D500 Video
Jan 23, 2021 19:57:44 #
I don't do much video shooting on my DSLRs because I hate the way they are continually hunting for focus when shooting. I just did a Google search and I could not find an answer for this issue.
The only one I found was a guy who just set the focus manually for shooting a "fixed" scene.
Can anyone tell me or point me to a good video that shows how to shoot video and get "good" continuous auto focus without all the clicking and hunting that always happens.
I know how to set the camera up so I'm not looking for that, just want to know if it is possible to keep focus while shooting video, not a fixed scene but proper video while panning, etc.
I know movies have been shot on a DSLR but they don't seem to have this focus hunting problem...
Thanks, Ron.
The only one I found was a guy who just set the focus manually for shooting a "fixed" scene.
Can anyone tell me or point me to a good video that shows how to shoot video and get "good" continuous auto focus without all the clicking and hunting that always happens.
I know how to set the camera up so I'm not looking for that, just want to know if it is possible to keep focus while shooting video, not a fixed scene but proper video while panning, etc.
I know movies have been shot on a DSLR but they don't seem to have this focus hunting problem...
Thanks, Ron.
Jan 23, 2021 21:27:38 #
I can’t speak to the D500 in particular, but I was surprised to find that my Canon 5D3 will not change AF during video, so you have to focus, shoot, and stop to zoom and refocus. In the end, I found a dedicated video camera to be more satisfactory and less frustrating. I’d suggest checking the video section of your D500 manual to see what if any limitations there are on AF while in video mode.
Jan 23, 2021 22:51:07 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
SX2002 wrote:
I don't do much video shooting on my DSLRs because... (show quote)
I don't shoot a lot of video either, but have found that the two things you can do to immediately improve results are first to use an off-camera microphone using the audio input connector on the left side of the camera, and second to turn off the automatic gain control. The manual describes how to do this as well as how to manually set audio recording levels.
Even just taking the second step and turning off AGC can significantly reduce the aud8bility of focus noise in many cases.
Jan 23, 2021 23:09:01 #
There are only a few DSLR’s that do....ok....autofocus.
I’ve shot a few videos with my Nikon DSLR.
( there’s one below in my signature line. )
Always manual focus. Static shots or on a slider.
Mirrorless cameras are better at AF while shooting.
I’ve wished I had my Olympus EM-1 back a few times.
AF is more usable and the in-body stabilization is amazing.
Hand-held shots look a ton more steady.
As Larry Page says, off camera mics are critical.
Sound is more important than most people think.
I’ve shot a few videos with my Nikon DSLR.
( there’s one below in my signature line. )
Always manual focus. Static shots or on a slider.
Mirrorless cameras are better at AF while shooting.
I’ve wished I had my Olympus EM-1 back a few times.
AF is more usable and the in-body stabilization is amazing.
Hand-held shots look a ton more steady.
As Larry Page says, off camera mics are critical.
Sound is more important than most people think.
Jan 24, 2021 08:28:27 #
Jan 24, 2021 09:11:46 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
I have read two suggestions. One is to focus with your feet or get a dedicated video camera. These assume that your subject is moving. DSLR's in video mode don’t provide a simple solution.
Jan 24, 2021 09:11:47 #
There is guy on the Forum Steve Perry who is a solid knowledgeable “guru” of all Nikon products. His website is backcountrygalleries. Membership is free...chk D500 & all of his trucks/tips
Jan 24, 2021 09:33:18 #
The focus module in a lot of DSLR's is below the mirror diverted by a secondary mirror (or i think in the viewfinder).
When the mirror is up for video, they can't see.
With mirrorless, the focus is incorporated into the sensor itself.
There are some DSLR's that have both.
Canon's dual-pixel system is one that's found in a few of their DSLR's like the 5DMK IV, one reason it's popular for shooting video. Also in the 6D Mark II, 7D markII, 70D, 77D, 80D, Rebel T71
When the mirror is up for video, they can't see.
With mirrorless, the focus is incorporated into the sensor itself.
There are some DSLR's that have both.
Canon's dual-pixel system is one that's found in a few of their DSLR's like the 5DMK IV, one reason it's popular for shooting video. Also in the 6D Mark II, 7D markII, 70D, 77D, 80D, Rebel T71
Jan 24, 2021 10:39:01 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
GoofyNewfie wrote:
The focus module in a lot of DSLR's is below the m... (show quote)
👍👍👍. Excellent answer. That’s why I use my iPhone if I want video clips.
Jan 24, 2021 11:08:47 #
gvarner wrote:
👍👍👍. Excellent answer. That’s why I use my iPhone if I want video clips.
I’ve been amazed at the quality I can get from my phone. Sound recording too, if used close to the source.
Jan 24, 2021 11:10:30 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
GoofyNewfie wrote:
I’ve been amazed at the quality I can get from my phone. Sound recording too, if used close to the source.
I think there are Bluetooth mics you can add for better sound.
Jan 24, 2021 11:23:38 #
I have 2 D500s. I routinely shoot manual or Aperture priority. When I switch to video I do the following :
Switch to Programmed contril
Switch to video mode (lower right rear of body)
Turn on live view
I leave auto focus on single
I have never noted unusual focus searching
Switch to Programmed contril
Switch to video mode (lower right rear of body)
Turn on live view
I leave auto focus on single
I have never noted unusual focus searching
Jan 24, 2021 12:19:01 #
I don't shoot video. If I did I would get a good video camera.
Jan 24, 2021 12:35:57 #
One work around is to utilize depth of field to keep everything in focus with a wide angle lens. For example with a tokina 11-16mm lens and a DX camera, everything from 4 feet to infinity would be in focus throughout the whole zoom range. I believe if you focus once at the nearest object then turn auto focus off, everything should be in focus. Video cameras and phones with smaller sensors have a greater depth of field so more of the frame stays in focus. You can use an online DOF calculator to figure out your depth of field with any lens and sensor size. If the action is within the depth of field it all should be in focus.
Jan 24, 2021 13:10:33 #
My Nikon has a setting where the speed of the autofocus can be advanced or retarded so that it does not appear to jerk or hunt in a distracting way however mine is not a D500 so yours may have something different in how it is adjusted.
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