Why didn't Canon include continuous focus?

[Liam Hall]

Originally Posted by Perrone Ford

You'll note that the people assigned to do focus on digital cinema cameras are generally working with a very high quality LCD panel attached to the camera.

Nope. They generally use a tape measure, some camera tape and a follow focus.

[Tony Davies-Patrick]

Originally Posted by Jon Fairhurst

When shooting with a DvSLR, the editor is your friend. Show the shots where you nailed focus. Skip the shots where you didn't. For narrative, this might mean lots of takes and taking the time to review the material on a good monitor before striking any setup. For documentary, this might mean that you have to cut some shots from the final edit that you really wish you had nailed.

One of the most impressive videos that I've seen for nailing focus is the SEC Championship Game video. It was shot with a Cavision finder, a monopod, and very fast 200mm and 400mm IS lenses. I'd bet he dumped a lot of footage in the bin, but the stuff he kept is marvelous.

SEC Championship Game 12.5.2009, GeorgiaDome on Vimeo

Here's the associated "making of" video

SECHD: how it was shot... by Patrick Murphy-Racey on Vimeo

Jon, thank you very much for posting that Patrick Murphy clip, it really was interesting.

I too used to use the old RT & RS cameras way back when (although didn't like the loss of light to the viewfinder, so eventually when back to moving mirror SLRs).

I think that Canon still own the rights to this technology, so they wouldn't need to obtain extra copyrights if they were to design a new hybrid DSLR without a moving mirror, and therefore (as Patrick explains) allow for true AF lenses to be used at full capacity for fast-paced video.

[Perrone Ford]

Originally Posted by Liam Hall

Nope. They generally use a tape measure, some camera tape and a follow focus.

Well, that very much depends. I've seen it done both ways. In blocked movement, tape measure is normal and I've done it. But in unscripted movement, this isn't feasible.