Correctly focusing the DVX100A?

rocketguy2

rocketguy2

Well-known member
Still getting the hang of all the bells and whistles on my new DVX100A and had a question regarding the correct proceedure for setting manual focus. I've been zooming all the way in to Z99 and holding in the auto focus button until all looks good in the LCD. Is this the correct method here? Also, can someone tell me what the little sliding tab with the infinity symbol below the A/M focus selector is and how to use this correctly? :undecided

Thanks,

Gary
 
That's basically how I focus, except sometimes I focus manually rather than use auto after zooming in. The sliding tab allows a quick setting to infinite focus so if you are focussing on a distant object, this will get you in the ballpark so only a small tweak is needed. You might also consider turning the focus detail on (button right above the scene file selector) when focussing. It adds a bit of edge enhancement in the viewfinder which helps to judge the correct focus setting a little easier.
 
The other thing to do is open up your iris -- the shallower you can get your DOF, the more accurately you can focus. Zoom in, open up, grab focus, stop back down and zoom out.
 
So, Barry, are you saying that even if the shot may be somewhat overexposed, to open the iris up for focusing then stop back down for correct exposure?
 
For the purposes of grabbing correct focus, yes, as long as what you're shooting isn't a blown-out-white mess, you can open up and grab focus. I mean, you don't have to go to extremes, all I'm saying is that the more open the iris is, the narrower the depth of field, which will make it easier for you to nail the exact focus point.
 
Usually I'll pop in the ND filter if just opening up the iris makes the image too overexposed to get proper focus. You just have to remember to restore your ND and iris settings before shooting!
 
I think there's some misunderstanding going on here.

Rocketguy2 : Barry saying to open up the iris to focus doesn't mean change your exposure for shooting. It's just that opening the iris makes the depth-of-field shallower...so when you focus, you're actually focusing on the subject, not just including it because it fell with the in-focus area (the depth of field).

After you've focused to your satisfaction, put all the settings back the way they are supposed to be.

Dan
 
also, it may not be needed to open up the iris... just use your own eye to judge that. you do not have to do that each time.. its justa tip in case you cant get good gritical focus ont he exposure you are at...

my apologies if i am confusing you but that point needs to be made clear also... trust your own eye...
 
Thanks to all for some very helpful info. Between these forums and the DVX Book, the learning process is not only faster, it's a blast!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top