Focusing on the move

SteveP

SteveP

New member
I am shooting my DVX100 in 30P and manually focusing on a tripod is not much of a problem. But, if I walk around the subject/s and move closer and further from the subject I have to continuously focus. Are there any thoughts or a rule of thumb to go by to maintain a sharp focus?

Also, I have been told that if I zoom in on the subject, focus, and then zoom out the subject will still be in focus. Is this completely true or can there be issues with this technique?
 
It's all just practice. You need to know how your lens responds to you pulling on the focus ring and be able to sort of intuitively judge distance on speed of your subjects.

That technique for zoom and focus is a good one. It will work unless your lens has a backfocus problem. I know my DVX has this problem so it doesn't work for me. Other members here have the same problem. Just do quick test somewhere before you go out on a shoot.
 
Blocking during rehearsal is very important as well. Take note of the number that your focus meter reads when you hit certain marks. Then, when you're rolling, you wont need to worry about zooming in or auto-focusing; just rack the focus to the number you practiced when you hit your mark.
 
The DVX isn't very well designed for that type of run-and-gun shooting. It's not shoulder mount where you can use both hands to run the controls.

If that's the style of shooting you are going to be doing, check out a little shoulder rig accessories with two handles and a shoulder mount. Get a remote focus/zoom controller that can mount to one of the handles. You'll be able to support and operate the cam while adjusting focus/zoom with a finger or thumb.
 
I don't know about all that, I really think it just takes some practice. I keep manual zoom on as well, and by now I'm pretty confident at being able to zoom and focus on the move with just my left hand (and I'm right handed).
 
Some good suggestions here. I personally don't care for the shoulder rigs. But it's all up to you. Practice. Practice. Practice.
 
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