AF with the Lumix G HD 14-140mm superzoom lens. The lens was set to 100mm focal length.



As you can see, the response is still somewhat slow, but the actual focus action of the lens is faster than when using the Lumix Leica 45mm f/2.8 macro lens.

I'm using the A mode on the mode dial. Using the iA mode typically gives me the focus tracking mode, in which the response time from touching the screen until the focus changes is a bit shorter.

When using the shutter button to trigger focus, the focus is very responsive, just like in my study of the GH2 autofocus speed.

When recording videos, you can change the focus areas using the touch screen as well. The response and speed is similar to this example.

I have also made an analysis of the focus speed of the GH2 for a number of lenses, and compared with GH1 for some of them.

GH2 touch screen AF (macro example)

One of the new features of the G2/GH2, is touch screen LCD. Some fans have been negative about this feature, since they are afraid of losing the hard buttons on the camera body. It turns out that the touch LCD is an additional feature, and that it does not replace any hard button functions. So those who dislike a touch screen can ignore it, without losing any vital functionality.

One application where the touch screen makes some sense, is macro photo. It is rather quick to move the focus point around in the frame. Here is an example usage, with the Panasonic Leica 45mm f/2.8 lens:



You can doubleclick on the video to be able to view it in other sizes.

As you see, the response is not very quick. It takes a moment from changing the focus point until the camera actually starts changing the focus.

I'm using the A mode on the mode dial. Using the iA mode typically gives me the focus tracking mode, in which the response from touching until the focus changes is a bit faster.  So if you want the focus response to be quicker, set the dial to iA.

In the video, I am sliding my finger over the screen now and then.  This is not necessary. You can just point where you want the focus point.  My sliding finger action is probably something I've learned from using an Iphone.

This can also be done during video recording. The response speed is the same, as far as I can tell, during video recording.

Of course, the PL45 lens is not the quickest around in terms of autofocus. Using a quicker lens will make the response quicker as well.

I have also made an analysis of the focus speed of the GH2 for a number of lenses, and compared with GH1 for some of them.