HPX250: auto focus

Go people ! Stop using auto focus on 1/3 inch sensors camera ! especially on cameras like this one. I have one hpx 250, 2 DVX, never use auto focus. We got meters, peaking and..... fingers that can easily reach the focus ring and turn it about one, no... maybe a half inch to achieve focus on any part of the frame. Just pick any dof calculator and pick the numbers, even below f/4 your focus area is very comfortable, even zoomed, we have a very good EVF with peaking on this cam.
YES HPX's auto focus is crappy ! ( firmware have been uprgaded, but in vain, ) ..But suppose i knew it before i spend 5700$, ( no in fact 5700€ i'm a happy european customer with taxes ! ) on this camera, i would have bought it a second time.

PS : Love the way pana go with the 3 rings on their new model, that's why, when i teach a student on this cams, i say : "Three rings, three fingers and if you ask me where is the auto-this or auto-that button, i slap you in your auto-face !:grin::grin: "

Cheers
 
I couldnt watch your video because of where I am at, but in a short answer YES the auto focus will get bored and start hunting if you are fixed on the same thing for awhile. To help make sure you have the focus assistant turned off, this will help allot. Make sure you have the latest firmware for focus in RED. If you turn you lcd to B&W and turn focus in red on, you can see exactly what you have in focus. So if you are doing run and gun use auto focus as long as your y-get is above 60 it will lock well, but it will get bored if you dont change location and start hunting after some time. Great camera but the auto focus could be much better, as long as you know what will happen you can adjust before it will happen.
 
Yes the AF hunts like crazy and is totally unreliable. I activated the focus distance in meters and centimeters in the display, use focus in red when its critical and only use manual focus.
I can only second inefab´s comment.
 
After using the HPX250 on a typical ENG tripod, I'd say the autofocus is quite helpful since all of the op's fingers are tied. Unfortunately the zoom rocker on the HPX250 is located way back on the focus, iris and manual zoom. It's extremely difficult to perform focus and iris on the 3 ring lens and simultaneously zoom in-out w/ out some kind of zoom controller. This is perhaps the biggest weakness of the HPX250 and/or small form factor camera in general. Great for single hand held on the right hand. But when it's on a tripod, typical ENG/EFP lens like on the HPX-370 and above is far better suitable doing servo zoom and tracking type of shot.

On a regular ENG/EFP lens fr Fujion or Canon, the zoom rocker, focus and iris are all conveniently located within the cam op's left hand and fingers. Without a need for a zoom controller (although it doesn't hurt to have it), any cam op can capture fairly smooth tracking zoom in-out, focus and iris all at once. But on the HPX-250 and other 1/3" class of camera, the zoom rocker is way too far back from the focus and iris. The op has to use the right hand to do zoom in/out. But doing so impairs the ability to properly pan or tilt the camera. This can be remedied by a zoom controller on the pan tilt handle of the tripod for the HPX-250 or other similar class of cam.
 
Last edited:
lonewolf2koc@hotmail.com said:
After using the HPX250 on a typical ENG tripod, I'd say the autofocus is quite helpful since all of the op's fingers are tied. Unfortunately the zoom rocker on the HPX250 is located way back on the focus, iris and manual zoom. It's extremely difficult to perform focus and iris on the 3 ring lens and simultaneously zoom in-out w/ out some kind of zoom controller. This is perhaps the biggest weakness of the HPX250 and/or small form factor camera in general. Great for single hand held on the right hand. But when it's on a tripod, typical ENG/EFP lens like on the HPX-370 and above is far better suitable doing servo zoom and tracking type of shot.

On a regular ENG/EFP lens fr Fujion or Canon, the zoom rocker, focus and iris are all conveniently located within the cam op's left hand and fingers. Without a need for a zoom controller (although it doesn't hurt to have it), any cam op can capture fairly smooth tracking zoom in-out, focus and iris all at once. But on the HPX-250 and other 1/3" class of camera, the zoom rocker is way too far back from the focus and iris. The op has to use the right hand to do zoom in/out. But doing so impairs the ability to properly pan or tilt the camera. This can be remedied by a zoom controller on the pan tilt handle of the tripod for the HPX-250 or other similar class of cam.
Click to expand...

I had the opposite experience. While I love the image of the HPX370, I hated actually working with it. It was difficult for me to operate it. I typically use my right hand for servo zoom and my left for manual focus and iris. The HPX370 body is so long that I have difficulty getting my right hand in the servo zoom and my right eye in the viewfinder ( I don't like operating from the LCD which I am guessing is how you operate). For me, it was very uncomfortable to operate. While on the HPX250, it's a dream to operate this way. I can't imagine operating a servo zoom wwhile at the same time racking focus and adjusting iris while panning all with the left hand. If I had an HPX370 I would definitely use a remote zoom, iris and focus controller. It's the only way I could operate an HPX370. It comes down to personal preferences and how you learned to shoot as to which camera is best for an individual operator.
 
I'm coming fr the 2/3" world and trying adapt w/ the HPX250. From what you're saying, it appears that you can't use the tripod right pan handle at all and pretty much pan or tilt by moving the entire HPX250's body. I can visualize this already... It is quite feasible as the right hand can be used to to pan or tilt and the left hand is more on the focus and iris. The right hand is firmly gripping on the zoom rocker.. I have tried this on a monopod and it's a breeze. But on a tripod w/ right pan handle gets in the way.

Trying to to all 3 things w/ the Canon/Fujinon lens is a matter of adaptation and preference. For most ENG shoots where I can't bring a zoom controller, doing it all at one w/ the zoom/focus/iris on the lens is quite easy for both hand held and tripod mode.
 
I also come for 2/3-inch camera background, but have adapted to smaller cameras several years ago. I do use the right tripod arm, but I use it under my right arm and use it and my body to help with panning. I know it sounds wierd, but it works for me. I think that's why it's so important to rent or get a loaner before you buy a new camera. If you are not comfortable operating the camera, you are not going to do good work. It's so nice that Panasonic designed two cameras that are so similar picture wise, but yet so different physically.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top