Which DSLR bodies have "proper" autofocus whilst recording video????....

fatphotographer

fatphotographer

Messages
574
Name
Gary
Edit My Images
No
Hi Guys,

I have been watching the development of DLSRs with video, but virtually all of them use the "stills" sensor to record the video. To do this, I believe that the mirror is locked up out of the way, and all of the AF and exposure sensors are disabled as a result. I have been told that there is a body that uses a smaller second video sensor in the prism area, that keeps all the functions of the camera, but I don't know which one it is.

Can anybody point me in the right direction? Either that, or give me the Nikon equivilent of the Canon video cameras that have interchangable lenses.

Cheers

Gary
 
I thought not, but I know that other manufacturers make video cameras with interchangable lenses, I have seen Canon lenses that have been mod'd / use adapters for video, and wondered if there was a Nikon to Sony or Panasonic or something else, option. Or the model of the DSLR with the required features.
 
fatphotographer said:
I have been told that there is a body that uses a smaller second video sensor in the prism area, that keeps all the functions of the camera, but I don't know which one it is.
Click to expand...
Sony DSLRs with LiveView use a secondary sensor for it but Sony do not yet have a DSLR with video in retail (no doubt 1 or more is in development though).

iirc Sony do a professional video cam that can take Alpha mount lenses though.
 
I believe the Canon's do too, incl 500D.
 
I thought the 500d was the same as the other DSLRs on the market at the minute, ie, they flip the mirror up to expose the sensor and then lose all of the features because the light is no longer reflected onto the AF and exposure sensors. Is that not the case with the 500??
 
micloi said:
Neither the 500D nor the 7D can do that (I have both)
Click to expand...

Really?? I sure I read in the AP test that it can...cause they mentioned that it doesn't do it very well...contrast detection would have to be used, obviously rather than phase detection.
 
Thanks for the input so far.
Just to make it clear, the AF on all of the cameras that I have seen so far is either, non existent, or a software "contrast detect" that can be used before shooting, and then, (although some are active during shooting), is all but useless in real life terms. I see "real" AF as using the sensors designed to do the focusing.
Any other help??
 
I think you have your answer then...

All of them so far are just using a corruption of live view to make video.
 
desantnik said:
I think you have your answer then...

All of them so far are just using a corruption of live view to make video.
Click to expand...

I thought so, I just heard that one of them uses a second sensor and I couldn't find any info anywhere - looks like I will have to wait another year or so before I take the plunge....
 
I haven't found the lack of auto focus to be a restriction at all with my 7d, if anything it's made me take more care and actually enjoy it more rather than just pointing and shooting with my camcorder, yesterday I was filming some wildlife and they were all over the place, maintaining focus was a challenge but it was still very achievable and more enjoyable
 
Sounds like you are looking for a video camera with interchangeable lenses. Canon XL and XLH series will do all you need. The H suffix is for High Def, previous models are SD.
Also consider the XHA series with a LETUS converter allowing you to use SLR lenses. All at considerably more £££'s than say a 5D2 which is being used to great effect by budget film makers.
 
joescrivens said:
I haven't found the lack of auto focus to be a restriction at all with my 7d, if anything it's made me take more care and actually enjoy it more rather than just pointing and shooting with my camcorder, yesterday I was filming some wildlife and they were all over the place, maintaining focus was a challenge but it was still very achievable and more enjoyable
Click to expand...

I can see the appeal of "back to basics" but it I must have AF for my application, there is no way I can follow a motorbike, zoom, and focus, all at the same time, I will need the camera to take control of the focusing for me.
 
My 5DmkII autofocuses when recording video if you have it on a certain setting however it is very jittery and slow
 
trevorbray said:
Sounds like you are looking for a video camera with interchangeable lenses. Canon XL and XLH series will do all you need. The H suffix is for High Def, previous models are SD.
Also consider the XHA series with a LETUS converter allowing you to use SLR lenses. All at considerably more £££'s than say a 5D2 which is being used to great effect by budget film makers.
Click to expand...

I used one of the original XL cameras many years ago. The 5D2 is the same as all of the other DSLRs at the mintue, which I realise that they can produce stunning footage, but just aren't flexible enough for me at the minute. Thanks for the info.
 
tdodd said:
No real help I expect, but here is some 7D footage of motocross bikes - http://www.vimeo.com/6860546
Click to expand...

That link was interesting - Thanks.

His action footage was shot at 1/1000sec at f8. In the UK I am not sure that those settings would be achievable on a wet Wednesday at Cadwell Park!!

I know that the cameras are capable of excellent results, I might just have to have a re-think about how to achieve what I want.
 
I suspect that if you can wait 6 months (maybe less) then Sony will have a body out with video & with their "fast AF" Liveview & video experience it may do what you want.
 
I still prefer my HF100 camcorder to my 7D for video. Sure I have some nice fast lenses for the 7D, but AF is a constant pain unless I
shoot an stationary subject from a stationary position. IMO cameras should stick to photos and camcorders to video.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top