GH3 No expanded focus whole recording video

P

Preston Davis

Member
The focus assist (expanded focus) works great for stills but does not function (?) when recording video. Without peaking this makes focus (while recording) without an external monitor very difficult.

Is yet another piece of external gear (monitor with peaking /F assist) the only solution???

The smallHD DP4-EVF looks like a great solution but I am starting to feel a bit tapped out ($599) !
 
SmallHD has sales now and again, I'd suggest e-mailing them. The SmallHD DP4-EVF does help, I bought one specifically for the GH3 with Panasonic leaving out focus peaking, the issue is really for the best solution you'll need to add an Edelkrone EVF holder (you'll see yourself Edelkrone often demo their gear along with SmallHD).

http://www.edelkrone.com/e-store/37-monitor-evf-holder-8680177980071.html

Obviously as you begin adding this kit it makes the camera less easy to use handheld. I opted for the Edelkrone pocket rig.

I wish Panasonic would include peaking then only a loupe would be needed.
 
Thanks, I appreciate your input.

Do you find the DP4 enough of an upgrade in size from the cam's monitor? Focus peaking and enlarge functions are essential for me but only if image is clear enough to fine tune focus (and exposure).
 
It's definitely better than the camera, the peaking and 1:1 functions help get the focus right. It has a focus assist too, which can help but it's too overwhelming (see it in action below), I asked SmallHD to add a transparency feature to the effect but they said they had no plans to do so (I guess more people would have to ask). You can turn off the focus assist so if it's not to your taste you can use peaking alone, which I think I'll be doing in future.


I recorded a few tracks for a band on the GH3, I tried given they didn't need every track as video, an experiment, I recorded some with the SmallHD, some with the viewfinder on the GH3, some with the flip out screen. I'd say SmallHD stuff I kept better focus, followed by the viewfinder, and the flip out screen proved poorest, as shots that looked focused at the time of recording when reviewed in post were just out.

I really like the build quality and the software, as a company they are definitely friendly and responsive on Twitter and come across as customer friendly which always helps.

https://twitter.com/@SmallHD

If you don't ask, you don't get, here's trying... :tongue::D

small hd.png

I've already asked SmallHD for a January Sale discount so I'll probably get a DM asking well I'm trying to get money off, yet again. > I'm just trying to help all the GH3 owners with an issue Panasonic has failed to address in the firmware... :engel017:
 
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