auto focus on dvx100b vs.dvx100a

S

sean90291

Veteran
I bought a dvx100A about 4 weeks ago. And I find that changing focus shakes the camera a bit. Note that I am using a crappy tripod, and I'm probably not very good at it yet. But I've also just discovered that the new dvx100B, which is about to be released, has an auto-focus! Ugh! I'm realizing perhaps I should have waited (if I'd only known). But given that I have the dvx100A, what is the best way to do rack focus / focus changes on the dvx100A? Is there a way to simulate the auto-focus of the 100B with any add-ons?

Thanks!
 
The DVX100A and DVX100B are identical, as regards focus and autofocus.

The DVX100B adds a jack for a remote focus controller, yes; but as far as focus and autofocus they're the same. Rack focusing is easier and more precise on the DVX than on any other camera in its price class. If you're having trouble with bumping the camera etc., I'd say the tripod is more at fault; with a decent tripod you can easily execute glass-smooth rack focus on a DVX100A.
 
sean90291 said:
Is there a way to simulate the auto-focus...
Click to expand...

Just frame up, roll tape, then slowly rock the focus back and forth while you are shooting. :thumbsup:
Go just far enough in one direction to soften the picture, then quickly snap back to sharp and keep going slowly in the other direction untill it's soft again, then snap back to sharp and repeat untill you are done with the take.
Watch the footage to make sure you went blurry at least every 3 secs, then shoot again and adjust accordingly. Once you get the pace down, repeat for all the takes of the day.
If all goes well, you can present your footage to the director/producer/client and sugest they increase your budget so you can hire a camera asistant with a follow-focus to do the rocking. It will be easer for you.

With a bit of practice anyone can successfully simulate auto focus.

- Mikko
 
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