HMC150 Autofocus - As Bad As I Keep Reading?
- Thread starter larrys
- Start date
lakotawolf
Active member
I have no problems with it.
Yes, it is very slow. Just try it. But if you really want to be discouraged, turn on the LCD display of focus setting. Then watch how the focus setting drifts even with a stationary subject and camera. Alternatively, set the camera to manual focus. With a stationary subject, use the "push auto" button to set the focus. Wait a few seconds and press "push auto" again. Compare the two readings.
Of course, none of this should bother you if your idea of state-of-the-art focus assist is a tape measure. The real disappointment is that there is plenty of technology available to do better. Consider Canon's XH-A1s (in roughly the same price class). It uses a separate optical system that they call instant auto focus. Fast and much more accurate.
Hopefully, Panasonic will do better in future generations.
Barry_Green
Moderator
FX1 is 60i-only. Compare the HMC150 in 60i against the FX1 in 60i, they should be quite competitive.
If you go to 30p, it's going to be much slower. If you go to 24p, it'll be slower still. But then again, so will *any* camera shooting 24p.
If you go to 30p, it's going to be much slower. If you go to 24p, it'll be slower still. But then again, so will *any* camera shooting 24p.
That's depressing. I was almost gonna pull the trigger on the HMC. I need a camera that performs well in low light - and unfortunately I can't spend much... the HMC is about what I can pull off. I need 24p. And I need it to go as wide as possible (I'll be shooting small spaces). I just don't particularly like the footage of AH1 (especially the colors) - now what? Should I reconsider? Is there a comparison of AH1 and HMC when it comes to low light performance? Other options without breaking the bank?
matt s.
Veteran
Whats depressing? That the auto focus is slow in 24p? It so much faster to learn to focus manually plus it makes you an all around better camera operator. AFAIK the 150 is better in low light the the A1 and wider lens.
MadHMC150
DVXuser Sponsor
What? I am thankful the hmc made me practice manual... This cam is great in low light and an all around very good value for the price...
Mike Harvey
Veteran
Ding ding ding ding... we have a winner.
I could understand using auto focus on cheaper consumer and "prosumer" cameras where the servo controlled manual focus stinks... but the HMC150 is not one of those cameras.
For what it's worth, no ENG camera (i.e HPX300/500/2700 type cameras) even has auto focus. Neither do any studio cameras, or the cameras used for pro and college sports (which are really just studio cameras with *really* long lenses). If cameras costing 5-15x as much as the HMC150 don't even have auto-focus, why is it so horrible that the HMC's auto-focus is slow?
I used to shoot PAC-10 sports on some older DVCPro cameras until last year. I know plenty of sports shooters. No one I know would ever dream of using an auto-focus even if it were available (and that's where it would be the most useful). Folks working on commercial stuff would just look at you funny :huh:.
Pros don't use auto. I don't say that in some sort of condescending, better-than-you way... but to both state a fact and to challenge those of you hung up on the camera's slow auto focus. Pros don't leave the decision as to what in your shot is and isn't in focus up to a computer algorithm. So if you want to shoot like a pro, you need to learn to use manual focus. As matt said, get the hang of that, and you'll become an *much* better and more creative shooter.
And really, it's not that hard... it just takes practice.
[/soapbox]
Mike Harvey
Veteran
Mike Harvey
Veteran
There is a couple of interesting threads going on in the 35mm adapter section about VDSLRs vs 35mm adapters.
I honestly love this camera. If nothing else, call it a Christmas present to yourself :thumbsup:
I honestly love this camera. If nothing else, call it a Christmas present to yourself :thumbsup:
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MadHMC150
DVXuser Sponsor
Yeah - I was referring to the Sunday shoot also...
Sometimes we have to rely on the auto focus when the cam is on a steadicam system or on a jib, which kind of sucks... Also it tends to focus on your background rather then subject at some points.
Thomas Lew
Well-known member
Dafilman21
Carbonite Member
As it has been said already the autofocus in lowlight can be a little slow but it is not that bad if you give the camera a chance to focus on something. Meaning if you keep it steady or if you have it on a tripod you can get focus "fast enough". For me though manual is the only way to go in lowlight if you want to make sure that everything you want stays in focus.
Mike, I'm having a hard time believing you. There are many situations where I've got too much going on to manual focus. For example a fashion show. I am simultaneously panning and zooming continually. That takes up all my hands. My iris is constantly changing too. Is there a way I can go manual with something like that, or Mad's steadicam work? I'm willing to learn if so, respectfully.
Mike Harvey
Veteran
Practice practice practice... and buy a good zoom remote 
That is the caveat I should point out... most studio type cameras you see both in studios and for televised sports have zoom and sometimes (but not always) focus remotes on the tripod arms. But I have seen it done with out either (though not always well). Yes, it's more money... but the results are a heckuva lot better and worth the cost over leaving focus up to the camera. I know I would have a hard time doing it without one. One hand pans and zooms, the other plays with focus and iris.
That is the caveat I should point out... most studio type cameras you see both in studios and for televised sports have zoom and sometimes (but not always) focus remotes on the tripod arms. But I have seen it done with out either (though not always well). Yes, it's more money... but the results are a heckuva lot better and worth the cost over leaving focus up to the camera. I know I would have a hard time doing it without one. One hand pans and zooms, the other plays with focus and iris.