Using Focus Assist graph on HMC-150 at DVinfo.net

Gregory Lee · June 1st, 2011, 02:42 AM

I'm wondering how many of you use the focus assist graph on the HMC-150 to determine focus. The instruction manual shows what the graph looks like when it is in focus and out of focus. But I found that the graph doesn't change when I'm zoomed in on certain textures, eg. flat surfaces or in low light.

I feel that the auto-focus is pretty accurate most of the time, but when it is inaccurate, I won't always notice right away. It makes me wonder if I should have the graph displayed all the time. Yet, it is difficult to tell just from looking at the graph if it is in focus or not. I have to turn the focus ring back and forth to know where the threshold of horizontal white area. Hope that makes sense. Basically I feel the focus assist (Expanded and Graph) is only good for checking manual focus, during setup shots; not run and gun situations. I'd like to be able to monitor the auto focus during event videography, without going manual if possible.

Thanks!

Michael Carter · June 3rd, 2011, 03:00 PM

I've never used the AF myself; I do leave the graph turned to "on" (when focus assist is on); but I've found the fastest, most dependable way to get manual focus is to hit the 1:1 button on my external monitor, and maybe zoom in a bit; I also use the manfrotto focus remote for planned moves. I'll mark the disc and have a grip or assistant handle focus for crane shots, dollies, etc. I've played with the AF but haven't found a use for it, seems to hunt too much to be safe.

Gregory Lee · June 3rd, 2011, 03:34 PM

Do you use the extra monitor in event videography?

I like my 30 yr old Canon SLR camera. There is a circular focus tool in the middle, which displays a misligned picture if out of focus. Turning the focus ring could move the misalignment into focus. I liked this very much, because I didn't need to press any buttons, it was totally optical and I could tell at a glance, without hunting the focus.

With the HMC-150, I have to press the focus assist button, then turn the focus ring to see if the graph is at its maximum horizontal width. It means that in-focus shots are potentially ruined because I have to hunt anyway.

Vaughan Wood · June 7th, 2011, 07:18 PM

Yes, HMC 150 is a crappy system with a crappy viewfinder.
Too many "good" shots need sharpening to get away with soft focus for event work.
Needs decent peaking too, so can't wait until the (hopefully) improved AG130 -160 series come out.

Cheers,

Vaughan

June 1st, 2011, 02:42 AM	#1
Gregory Lee Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norman, OK Posts: 60	Using Focus Assist graph on HMC-150 I'm wondering how many of you use the focus assist graph on the HMC-150 to determine focus. The instruction manual shows what the graph looks like when it is in focus and out of focus. But I found that the graph doesn't change when I'm zoomed in on certain textures, eg. flat surfaces or in low light. I feel that the auto-focus is pretty accurate most of the time, but when it is inaccurate, I won't always notice right away. It makes me wonder if I should have the graph displayed all the time. Yet, it is difficult to tell just from looking at the graph if it is in focus or not. I have to turn the focus ring back and forth to know where the threshold of horizontal white area. Hope that makes sense. Basically I feel the focus assist (Expanded and Graph) is only good for checking manual focus, during setup shots; not run and gun situations. I'd like to be able to monitor the auto focus during event videography, without going manual if possible. Thanks!

June 3rd, 2011, 03:00 PM	#2
Michael Carter Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 108	Re: Using Focus Assist graph on HMC-150 I've never used the AF myself; I do leave the graph turned to "on" (when focus assist is on); but I've found the fastest, most dependable way to get manual focus is to hit the 1:1 button on my external monitor, and maybe zoom in a bit; I also use the manfrotto focus remote for planned moves. I'll mark the disc and have a grip or assistant handle focus for crane shots, dollies, etc. I've played with the AF but haven't found a use for it, seems to hunt too much to be safe.

June 3rd, 2011, 03:34 PM	#3
Gregory Lee Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norman, OK Posts: 60	Re: Using Focus Assist graph on HMC-150 Do you use the extra monitor in event videography? I like my 30 yr old Canon SLR camera. There is a circular focus tool in the middle, which displays a misligned picture if out of focus. Turning the focus ring could move the misalignment into focus. I liked this very much, because I didn't need to press any buttons, it was totally optical and I could tell at a glance, without hunting the focus. With the HMC-150, I have to press the focus assist button, then turn the focus ring to see if the graph is at its maximum horizontal width. It means that in-focus shots are potentially ruined because I have to hunt anyway.

June 7th, 2011, 07:18 PM	#4
Vaughan Wood Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 278	Re: Using Focus Assist graph on HMC-150 Yes, HMC 150 is a crappy system with a crappy viewfinder. Too many "good" shots need sharpening to get away with soft focus for event work. Needs decent peaking too, so can't wait until the (hopefully) improved AG130 -160 series come out. Cheers, Vaughan