GH2 Gh2 Autofocus Modes?

MattRobertson

MattRobertson

Well-known member
Can someone explain to me the autofocus modes of the GH2? I don't really understand the difference between AFS and AFC. I'm sure this has been discussed before but couldn't seem to find any threads on it. Thanks
 
AFS means that it only refocuses when you tell it to by pressing the shutter release button. It is a single shot refocus. Hence the "s" in AFS. This used to be the only affective AF that could be used during videos because the constant refocusing of AFC caused too much focus hunt and was very distracting.

Then GH2 firmware version 1.1 came along and changed that. Now AFC works very well even during videos. It hunts occasionally with the longer telephoto lenses but it works extremely well with the 14-140mm, 14mm F2.5, 25mm F1.4, and 45mm F1.8. I have all of those lenses and now use AFC only for my videos. I used to use MF and AFS only.

I believe that all of the Canon DSLR cameras to date are AFS only for video. Sony and Nikon offer some form of AFC for videos on some of their cameras. From what I have seen Sony is the only other company besides Panasonic and perhaps Olympus that offer good AFC during DSLR videos.

The GH2 with version 1.1 firmware is the current leader in AFC for videos. However, the new OM-D cameras could be just as good if not better. They are just getting to the US this week so they have not been tested in the US for real world situations yet.
 
I thought AFS and AFC do the same thing in video mode? Also, how have you gotten your AFC to work so well? Mine works okay but it often times, focuses on the background instead of an object moving closer to the camera. Is there a setting that controls that?
 
I'll take a stab at this one: try changing your AF mode dial, this determines what the AF is trying to focus on. I think the options are face detect, object tracking, multi point and spot. The screen overlay will change depending on which mode you have it on. Spot might be your best bet, you should see a smaller box in the middle of the screen which can be moved around if need be, doesn't have to be right in the middle. Tracking sounds good in theory but I haven't had much luck making it work, it looses the object you lock onto very easily. Easy enough to experiment and see what works if you know which settings you should be messing around with. Good luck, hope I've given correct advice.
 
SuperSet said:
I thought AFS and AFC do the same thing in video mode? Also, how have you gotten your AFC to work so well? Mine works okay but it often times, focuses on the background instead of an object moving closer to the camera. Is there a setting that controls that?
Click to expand...

No AFS in video mode will refocus only when you half press the shutter release button. AFC will continuously monitor the focus during video and refocus as needed. Please note that the AFC, AFS, and M dial on the top left of the GH2 have no control over the AF used in video. That is controlled by the "Continuous AF" menu option.
 
cray- said:
I'll take a stab at this one: try changing your AF mode dial, this determines what the AF is trying to focus on. I think the options are face detect, object tracking, multi point and spot. The screen overlay will change depending on which mode you have it on. Spot might be your best bet, you should see a smaller box in the middle of the screen which can be moved around if need be, doesn't have to be right in the middle. Tracking sounds good in theory but I haven't had much luck making it work, it looses the object you lock onto very easily. Easy enough to experiment and see what works if you know which settings you should be messing around with. Good luck, hope I've given correct advice.
Click to expand...

Tracking AF does not operate in video mode for GH2 cameras. It will work for G2 cameras in video mode though.
 
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