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Focusing Video on the Nikon D800
How are you supposed to maintain focus on a moving subject? The screen isn't big enough, and you can't zoom the screen in once you start recording. Apr 24 13 04:04 pm Link I haven't used the D800 and don't know if it has the ability to track a moving subject while shooting video but, generally speaking, an external monitor would make this considerably easier. Alternatively (or in addition to an external monitor) a follow focus system with hard stops can be handy when you know a subject is going to move from point A to point B. Basically, you pre-focus the camera for both the A and B positions and set your stops to take out the guesswork while shooting. Apr 24 13 05:40 pm Link shoot fixed or focus manually. No DSLR focuses fast enough in video mode for any sort of real world action. You can get an external screen for the dslrs (and a holder), soon the simple rig can become not so simple and pretty expensive as you get more and more accessories. For some projects it can be worth it, but renting pro gear makes sense for serious productions. As you move up the food chain into the reds or even the new 4k models coming out, all of them are manual focus Apr 24 13 05:55 pm Link Jean Renard Photography wrote: Really? Apr 24 13 06:02 pm Link Extrosy wrote: I use the hoodman when shooting video. Lets you see what you're shooting & what the focus is on Apr 24 13 06:06 pm Link External monitor and a good focus puller. Apr 24 13 06:23 pm Link The d800 can refocus during recording. If your subject is moving slow enough you can just move the focus point and refocus(it gives a certain look though which may or may not work with what you are doing). Its good for focus pulls though. If somebody is say walking towards you though, you either have to shoot with alot of depth of field or else measure everything with a tape measure and use a focus puller. Or the final option is if you get focus with say about f5 then you move yourself and just make sure you stay an even distance from the subject while they move. Apr 24 13 07:41 pm Link It's my understanding that the Panasonic GH-3 is adept a focus tracking in video mode. It's a micro four thirds camera with a fine sensor, the latest of the Lumix GH line, adored by fanboys and a fairly large contingency of film makers. I have the D7000, and the D800. Both really great for stills. My limited experience in video suggests the GH-2 and GH-3 will be better at video, and, in particular, the GH-3 for focus tracking. RBD Apr 24 13 11:20 pm Link Extrosy wrote: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid … =3&theater This is my D800 video rig Apr 24 13 11:43 pm Link The D800 shoots video? Wow. I really need to break out that manual... Apr 25 13 11:28 am Link Follow focus and a monitor with focus peaking. Welcome to the expensive world of video  Apr 25 13 01:58 pm Link I guess I'll stick to shooting video of still-life and photographs of moving subjects. Or something. Apr 25 13 02:49 pm Link Extrosy wrote: It's not a camcorder...the DOF is too narrow. Apr 25 13 03:17 pm Link Crack The Sky wrote: The D800 can refocus while recording video, but it isn't great - it overshoots and backs off, and it's audible. Much better to turn the AF off and focus manually. Apr 26 13 01:49 am Link The other option is just to settle for slightly less than movie quality focus and stabilization and have fun shooting stuff. IF you use a lens with VR and keep the camera moving and do a few takes you should get someting usable. Beats just not doing video plus you can still make some cool stuff... Apr 26 13 02:06 am Link |
