Autofocus
With no mirror-reflex mechanism, the P10 relies on contrast-detection AF. In most conditions the P10’s lens focuses quickly, but it does struggle a little in low light, hunting back and forth once or twice before detecting the highest point of contrast. In such situations the camera’s built-in green AF-assist LED illuminates the scene, helping the camera to focus.
When the lens is set to the 300mm focal length, the maximum aperture becomes f/5.6, which again seems to slow the AF down slightly compared to when it is at is widest setting.
The focusing of the P10 camera module is comparable to high-end compact cameras such as the Canon PowerShot G11 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ series. Focusing is more than quick enough for holiday photographs and social occasions. For even more precise focusing manual focus mode is available, although it is awkward to use.
