enable contrast detection autofocus in slt camera

[pallario]

I just want to know if is possible enable a contrast detection autofocus (as in nex camera) in my slt a33

I need this for astrophotography

thank you very much

[blaireau_photo]

Hello mariettopallaro - Welcome to the Sony Forums

I am currently discussing your question with a contact of mine and I will let you know as soon as I have a little more information.

Thanks,

Simon

[pallario]

thank you..

[Mick2011 · Accepted solution]

Hi

The a580 allows you to switch between phase- and contrast-detect focussing, but I'm really not sure the a33 does

Is there a particular technique you wanted to use contrast-detect focussing with? Normally the best method is to switch AF off altogether and manually focus: with the a33 you can 'zoom focus', using the LCD display to live-view a very small, digitally-zoomed sector of the image plane, which you then use to attain critical (manual) focus.

This makes the a33 very useful for a number astro-photography applications, but I'm not clear how you would make use of auto-focussing, esecially if using a T-adaptor or similar. I'd be happy to help if you want to explain a little about what you're trying to achieve.

Cheers

Mick

[pallario]

thanks for your answer..

it's not so easy to catch the focus using manual focus.. sometimes you have to try many times

and with the long exposure you waste a lot of time because with a little loss of sharpness your photo is useless

I like slt cameras and I will buy  the slt a77 but I am sure that a contrast detection autofocus would be very useful

for astrophotography I use a sal 70300g

Message was edited by: mariettopallaro

[pallario]

news?

[blaireau_photo]

Hello again

If you take a look at Mick2011's reply above, is there any further information that you need?

Thanks,

Simon

[Mick2011]

All I can really add is a confirmation that contrast-detect AF is not available on the a77; it is possible on the a580 and higher-specced bodies, however.

Cheers

Mick

[pallario]

can I hope that it will enable in the next firmware update?

[Mick2011]

It's unlikely, basically because Sony have decided not to implement contrast-detect AF capability at this level in the range.

If you're prepared to move to a new camera to get contrast detect AF, have you considered the NEX bodies?

Cheers

Mick