Auto-Focus

[atomtom]

Hi,

I have a couple of AF related questions:

(1) In the video mode (not while taking still images) how many AF points does the camera use?

(2) If it is just one point in the center, how big is it?

(3) Is there any way to make the focus point(s) visible in the viewfinder or on the LCD?

(4) Is there an easy way so to accomplish a focus lock? What I am looking for is the ability to keep the camera in the manual mode, press a button and have it focus, and then release the button while the focus remains locked. I can achieve something similar by switching between the Auto and Manual modes but would be happy to find an easier way.

Thanks.

[Mal]

(1)
Don't know.

(2)
Not sure.

(3)
No, that is not possible.

(4)
Unfortunately no focus lock.

[Worley]

(4) Unfortunately no focus lock.

:eek:

What? Can't you go into manual mode, focus on an object, then switch to manual focus so as to use the focus "dial", but not actually use the dial?

I don't have the HV20 so I could be wrong. But this is the technique I use when I want to achieve a locked focus effect on my MVX40.

Worley

[Mal]

Ah, yes, that you can do; I think I misunderstood what atomtom meant with "focus lock".
You can simply "toggle" between the auto-focus, and the manual focus.
I.e. use the autofocus to correctly get focus, then push the manual focus button; the focus is then "locked" in that position.

I thought atomtom meant if there was a feature such as with the DVX or HVX from Panasonic, where there is a little toggle switch that goes from manual focus into auto to be able to focus, and then when released it springs back to manual focus.

I think part of my confusion is due to the fact that I am not sure how the words manual and auto are getting used here; i.e. AUTO and P setting on the cam, and/or auto-focus and manual focus. Those four things aren't the same, and should be properly identified! :)

[Worley]

I think part of my confusion is due to the fact that I am not sure how the words manual and auto are getting used here; i.e. AUTO and P setting on the cam, and/or auto-focus and manual focus. Those four things aren't the same, and should be properly identified! :)

Phew, that's a relief.

I would love a camera that has just 2 modes: auto, where the camera does everything, leaving me with no control; and manual, where I have absolute control over everything.

But I'd have to go pro for that, and that's just too darn expensive.

Worley

[atomtom]

Ah, yes, that you can do; I think I misunderstood what atomtom meant with "focus lock".
You can simply "toggle" between the auto-focus, and the manual focus.
I.e. use the autofocus to correctly get focus, then push the manual focus button; the focus is then "locked" in that position.

I thought atomtom meant if there was a feature such as with the DVX or HVX from Panasonic, where there is a little toggle switch that goes from manual focus into auto to be able to focus, and then when released it springs back to manual focus.

I think part of my confusion is due to the fact that I am not sure how the words manual and auto are getting used here; i.e. AUTO and P setting on the cam, and/or auto-focus and manual focus. Those four things aren't the same, and should be properly identified! :)

Thanks, Mal. You correctly understood my question. That feature (auto focus on-demand) used to be quite common in prosumer and pro cameras.