GH2 MANUAL VS AUTOFOCUS

[Axel]

As a matter of fact, autofocus is not smart. If you use a steady-cam, you will need it. There are some problems to be adressed:

> in too dark OR too bright places the autofocus won't find the outlines and starts pumping. Solution: Use a wideangle with the so-called [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperfocal_distance][color=red][i]hyperfocal distance[/i][/color][/url]. Disable autofocus.
> the best chance to get continuous autofocus is in an evenly and well-lit place with the focus area set to center (the multiple-point measuring - sorry, don't know the english name - gets distracted more often)
> unfortunately, the autofocus' server is often loud enough to be audible in quiet scenes. Sounds as if Robocop was operating the cam.

Manual choices are better. If someone is not experienced enough to make the right decision, he becomes so quite fast, so that his decision then is better than the program's. True for all automatic parameters.

[Mirrorkisser]

Hi Axel, thank you very much for your advice. Das hat mir sehr geholfen! I guess over time i will get used to the manual focus. And i aswell noticed a difference in well lit places. I just ordered me a faster lens and will see how that helps me :-)

Thank you very much again!

[Henk Willem]

During a shoot I constantly switch between auto and manual. Auto is great for preparing a fairly steady shot: focus, composition, shoot. But with movements of changing depth of field: use manual.