Autofocus in 24/30p better than on DVX100A?

[monster]

Does the XL1 auto focus just as well in progressive or is it like the DVX and only has focus assist?

Also, why is it that the DVX100A does not have good autofocus in progressive?

[Guest]

Someone answer this mans question. Cause I am curious as well.

Some would say, Auto focus is for amitures. In my opinion this was a brillant move by panasonic in forceing us all to focus manualy. In a way, it actually produces an element that is a part of the "film look". To add to that, the DVX is more of a cinematographers tool/ intended to be used on theatrical projects where you are in complete control of the image. (As oppposed to run and gun live video).

[Policar]

Well then, why didn't panasonic include a LANC port or at least some way of doing follow focus without a hugely expensive and convoluted device?

The truth of the matter is that a lot of steadicam shots would be made much easier with autofocus, as would some simple jib shots. The results wouldn't be perfect every time, but autofocus is better than no autofocus.

Then again, who am I kidding? Everything's in focus if you stop down the aperature a bit and don't zoom...

[Mike_Donis]

I've done several shorts with the DVX and not once have I cared to have autofocus. It has never been switched on, ever, and I've never cared :D

[Barry_Green]

I would much rather have autofocus available than not. Autofocus can be a handy tool (which is why SLR cameras are now offering it) or it can be an amateurish footage-ruiner... but it's better to have it than not. For dramatic production it may not be necessary, but if you're shooting in circumstances where it's simply not practical to manual focus, AF can be quite handy.

[Barry_Green]

As I understand, the XL1's autofocus system doesn't change when shooting in "frame mode", because it's not really progressive scan. The CCD is still running at 60 fields per second in frame mode... think of "frame mode" as sort of in-camera de-interlacing.

As for the XL2, it's not out yet, so we can't report on the performance of autofocus in 24P mode. Some people have reviewed it, but I don't know of anyone who still has one. In any case, they're looking at pre-production models... no production models have been released yet.

[disjecta]

I have used auto-focus many times, particulary if I'm tracking a flock of birds flying. It's almost impossible to focus manually for something like that.

[Kidster]

I use it too when trying to shoot a flying golf ball in the air and follow it to the green.