dvx100p quest about manual mode

[Sunglass]

I have the opportunity to obtain a dvx100p. However, there is something I do not understand about it always being recommended to use the camera in manual mode - especially with regards to focussing.

For example, what I don't understand, is how it is possible to manually keep pace with focussing for an action clip such as featured in this demo of DVX100B scene settings... (btw, warm rust, really nice look I find):

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=FooxyYpKOSw&fmt=6

Surely for action like this - doesn't autofocus have to be used by default.
Which brings me to my second question, which is, does that mean that is such a shoot not possible with the DVX100p in 24p, being that it has no autofocus in that mode.

Thanks,
sunglass

 

[jambredz]

i got my 100b in december and from then i've probably put it in auto focus mode 2wice just to test stuff out. With me using it in manual mode close to all the time i get a feel for focusing and distances. my reaction time is way more than autofocus (24p).

2ndly in many productions they'll have a focus puller that does the focusing and based on predetermined marks they know what marks the lens should be at for different distances.

But for run and gun stuff like that....just practice.