Hows the auto focus on the PMW200? at DVinfo.net

Kevin Lewis · September 15th, 2013, 05:01 PM

As mentioned in a previous post, I am thinking about purchasing the Sony pmw200. I think I now have enough info to make a decision on the purchase. I keep reading mixed reviews on the auto focus and wanted to get input from those that have worked with the camera. I was going to rent one, but I would much rather put the rental cost toward the purchase of the camera. Please let me know what your thoughts are regarding the autofocus. Thanks.

Jerry Porter · September 15th, 2013, 05:59 PM

It's typical Sony auto focus. Pretty good.

James Kuhn · September 17th, 2013, 12:19 PM

I agree with Jerry Porter. Overall, the PMW-200 is pretty good for what it is.

In full 'Autofocus Mode', the camera can be fooled into focusing on the wrong subject. With moving subjects, the 'focus' can drift in and out. You can assist the 'autofocus' by turning the 'Focus Ring', but the camera may override your decision.

There's also a 'Focus Assist' feature where you can temporarily activate 'Autofocus' when you press the 'Push AF' button.

Bottom-line, preferred technique is full 'Manual Focus', but in general the 'Autofocus' feature is as good, if not better than most.

Regards,

J.

September 15th, 2013, 05:01 PM	#1
Kevin Lewis Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philadelphia, pa Posts: 705	Hows the auto focus on the PMW200? As mentioned in a previous post, I am thinking about purchasing the Sony pmw200. I think I now have enough info to make a decision on the purchase. I keep reading mixed reviews on the auto focus and wanted to get input from those that have worked with the camera. I was going to rent one, but I would much rather put the rental cost toward the purchase of the camera. Please let me know what your thoughts are regarding the autofocus. Thanks.

September 15th, 2013, 05:59 PM	#2
Jerry Porter Major Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Satellite Beach, Fl Posts: 784	Re: Hows the auto focus on the PMW200? It's typical Sony auto focus. Pretty good.

September 17th, 2013, 12:19 PM	#3
James Kuhn Major Player Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Merritt Island, Florida Posts: 865	Re: Hows the auto focus on the PMW200? I agree with Jerry Porter. Overall, the PMW-200 is pretty good for what it is. In full 'Autofocus Mode', the camera can be fooled into focusing on the wrong subject. With moving subjects, the 'focus' can drift in and out. You can assist the 'autofocus' by turning the 'Focus Ring', but the camera may override your decision. There's also a 'Focus Assist' feature where you can temporarily activate 'Autofocus' when you press the 'Push AF' button. Bottom-line, preferred technique is full 'Manual Focus', but in general the 'Autofocus' feature is as good, if not better than most. Regards, J.