Why is the autofocus so terrible on HVX? Is a fix possible through firmware upgrade?

[Happy Hopping]

As far as I know the only camera that does well in AF in 24p mode is the Canon A1/G1 in their 24f mode. This is because the autofocus IR sensor is located on the side of the lens and is independent of the frame rate. Of course that also means you have to be careful about blocking the sensor if you are using a mattebox and want to use AF.

Set aside the $$$, is there any other brand name or model that is better? Because the A1/G1 is only 1440x1080, and it's tape, so I like chip and 19x12 much better.

Also, are you saying this is a design issue? that is, Canon can do something that Panasonic and Sony can't do?

 

[Happy Hopping]

Another is to use one of the external follow focus devices (I use the FOXY - stupid name but good product - Bogen makes one too). This gives you a large knob which you can mount anywhere, like mini-rods or handgrip. The focus and iris are locked in electronically, so you can actually mark a permanent focus scale on the unit (taking measurements with a tape measure) and refer to it visually to estimate distances.

is there a photo for the above explanation?

 

[Happy Hopping]

It is weak for FAST stuff but overall I still give it a 9 out of 10. I love it, great camera, didn't know this until after I made a big investment and wish someone whou had of givin me a heads up. Not trying to bash it just maybe improve it for my situation.

good thing I didn't buy it yet and doing my homework. So what is a good digital camcorder, with chip as storage that is good for objects moving? Don't tell me that Canon A1/G1 is the only one

 

[hennbot]

Not to flip here, but auto anything is a no-no in a professional situation, and the HVX is designed to be a professional camera. I agree with the post that said that this feature is a bonus. Practice with it, get used to gauging distances, there's your firmware upgrade for you! When I shoot handheld I try and stay wide and walk in to the subject, I also avoid shooting wide open in tough focus situations. And any client who demands footage 100% in focus while shooting handheld with this camera should be handed the camera and asked to give it a shot.

 

[pmark23]

Heh? What kind of fast stuff do you shoot and you are hired, if 25% of your footage is in focus for my project I'll pay you double. If not you work for free, fair? We shoot in 1080.

You can find plenty of operators who can focus on the fly. As I said, the only reason I can do it is because I was originally taught to turn off anything that's automatic, and have done that ever since ('82 or so).

I'm not some hot-shot DP -- I'm just some guy who uses video cameras in his line of work. If I can do it anyone can!

 

[ChipG]

I don't think you understand how FAST paced my stuff is and no the stock lcd is not sufficient for focusing in 1080, when the light gets low even worse... I'm a pro shooter and have had my footage air on a few large networks and around the world. I know what I'm talking about. Auto focus sucks on an hvx for FAST action reality type stuff.