HPX172 Is there any problems with auto focus speed btween 1080 50i and 25P

[ozfish]

Hi all,
I have just purchased the HPX 172 PAL version and wanted to know if there is any speed difference between 50interlaced and 25 progressive re auto focus. On my old DVX100 I used to shoot my action shots ( Fishing related DVD's) in 50I and my scenery shots in 25P due to the speed at which the auto focus worked in the two formats.
Does this still apply for the new camera, my hope is no, so that I can leave in 25P.
I know most of you probably dont like auto focus but in small boats and being a one man band and with fish not being actors, it is the only way I can get the shot.
Regards
Ozfish

[Barry_Green]

Yes, 50i will have much more responsive autofocus than 25p will.

[ozfish]

Thanks Barry I thought that might be the case. Any suggestions on using autofocus,most of my filming is done from small boats and I sometimes have to use my fishing buddies as camera men. I need a simple set of rules to help them help me, ie pick a spot on a face , eyes etc, Count to 20, dont move or use zoom, reposition before the next shot.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Regards