Sound issue when adjusting focus

[livelikeriley]

Hi, I recently shot some video footage in a small room and noticed something I'd never had an issue with before since I normally record audio via a separate sound system...and that is that there is a mechanical sound made when changing focus during recording video (I hit the auto focus button and hold it till it refocuses - I'm doing a lot of run and gun "behind the scenes" stuff so as I walk around I need to adjust the focus) - is there anyway to avoid this? Or do I just need to switch to using manual focus (which is kind of a pain for this type of work).

Also - best suggestions for removing it in post (I use FCP/soundtrack pro - but I also have logic if that has better tools for this).

Thanks,
Mark.

 

[holymexicobatman]

The sound is normal and expected. To get rid of it...Not many options other than using an external microphone mounted on an extended bracket(or whatever get's it away from the camera a little), or you could just learn to focus manually on the flight(a pain, yes). If you think manual focus is your best bet, consider installing Magic Lantern since you can then enable a feature which which highlights edges in red when they are in focus.

 

[NoahK]

Yup- this is what happens when you capture audio directly from the camera body. The best sound is captured less than a foot from the object you want to hear- i.e. subject's mouth. Invest in lav mics, boom mics, and some books or videos about sound recording if you want to step up your audio quality a notch or two.

Noah