Shooting with Auto-Focus

[danielbrevick]

I'm preparing to leave for Kenya to finish one doc film and start a another. I was shooting with the Panasonic AG HVX200 last time and plan on bringing my D800 this time. The HVX200 had an auto focus option that worked beautifully. I was able to walk and carry the camera and simply let it run - it focused perfectly without my help. For the interviews and other critical shots I'll be using prime lenses and manual focus.


Is there a good lens and a approach to do what I did the first time around with the D800 in video mode? I'm shooting at these orphanages and if the kids see you lift a camera, look through the view finder, etc. they jump up and down and wave - it's cute but not natural. I've got some decent budget - but very little space in the luggage - any help would be greatly appreciated! Just learning this camera in advance of going.

 

[reygun]

...I'm shooting at these orphanages and if the kids see you lift a camera, look through the view finder, etc. they jump up and down and wave - it's cute but not natural. I've got some decent budget - but very little space in the luggage - any help would be greatly appreciated! Just learning this camera in advance of going.

Coming from a DVX100 to DSLR shooting, I never rely on AF shooting with DSLR. The beaut(ies) of the HVX and DVX are that they are dedicated video cameras with video AF, and their flip-out LCDs would better serve you when "shooting from the hip." My experience with AF in video with the D800 is breathing and continuos focus search (going in and out of focus in its attempt to lock focus). I personally would say, there's no way to "shoot from the hip" reliably with the D800.

 

[TomLenham]

Don't wish to sound preachy, but never shoot video with autofocus - it'll bite you when you least need it to. Get a Z finder or similar and try to make like you're shooting stills.