Nikon 1 J3 review – Autofocus
Speed is a key selling point of the Nikon 1 J3, thanks to its powerful Expeed 3A processor. The impressive high-speed continuous burst modes are backed up very well by what is an excellent hybrid AF system, which uses both phase and contrast-detection AF. In good-contrast light, focusing on static subjects is, to the eye, instant. Even in low-contrast light focusing is speedy, although contrast detection appears to be employed because a quick hunt is often required. Most other CSC systems require a longer hunt in such conditions, which can often be unsuccessful, so here the J3 shines.
If you set the camera up to use subject tracking AF for a high-speed scene, such as a runner competing in a race, you can expect most images from a 15fps burst to be in focus on the tracked subject. I would be interested to test the J3 against the Nikon D4 in various action situations to see how it fares.
It is possible to use continuous AF for video capture without it being distracting. A quick snap from one focus point to another is fairly subtle and made without hunting or a loss of focus.
