How hard is it to focus with stock LCD?

E

Evan Sherlock

Member
Since I am going to be making the jump to HD, how hard is it to focus with the stock LCD thats attached to the hvx. Is it easier to look through the viewfinder? Or should I just buy an external monitor? I'm low on cash, so I am not sure about an external monitor at this point. Any info would be great!
 
FInding focus on the HVX was one of my greatest reservations about buying the camera- all for not.

Switch the viewfinder to b&w, turn VF detail on , and use the focus distance scale in the VF (handy tool) and your are good to go. The VF has a bit more rez than the LCD, but the LCD is usable as well. Of course, after a 12 hour day of shooting, the external monitor becomes a bit more neccesary for my middle aged eyes ;-).

I use a field monitor for appropriate situations, but you can focus without it ,no problem. You didn't provide a context for your concerns about focusing- run and gun, sit down interviews ...?
 
I had focusing problems until I started using focus assist on a regular basis. I use the
viewfinder more often than the LCD, but LCD is OK if focus assist is on. It is your number one tool for good focus. Only works in HD though.
 
Evan,

You can focus off of the HVX's LCD very accurately once you get the hang of it.

I have a Marshall monitor that basically sits in its box because I really don't need it for most situations out in the field.

Turn on your edge detail and your focus assist, and rock your focus back and forth and you can easily tell when your focus is right on.

For me that works in most situations. Only when there's not an edge to focus on do I run into issues or objects that are moving to fast for me to be able to lock on focus.
 
Thanks for the link Barry, and thanks for all your replies and tips. I'm mainly doing interviews, so most of the subects will simply just be sitting in a chair in front of the camera. Thanks again.
 
Evan, I always suggest a monitor, but understand it's not always an option.
If you're tight on money I'd suggest holding off on buying a cheap monitor. You won't benefit much. Wait until you can get a decent one. Probably in the $1,500 and up range.
The LCD works fine as long as you can rack focus to hit the middle. For live rock and roll shooting the viewfinder would be best.
For shooting people on chairs, the LCD will be perfect. :thumbup:
 
Awesome, sounds good. I have been looking at external monitors just to get a feel for price and reliability and so far from looking on the forum, it seems that a lot of people use Marshall monitors.
 
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