I was wondering if there's a way to simulate a lens-out-of-focus effect in Final Cut Pro - specifically, like a pull focus, only nothing is IN focus to begin with. I'd like to take some of my footage (which is completely in-focus) and make it seem like I was trying to focus in-and-out during the shot.

Use one of the many blur effects and key frame the blur to create the desired effect.

Something like "Gaussian blur" would work, but it totally doesn't look like the lens is out of focus, just blurred. I hate that! Even "lens blur" in after effects doesn't look like a real lens. You just don't get those octagonal shapes from lights... But "soft focus" is a pretty cool filter in Final Cut.

Something like "Gaussian blur" would work, but it totally doesn't look like the lens is out of focus, just blurred. I hate that! Even "lens blur" in after effects doesn't look like a real lens. You just don't get those octagonal shapes from lights... But "soft focus" is a pretty cool filter in Final Cut.
There's also no DOF to the blur when it's done in post unlike if you did a rack focus on the camera itself. Making something look blurry in post is easy. Making something look like a camera coming into focus is more difficult.


-A

Motion has a few more filters that look slightly more realistic but yeah nothing beats a real out of focused shot.

Noah

Motion has a few more filters that look slightly more realistic but yeah nothing beats a real out of focused shot.

Noah

Hmm... I may just go with the blur... I plan to use these blurry shots for title overlays.