DVX100A using Auto-focus
 

Could I get some feedback from DVX100a owners/ops? How does the camera function using auto-focus with a variety of subjects/settings? Does the focus seek/drift similar to the Canon XL1s does? I am looking for a replacement camera and would like to know if other cameras have this problem.

thanks,
td

It depends. In 24p mode, the auto-focus is so slow it's actually called focus-assist. From what I understand, 24p mode on the Canon XL2 is also very slow.

In normal 60i, it can be called auto-focus. However I don't know if it's better or worse than an XL1s in 60i.

I never really use the autofocus myself. The DVX has one wonderful thing - a numbered focus scale that appears on the LCD, so when you're setting up a shot or grabbing a series of objects on which to focus, you can quickly note the focus numbers and jump between them rapidly.

okies, in interlaced mode the DVX is very quick in auto.
When pulling back from a full zoom, you dont get the back focusing as found in the XL series, however if u try to do this with an XL1/2 you WILL notice a fluctuation as the focus mechanism hunts.
The XL2 is actually very Pulse like when it does this. I havent seen the dvx do this.

in progressive, it runs about half the speed, the XL2 is much slower

drifting.. well it will only drift IF there is a horizontal or vertical subject in ur shot, however once locked the DVX wont sway UNLESS ur subject movesand reveals one of these "easy to focus on" points.

I do alot of run and gun work, and have never had an issue with any of the DVX functions irrespective of the mode im in.

by the way, excuse the lamens terms when im writing, im tired and cant think straight