Autofocus...please advise

[SPKelpDiver]

I ordered a canon hg20...but I am second guessing myself because the manual focus is really hard to use unless your in ideal conditions (on land/ tripod). I have seen videos of a HF100 under water (same camera / lense / functions...just lacks the 60gb hard drive) and it does great using auto focus. I asked the guy who took the videos, he said the autofocus behaves for him. I just don't know how critical it is going to be.

this is a link to those videos


Shark City on Vimeo


I don't see the camcorder hunting for images, and it looks pretty good (considering he doesn't white balance or have external lights)

This is my first camcorder setup ever, underwater or not. I just want to film decent videos that I can be happy with...am I over thinking this? Can anybody offer any alternatives to this camcorder for 600-700 dollars?

Personally I can't see my self manually focusing everyshot anyway, but I still need your advice before I open the camcorder.

 

[robint]

yes, you are overthinking this!
First, according to your profile, you are a pretty new diver. Safety is your first priority and shooting video is secondary.
Second, you are diving in Calif with surge, kelp, and current at times. You are going to be busy trying to get shots in conditions that (I know this from personal experience) can be challenging at times. Don't get bogged down in the details. Enjoy your dives, shoot when conditions are favorable.
Third, until you have done underwater video for awhile, I don't think you will even think about using "manual focus".
For now just shoot video, edit, learn.

Just my 2 cents.
robin

 

[TheBigPhillyFish]

+1 Robin

After mt trip last week, and expereincing 4 knot currents. Your gonna be to busy trying to hold on to something to grab whatever shots you can. In addition, by the time you gain underwater video skills, that pass the capability of the camera. It will be years from now, then you upgrade and worry about all the higher end settings. Just my 2 cents.

Good Luck!

 

[SPKelpDiver]

Thanks for the great advice Robin and PhillyFish, you guys are both 100% right.
About my profile...it will be bumped up to 24-49 in a couple dives, I hate 0-24....why zero? Give those who have zero a landlubber rating!
Seriously though, thanks for helping ease my mind. I had some serious paralysis by analysis. I don't want to be stuck to a view finder the whole dive, I am a pretty new diver I want to take all these new sites in before the camera does. It is going to be another 10-15 dives before I even get it in the water as I am still saving up for the housing.

 

[robint]

you are welcome! I am hooked on Calif diving and can't wait to get out there again. You have a great place to dive and a great place to shoot videos, just take it slow and enjoy the beauty!

robin

 

[SPKelpDiver]

I just got my HG20 today...it surpasses my expectations big time!! It just goes to show you can't always believe what you read, even cnet said the manual focus sucked...it doesn't! I was also concerned about being able to custom white balance in certain modes (AV AE CINE), but it delivers there too. With the manual focus, maybe it won't be so easy underwater with the LCD half open in the Ikelite housing (it doesn't tell you when your in focus, you have to see for yourself which isn't that hard) but with the HG20 IKelite housing you have the option to go with a view finder as well, which I suspect will make the process easier. I was obviously overthinking, and it is perfect for a first camcorder. I am stoked...saving for the housing now.
Thanks again for your help.

 

[robint]

awesome! I have been contemplating the same model. Since I don't have the money right now, I will just have to wait to see some of your videos!