HVX200 focus problem

[markyramone62]

I've been using a HVX200 / Equinox Pro10 rig shooting tourists swimming with Sealions and Southern Bluefin tuna. The subjects are unpredictable so there is little chance to compose shots. To keep things simple I keep the zoom wide and focus on infinity. Great results in standard def but now the demand for HD is increasing and I've found infinity doesn't work through the whole depth of field. HD needs careful focusing. Can anyone share their technique for shooting in HD on full wide zoom? I'd like to set and forget focus if possible as it's very hard to get a clear idea of sharp focus in the external LCD monitor. Is auto focus worth the risk?

Mark.

 

[Firefishvideo]

I've been using a HVX200 / Equinox Pro10 rig shooting tourists swimming with Sealions and Southern Bluefin tuna. The subjects are unpredictable so there is little chance to compose shots. To keep things simple I keep the zoom wide and focus on infinity. Great results in standard def but now the demand for HD is increasing and I've found infinity doesn't work through the whole depth of field. HD needs careful focusing. Can anyone share their technique for shooting in HD on full wide zoom? I'd like to set and forget focus if possible as it's very hard to get a clear idea of sharp focus in the external LCD monitor. Is auto focus worth the risk?

Mark.

If you read any info on this by "PROS" you will find that you should be embarrassed if you shoot in auto mode! .....BS! Shoot in the mode that gets you the best image, what ever that is.
I find that autofocus on a prosumer camcorder usually works most of the time, which is more good shots that you get trying to manual focus in a moving environment.
Neither is going to be 100 percent. Just try auto, and see. If that dosen't work, try setting your focus for a close to medium range, and GET CLOSE to your subjects - that is what the wide lens is for.

 

[ronscuba]

Try auto focus, but also try manual focus 3-5 feet. Auto focus to your fin then lock focus to manual.