I shot a feature with the HV20, and one of my biggest problems was focusing. Is there some portable solution out there for getting better focus with the HV20? Thanks.

Were you using a 35mm adapter ?


Check this post out thread out for a focusing wheel.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=100119

Or this is one with concept I was testing:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=98909

If you are talking about being able to see the image when you focus, I actually have better luck using view finder.

With my 35mm adapter, I use a 7 inch SD DVD player with video input. I can get it pretty close....but others swear you need an HDV monitor.

Also, don't forget that you have a Focus Assist on your camera. It's the STOP button on your LCD. It helps when trying to get your focus exact.

Also, don't forget that you have a Focus Assist on your camera. It's the STOP button on your LCD. It helps when trying to get your focus exact.

I completely over looked this, thanks. This is perfect.

Focus assist is okay for set ups, but if anything is moving requiring follow focus, you can't use it because it doesn't engage while tape is rolling.

Focus assist is okay for set ups, but if anything is moving requiring follow focus, you can't use it because it doesn't engage while tape is rolling.

Are there any solutions for the moving shot? When not using a 35mm adapter?

A good manual control over your focus and a bigger LCD..

I'm going to purchase this solution myself:

http://www.ikancorp.com/pages/monitors/v8000hd/included.htm

I'm so danged upset at the slightly out of focus I've been having happen to me lately. I shot about 12 hours of live music performances on stage last week and I noticed quite a bit of the time my cameras focus locked on a sign about 10 feet in back of the artists that had sharp lines plus text. I didn't catch it until posts. That's not going to happen to me again if I can help it.

I know the above solution is about a $750 to $800 but I don't want to be shooting out of focus ever again if I can help it. My only decision will be, where I purchase this monitor at.

My toolbag is getting heavier people.

I just took a quick glance at the specs. That monitor is barely above SD specs. It's certainly not HD! You could get an inexpensive portable DVD player with an external input that should do about as well. Also, I see many monitors in the 19" range for $150 or so. Look in the TV section of the store as well. Just make sure it has the needed inputs. If you need battery operation, get an inverter.

Good luck!