Back button focus and video
I have not done video, as I prefer stills, but a family member has requested me to do a video at his wedding. As part of my research on how to do this, I am asking this forum. When recording the video, will I need to constantly hold the af-on button down while recording to maintain focus. Thank you in advance for any information.
TriX
Loc: Raleigh, NC
Many DSLRs will not continuously AF when in video mode, so if you zoom, you cannot count on proper focus. I suggest trying some test videos before the actual event to understand the characteristics (and limitations)of your DSLR while shooting video.
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orrie smith wrote:
I have not done video, as I prefer stills, but a family member has requested me to do a video at his wedding. As part of my research on how to do this, I am asking this forum. When recording the video, will I need to constantly hold the af-on button down while recording to maintain focus. Thank you in advance for any information.
It is camera dependent. DPAF quickly works all the time regardless if you zoom or change distance.
You really need to post details about what ststem you're on,camera body, lens etc. With Nikon you're out of luck as AF in live view is poor, many lenses make noises as they zoom. If you'll post the details I suggest, you'll get this sort of advice for your system, and any tips people may have. And you give no indication of why you would want to use BBF in video mode. Good luck, hope you're able to do it.
With all due respect, you might see if you can get an experienced video shooter to help with the wedding. Secondly, this is impossible to answer without knowing what camera you're using. If you have a late model Sony or Canon, you can actually get away with full auto. Others are best done as one shot, on a touch screen. BBF can be useful on some cameras while shooting video.
jmizera wrote:
With all due respect, you might see if you can get an experienced video shooter to help with the wedding. Secondly, this is impossible to answer without knowing what camera you're using. If you have a late model Sony or Canon, you can actually get away with full auto. Others are best done as one shot, on a touch screen. BBF can be useful on some cameras while shooting video.
I have a Nikon d500 and d750
FYI - the Nikon D850 Filmmaker kit is now available at B&H. Order early and it will ship today.
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I'd not do full auto on a Nikon. Not sure if these models have focus peaking, but that can be useful in video mode. One shot auto focus can be useful, but back or shutter button doesn't really matter, as Nikons have a separate record button for video. Depending on the lens, I would be relying quite a bit on manual focus. Things like the recessional can be tricky. One option is to have the b&g and wedding party walk into focus. During the ceremony, I'd lock that secondary camera down in a wide shot for coverage in case you need to cut away. Oh, and if you don't own a quality lavalier mic, rent one.
orrie smith wrote:
I have a Nikon d500 and d750
Then I wouldn't expect to get anything professional in terms of video, unless you have lots of experience with shooting video on Nikon. The AF is terrible, and often inaccurate. It's hard to see what's in focus on the screen. There are other screen modes but I personally don't know how to use them, but you should investigate those if you still want to go ahead.
I think your camera is great for short clips but to do a wedding I would rent or purchase a video camera. By the time you get an external mike for sound and you deal with the fact that your camera will stop after a specific time period (not the same for all cameras) then you need to have software to combine/edit the clips you have a lot of time and effort plus cost involved. I found that a Nikon (per my book) can over heat if you use LV for a extended period. A movie camera can shoot continuously and maintain focus and most come with the external mike. If you are not experienced in doing video it can end up a mess - at least go practice to better understand what you are up against!
CPR
Loc: Nature Coast of Florida
I have a Nikon that shoots great video under certain specific conditions. It's not a video camera though!!!!!!!!
If you can put it on a tripod focused on a location and connect an external microphone it will give you great video.
My Nikon D7100 also does great HD video but only 19 minute clips then you need to restart and do another. As said before, keeping focus if the scene moves is not as easy. I did 1.5 clips before my camera shut down and I found out later that because I was using live view, it caused the camera to overheat. You can do excellent video with the camera but you need to know the process - don't try and learn at the wedding!
ToBoldlyGo wrote:
Then I wouldn't expect to get anything professional in terms of video, unless you have lots of experience with shooting video on Nikon. The AF is terrible, and often inaccurate. It's hard to see what's in focus on the screen. There are other screen modes but I personally don't know how to use them, but you should investigate those if you still want to go ahead.
In fact, these, and most every modern DSLR, can shoot amazing video if operated correctly. You are correct in that they are not easy to shoot with. Using a loupe, or better yet an external monitor is pretty much a must.
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