Upgrade to PDAF for Best Auto-Focus Experience!
Tak Iizuka, Chief Solution Architect
PDAF (Phase-Detection Auto Focus) is a well-known technology for quick and accurate autofocus
However, do you know how good it is compared to the same sensor without PDAF?
Contrast based Autofocus
The most standard method for autofocus is Contrast based autofocus. By moving the lens back and forth, you can find the right focus. This is basically the same way when you operate a vintage camera (with no USB, no battery). Instead of using your eye to indicate the correct focus, Contrast based autofocus detects the correct focus by analyzing the edges of the objects captured by the sensor, programed by the ISP (Image Signal Processor).
Here is a video where we use Sony’s IMX258, 13Mp PDAF sensor disabling the PDAF capability and running Contrast based autofocus. You can tell that the lens is moving until it finds the right focus, this can be time consuming and somewhat irritating, even resulting in “tired eyes.”
Phase-Detection Autofocus
If you found the Contrast based Autofocus unsatisfying, I am sure you will love Phase-Detection Autofocus (PDAF). PDAF technology gives the right focus by using data provided by pixels on the sensor dedicated to this function. The ISP then processes this algorithm and manages the lens position so that you can get the right focus right away.
Would you like to test this yourself?
Our new camera kits have the same Sony IMX258 PDAF sensor along with well-calibrated PDAF capability and fully-tuned image quality. Please access these kits’ pages for further information. Here is the video!