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smelni
06-26-2007, 06:36 AM
I have been testing the new focus assists on my new HPX500 - I understand how it works conceptually - the more the graph moves to the right the more you are in focus. However, since it is not positionally related sometimes it can be misleading.

Lets say you have objects in the frame at 10 feet, 11 feet and 12 feet. How do you know when you are focused on the one you want. the system only tells you that you are IN focus but not on WHAT which can cause mistakes in a rushed situation. It would seem better if the chart moved up in the relative position of the objects on the screen.

I would like more insight into how this works to use it more effectively - when you are in focus on a static object on a static camera the graph still moves quite a bit so it would be useful to know exactly what is being measured.

Noel Evans
06-27-2007, 10:13 PM
smelni just like with the HVX, zoom in on only the subject you want to focus on. Get focus then pull back to your desired framing.

The other option, and is my preferred method. Use a tape measure, measure the distance and set your focal distance - this is easy and saves messing around.

Barry_Green
06-28-2007, 05:27 AM
There's not much documentation I've been able to find yet, but it appears to me that the focus assist is primarily concerned with the area in the crosshairs (dead center of the screen).

smelni
06-28-2007, 06:57 AM
ncje - thanks for the tips

zooming in of course is still an option but I was hoping the assist would remove that need.

Tape works to a certain degree but my AC and I checked it with the fuji lens and it appears that the focal plane to measure from is different at different focal lengths so that is not precise. My AC is zen with pulling so she can adjust but its certainly not accurate

barry - agreed - i have search high and low - but I will test that crosshair theory today