Video recording on Canon cameras - focus question

Tobers

Tobers

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Andy
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I'm trying to get to grips with the video recording facility on my 1DIV.

Having read the manual (a first for me!), it appears that the camera wont focus continously on a moving subject. I notice that pumping the AF-ON button makes the focus function activate in a very noticable way on the end-product i.e. the lens focuses in, out, in until it locks, whilst opening the aperture at the same time.

How have people with other Canon cameras handled this situation? Manual focus, or lots of little video clips with an autofocus before each clip is taken? What about videoing with a very narrow aperture e.g. 2.8 on a 300mm lens?

Ta in advance.
 
Hi Tobers,
Im a video professional using a 7d. The operation of the video mode on the camera is the same as you described the 1DIV to be.
Basically the only way to get smooth focusing while following a subject is to do it manually. Obviously all of the concerns you have about that are real. The shallower the DOF the more difficult etc.
But with practise this gets easier.
If you are really serious about keeping subjects in focus there are assists out there in the form of follow focus mechanisms. These combined with specially designed supports for DSLRs are proving popular.
Another handy assist is the LCDVF or hoodlupe of some other kind. It basically attached to the LCD and magnifies it a bit while cutting out stray light. Handy for photography also.

Shooting video with these machines is not ideal. But the IQ and lowlight abilities more than make up for it.
 
with a little practice you'll find manual focussing a synch, i'm just a hobbyist and have no problem with manual focus. It actually makes me take more care of my videoing
 
OK - as I thought. Thanks for the input. Manual focusing it is then.
 
I have been having struggling with my 7D too, keep focusing the wrong way :( and everything is out. good to hear grifter09 & joescrivens advice.
 
Feel for me and the other 500d owners, we don't even have control over the aperture unless we cheat it lol.
Manual focus is a doddle once you figure out which way to turn it (and remember), just a matter of practice, practice, practice.
 
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