FINALLY XL2 OWNER Need quick tips (FOCUS PROBLEMS) at DVinfo.net

Armando Ferreira · March 25th, 2005, 09:59 PM

Well, it finally arrivied today, I haven't had a chance to really play with it but only a few minutes... Anyhow, I notice that when I focus in the image blurs and than it finds itself and its like a flutter. Im not sure if its because their is VERY LITTLE light, so I will have to test it tomorrow morning outside. Overall im pretty impressed with the camera. Anybody have some cool CINE SETTINGS that they want to share for that ultimate motion picture look?

Thanks

Pete Bauer · March 25th, 2005, 10:29 PM

Hi Armando,

What you're describing is called "hunting" and is a common complaint about autofocus systems. You pretty much hit the nail of the head -- things that make life tough for autofocus are low light levels, low contrast, and lower frame rates (24p has a slower response than 60i). There are several threads in which people have shared their opinions about the good and the bad in the XL2 autofocus system -- just as there are threads about other cameras' autofocus systems. Some folks who have used the XL1 have said that the XL2 autofocus is tuned slower, which can be aggravating under certain circumstances, but also results in less hunting.

In an ideal world, autofocus would lock on perfectly every time. But since this isn't the case, most people on a serious shoot will use manual focus, often using the "Push Autofocus" button to jumpstart the shot.

So don't be too worried about seeing obvious hunting in low light tonight; try it tomorrow in good light against high contrast and I'm sure you'll find it much improved...but on close inspection, still present. Then start practicing your manual focusing techniques. ;-)

March 25th, 2005, 09:59 PM	#1
Armando Ferreira Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: La Mirada Posts: 45	FINALLY XL2 OWNER Need quick tips (FOCUS PROBLEMS) Well, it finally arrivied today, I haven't had a chance to really play with it but only a few minutes... Anyhow, I notice that when I focus in the image blurs and than it finds itself and its like a flutter. Im not sure if its because their is VERY LITTLE light, so I will have to test it tomorrow morning outside. Overall im pretty impressed with the camera. Anybody have some cool CINE SETTINGS that they want to share for that ultimate motion picture look? Thanks

March 25th, 2005, 10:29 PM	#2
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Hi Armando, What you're describing is called "hunting" and is a common complaint about autofocus systems. You pretty much hit the nail of the head -- things that make life tough for autofocus are low light levels, low contrast, and lower frame rates (24p has a slower response than 60i). There are several threads in which people have shared their opinions about the good and the bad in the XL2 autofocus system -- just as there are threads about other cameras' autofocus systems. Some folks who have used the XL1 have said that the XL2 autofocus is tuned slower, which can be aggravating under certain circumstances, but also results in less hunting. In an ideal world, autofocus would lock on perfectly every time. But since this isn't the case, most people on a serious shoot will use manual focus, often using the "Push Autofocus" button to jumpstart the shot. So don't be too worried about seeing obvious hunting in low light tonight; try it tomorrow in good light against high contrast and I'm sure you'll find it much improved...but on close inspection, still present. Then start practicing your manual focusing techniques. ;-) __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!