G1 vs Hexar: AF

[msbarnes]

OK so I have a hexar AF. I like it a lot, but I prefer 45mm/50mm. I wouldn't sell the Hexar but I'm thinking of adding a G1+45mm combo. I know that the G2 is a better spec'd camera than the G1 and that there are many comparisons between the G1/G2 vs the Hexar AF.

Regarding the AF accuracy, specifically, how do they compare?

My Hexar has never let me down so I do not expect or care for anything better. I shoot a lot in low light. ISO 1600 f2 @ 1/15-1/30s often.

 

[matt_mcg2]

I had both at the same time for a while. I no longer have the G1, which tells you which I preferred. That said, I really liked the 45mm lens, and much of the handling of the camera.

However, the autofocus is slower than the Hexar, and it's surprisingly noisy. Much noisier than a modern SLR autofocus lens. Similar to some older (late 80s/early 90s) 3rd party autofocus lenses I've tried. If you are shooting in low light, it's not great. The G2, I believe, uses an IR illuminator which isn't visible to the naked eye, but the G1 does not. In my experience, also, the focus sometimes missed. More often than the Hexar, definitely. Usually you can tell, though, before you shoot.

 

[splitimageview]

G1 and G2 are very similar in accuracy, *IF* you know what the camera is looking for when focusing. If you educate yourself on how the system works, you'll get good results. If you don't, you may be disappointed. 🙁 The G2 is in theory better in lower light due to the dual AF system, up to a certain distance, not to say the G1 isn't capable, if there is enough light to shoot.

 

[daniel~]

When it comes to autofocus, Contax G2 is slightly(but noticeably) faster than G1, and yet my Hexar is still the winner. So if you care a lot about AF performance, it should be easy to make your choice. I like G1 a lot that I got two of these, but its AF is just not that great.

On the other hand, I really love the "precision" feedback of the shutter button on G1/G2. With these I can shoot at even slower shutter speed than with Hexar, in low light.