Author Topic: PEN EP3 focusing system (Read 4128 times)

lisandra · « **on:** June 29, 2011, 02:28:19 PM »

its based on infra red. If I understood it right, the af assist lamp is also IR

How it works:
“(1) TruPict VI consists of two cores. “Left brain” is for image processor, “Right brain” is for focus processor.
(2) The new Focus Processor:
a. During focus attempt, image is recorded once and stored in “buffer memory”.
b. Focus prediction will be calculated based on reading in two channels: in visible band (“G” of the R-G-IR-B) and IR band (“IR” of the R-G-IR-B)
c. Predictive focus is opted and sends message where the focus drive should move.
(3) Tweaked sensor: Olympus adds IR channel onto Green channel in R-G-G-B sensor (making it into R-G-IR-B). The tweaked channel occupy some area at the focus points.
(4) Microlens design: IR band should not be filtered.
(5) New lens: Coating should allow IR band to enter the sensor. Previously, Olympus patented special glass (in 2002) and coating (in 2008) to block IR band completely.

tamoio · « **Reply #1 on:** June 29, 2011, 03:07:03 PM »

This is all starting to sound pretty interesting.

I can't wait to see some samples from the new sensor and the new lenses.

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #2 on:** June 29, 2011, 03:08:31 PM »

So, older lenses will just use the "Green" to focus, and newer lenses will allow "Green/IR" to be used for focus?
Is that during daylight focus where the IR allowed through the lens is also used?

This is very interesting...
some of our Lens/Tech members can answer this maybe..

popo · « **Reply #3 on:** June 30, 2011, 08:56:08 AM »

This was very interesting yesterday, but based on the reports now everything is official it sounds like Olympus did not use this system. They just did a Panasonic and turned up the sampling rate and other software tweaks to make things faster.

mhobart · « **Reply #4 on:** June 30, 2011, 09:36:47 AM »

Robin Wong has posted a "hands on" user review with many sample photos using the E-P3 and the 12mm f2 lens at her blog.

http://robinwong.blogspot.com/

rogerml · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2011, 11:16:40 AM »

Thanks for posting the link to 'robinwong.blogspot', mhobart. Great blog, btw! Oly's 12/2.0 surely looks a '#1-glass'. Question is: How much does it need the coop from the E-P3, though? (Don't see me in for that one, - awaiting the 'E-Px Pro.

Smeghead · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2011, 11:46:58 AM »

Hmm...so will the AF assist lamp work with the previous M4/3 lenses? Or only the newest generation?

voyager · « **Reply #7 on:** July 03, 2011, 03:27:27 PM »

Someone needs to invite Robin Wong to the forum.

lisandra · « **Reply #8 on:** July 03, 2011, 05:16:40 PM »

Quote from: Smeghead on June 30, 2011, 11:46:58 AM

Hmm...so will the AF assist lamp work with the previous M4/3 lenses? Or only the newest generation?

it will

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #9 on:** July 03, 2011, 05:43:08 PM »

Quote from: voyager on July 03, 2011, 03:27:27 PM

Someone needs to invite Robin Wong to the forum.

Done! She has a great blog on Olympus stuff...

count_zero · « **Reply #10 on:** July 03, 2011, 06:49:33 PM »

Interesting to hear that the black out time is greatly reduced. It sounds like there still is some black out, but not as bad as before. I wonder if it runs into the rolling shutter problem now when shooting video.

adash · « **Reply #11 on:** July 03, 2011, 08:39:29 PM »

Quote

b. Focus prediction will be calculated based on reading in two channels: in visible band (“G” of the R-G-IR-B) and IR band (“IR” of the R-G-IR-B)

Say a warm welcome to front- and back-focus!
No, really, is there a way to revert back to visible light only focusing? IR has a different focal point than visible, you know.....

popo · « **Reply #12 on:** July 03, 2011, 10:41:09 PM »

Quote from: adash on July 03, 2011, 08:39:29 PM

Quote
b. Focus prediction will be calculated based on reading in two channels: in visible band (“G” of the R-G-IR-B) and IR band (“IR” of the R-G-IR-B)
Say a warm welcome to front- and back-focus!
No, really, is there a way to revert back to visible light only focusing? IR has a different focal point than visible, you know.....

