GH4 GH4 auto focus versus manual focus

E

EDRAKEL

Active member
Any thoughts on how to shoot moving objects walking towards you keeping them in focus?
An example would be a wedding processional. I prefer to shoot in manual, however it is very challenging
constantly working the focus ring back and forth keeping subject in focus especially using a wide open lens
losing DOF. Can I trust the auto focus on the GH4 with the 35-100 mm lens?Thanks
 
You can't trust the autofocus on the GH4 to keep a person walking toward you in focus. Absolutely not. It won't work. Not with the 35-100, not with any lens.

About the only camera that can do that in autofocus is the 1DX Mark II. Otherwise, you have to go manual focus. It's really hard.
 
I don't think so. Both the GH4 and G7 can lose focus and hunt, racking from close to far. I am not able to use autofocus even in bright light with a relatively stationary subject like a band.

The GX85 is much better. Almost there, not quite, but the best Panasonic that I have used. You might be able to get your hands on one to try it out.

I have mapped " back button autofocus" to the rear control on the right. I can sometimes get it to lock and track focus by using that.

I also leave autofocus on the shutter button, and turn on "half press shutter." When you do a half press, like you normally do to autofocus, it grabs focus pretty quickly and then starts recording. Speeds up the camera operation a lot.

The only camera that I really trust with tracking autofocus - or autofocus in general -b is my Canon 7DII. The Canon 80D is also supposed to be very good.

I have heard good things about the Sony A6300 too. I have one, but it overheats in video mode. So I just keep it for stills. I really love the GX85, and there is no real use for me to take the Sony if I can't trust it not to overheat (most of my video right now is for events.)

I actually paid the same amount for my 7DII as the A6300. The GX85 was a little cheaper. I got about $125 off of list for an open box.

It is frustrating! The other potential option is a Canon C100 with the Dual Pixel Autofocus. A little more expensive, but a true video camera.

Good luck!
Michael
 
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