tscali

Can anyone recommend a basic tutorial on using the movie function on my new D750? I'm having trouble keeping things in focus and I know it is a user problem.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

you tube

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

DSLRs, mirrorless and other larger cameras are built around relatively large sensors with larger lenses to take photos. Consumer camcorders use smaller sensors and smaller lenses. Since video pixel dimensions are much smaller than DSLRs, it works.

You can still make a photo DSLR take decent video clips.

Because of the DSLR's larger sensor, larger lens and focusing system optimized for photographs it is common to have difficulty with focus. Typically as the DSLR works to find focus the image appears to hunt.

The solution for most cameras is to turn off continuous focus. Instead, use one of the buttons to focus and lock. Since I know I will always want to trim the first few frames of any clip, I start the clip and then press the photo shutter button half way to force the focus. In editing I will see where the shaky frames from button pushing camera wiggles stop and sharp focus starts. That is where I will cut and discard the first few frames.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I would suggest you always use manual focus. I come from the old school from my years in broadcast television as a videographer - my career as it were.

Always use manual focus because it's more accurate. Auto focus is always "hunting" and that means your focus is always changing giving your video a terrible look.

Also I'd recommend a wide lens, say your 18-55 and be sure to use the VR. I'm a Canon guy, I use my 18 always with the IS on because hand held it gives me a steady cam look which is pleasing to the eye because there's never any hand shake.

Best of luck.