You've missed the point. The green light is still used for focus, with the IR used in addition to that. Exactly because they have difference focus points you get two different focus readings from G and IR. Depending on how out of focus each channel is, you have an indication of which direction you're out as well as how much. Eventually the green channel would still be used for fine tuning. The IR just helps it get there faster.

adash · « **Reply #13 on:** July 03, 2011, 11:03:38 PM »

Quote

Depending on how out of focus each channel is, you have an indication of which direction you're out as well as how much.

If executed correctly, this is like how PD works in SLR cameras!

Quote

Eventually the green channel would still be used for fine tuning. The IR just helps it get there faster.

I hope you're right!

cosinaphile · « **Reply #14 on:** July 04, 2011, 12:09:20 AM »

olympus has redeemed itself in the focus speed arena

who would have guessed they would leap ahead of panasonics snappy focus??

120 time a second af updates to the focus motor? .
...my my

lisandra · « **Reply #15 on:** July 04, 2011, 07:39:10 AM »

Ive seen a couple of videos now, it truly is faster than anything out there, and not just in broad daylight like the GH2, its fast indoors, in the darl you name it

lisandra · « **Reply #16 on:** July 04, 2011, 07:48:04 AM »

considerably faster with the panny pancake


The Phoblographer Tests the Panasonic 20mm F/1.7 on the Olympus EP3

Panther · « **Reply #17 on:** July 04, 2011, 07:54:31 AM »

Quote from: cosinaphile on July 04, 2011, 12:09:20 AM

olympus has redeemed itself in the focus speed arena

who would have guessed they would leap ahead of panasonics snappy focus??

No argument from me here...

However, it's MY OPINION that any future camera releaed (after these new 3) need a drastic sensor overhaul....

cosinaphile · « **Reply #18 on:** July 04, 2011, 10:29:34 AM »

Quote from: Panther on July 04, 2011, 07:54:31 AM

Quote from: cosinaphile on July 04, 2011, 12:09:20 AM
olympus has redeemed itself in the focus speed arena

who would have guessed they would leap ahead of panasonics snappy focus??

No argument from me here...
However, it's MY OPINION that any future camera releaed (after these new 3) need a drastic sensor overhaul....

you are preaching to the converted lol....oly needs a new sensor in the worst way , the ep3 could have been a shatteringly great product with a current generation sensor

im still gonna get one [ and turn down the noise supression for high iso, for gods sake!]

now if the gf pro happens to.............

Panther · « **Reply #19 on:** July 04, 2011, 11:01:12 AM »

Quote from: cosinaphile on July 04, 2011, 10:29:34 AM

the ep3 could have been a shatteringly great product with a current generation sensor

You got that right!
A new sensor couple with the new fast auto-focus would have SHATTERED all competition to include all entry level DSLRs!!!

And the 12 & 45mm would have been the coupe' de gras!

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #20 on:** July 04, 2011, 07:31:43 PM »

Quote from: Panther on July 04, 2011, 11:01:12 AM

Quote from: cosinaphile on July 04, 2011, 10:29:34 AM
the ep3 could have been a shatteringly great product with a current generation sensor

You got that right!
A new sensor couple with the new fast auto-focus would have SHATTERED all competition to include all entry level DSLRs!!!

And the 12 & 45mm would have been the coupe' de gras!

I thought the sensor was new (Err, new to OLY, not Panny)...

But, I think a 3 lens kit E-P3/12-17-45 for $2000.00 might sell a few to the "enthusiast".

Panther · « **Reply #21 on:** July 05, 2011, 06:26:46 PM »

Quote from: M5-User on July 04, 2011, 07:31:43 PM

I thought the sensor was new (Err, new to OLY, not Panny)...

It "newly" tweaked...

ratobuhler · « **Reply #22 on:** July 05, 2011, 07:07:02 PM »

Interesting concept. I once read a paper that suggested that the eye is using the chromatic aberration as clue for focus direction.

Question:Would the IR that is now allowed to reach the sensor not reduce IQ?

popo · « **Reply #23 on:** July 05, 2011, 11:26:20 PM »

The IR would still need to be filtered out of the RGB channels, but this would now instead have to be done at the colour filter level, not a global assembly in front of the whole sensor.

adash · « **Reply #24 on:** July 05, 2011, 11:34:58 PM »

With some of the photodetectors exposed to IR, will it be possible to shoot IR photos with a stock PEN?

Author Topic: PEN EP3 focusing system (Read 4128 times)

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