As a still-photographer who only just used the HD Video mode on my Canon 5D Mk II for the first time last weekend during a fashion shoot, I was looking for more information about critical focusing during the video.
First, a quick note about the above tutorial video: Why was it necessary to have strong, flaring, harsh lighting from the front-left side instead of reasonable illumination behind the recording camera? It made everything VERY difficult and unpleasant to view.
I was looking for how others focused critically during the HD Video mode, as Canon's manual is very vague in this area. I ended up focusing manually, but often found that the image wasn't crystal clear when played back on a larger screen since there are no focusing aids to help in this manner. When I tried AutoFocus (in either the LiveView or LiveView with facial recognition mode) it frequently hunted significantly before finding the focus point, and sometimes remained way out of focus if moving about.
I wanted to also point out that you'd suggested using the QuickView mode for AF in LiveView. While this is fine for a stationary subject and camera, any time there is movement, focus will need to be changed - and QuickView AF will not work during Video recording.
Do you have any tips for keeping the image sharply focused while recording video and moving about a moving subject?
Thanks.
Ehab
· 5 months ago
Hi Bob.
Shooting moving subjects would require you to train your focusing skills. If you look at the video industry you would see that all they do is focus manually. If you want to adept or become better at making videos with your 5d Mk II (or any pro video camera) then you will need to learn how to use it.
Heres a tip for you - Set the aperture value to a higher number (say f11 - if there is enough light). This way, your Depth of field will be bigger and you can focus manually a little more easily.
It takes time, but you will get to it eventually.
And as for shooting kids running around, you're better off with a handycam :) canon's vixia lineup is awesome.
All Comments
First, a quick note about the above tutorial video: Why was it necessary to have strong, flaring, harsh lighting from the front-left side instead of reasonable illumination behind the recording camera? It made everything VERY difficult and unpleasant to view.
I was looking for how others focused critically during the HD Video mode, as Canon's manual is very vague in this area. I ended up focusing manually, but often found that the image wasn't crystal clear when played back on a larger screen since there are no focusing aids to help in this manner. When I tried AutoFocus (in either the LiveView or LiveView with facial recognition mode) it frequently hunted significantly before finding the focus point, and sometimes remained way out of focus if moving about.
I wanted to also point out that you'd suggested using the QuickView mode for AF in LiveView. While this is fine for a stationary subject and camera, any time there is movement, focus will need to be changed - and QuickView AF will not work during Video recording.
Do you have any tips for keeping the image sharply focused while recording video and moving about a moving subject?
Thanks.
Shooting moving subjects would require you to train your focusing skills. If you look at the video industry you would see that all they do is focus manually. If you want to adept or become better at making videos with your 5d Mk II (or any pro video camera) then you will need to learn how to use it.
Heres a tip for you - Set the aperture value to a higher number (say f11 - if there is enough light). This way, your Depth of field will be bigger and you can focus manually a little more easily.
It takes time, but you will get to it eventually.
And as for shooting kids running around, you're better off with a handycam :) canon's vixia lineup is awesome.