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Best way to ensure focus
Hi
I have been playing arround with my fairly new T2i with video. I find it sometimes a bid hard to ensure that the picture is properly in focus. I have read about 6-8" HDMI monitors on top and the Z-finder. Which solution is best, and does any have pros and cons about thoose two, and perhaps there are other options as well? Thanks. /Ulf |
If its a set shot and you do not have to refocus then you can zoom in x5 or x10 in the live view mode before hitting record. Much more precise then using either of the other 2 options imo.
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Don't forget the One-shot Auto Focus.
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I agree that the x5/x10 magnification option is a very accurate way of working, but as you say, only prior to taking a shot. I read somewhere, I think from Tramm, that there is a proposal for magic lantern for picture in picture magnified focus assist during record, where the main view is the magnified section and a PIP window shows the un-magnified view for keeping the shot in frame. If this ever happens, I think this option with a loupe would make focus really easy. |
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No, the resolution of the LCD on the 550d is 1,040,000 pixels in a ratio of 3:2
720 x 480 = 345600 It's roughly 1248 x 832 ratio (w/h) = 1.5 Resolution = 1040000 h = root(Resolution/ratio) = 832 See the spec: Canon EOS 550D - EOS Digital SLR Camera - Canon UK Besides, a quick look at the lcd with a loupe, and you can clearly see it is not 480 lines. |
Thanks a lot guys :)
/Ulf |
One other focus related consideration is DOF. Obviously it's going to be harder to focus at f1.8 than at f5.6 since the DOF is so much shallower. I find myself spending a lot of time checking DOF meters - I've got one on my iPhone now.
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I don't have a T2i/550D but looking through a loupe at the screen on my 5D Mk II (640 x 480 x 3 = 920,000 dots) I can clearly see the pixels. The pixel density on both screens is similar. Here is a link to Canon's rather more honest specifications for the 5DII LCD screen where it is referred to as VGA resolution i.e. 640x480 but 920,000 dots Canon Digital Learning Center - EOS 5D Mark II |
I see. Well it seems I have fallen hook line and sinker for Canon's skulduggery. Doh!
It is very useful to be set straight on this as I may now consider buying a decent external monitor, so thank you for taking the time Nigel. |
The Z-Finder is the best solution I have found. As mentioned above...when I use my SmallHD monitor, it's great for setting a shot but once you hit record, it down-res's the picture. Once you get used to the loupe, i's pretty easy and using a follow focus becomes a lot of fun. BUT like everything that doesn't have a computer to help you, it will require effort to develop the skill.
Did a shoot with the T2i on the shoulder mount with a FF yesterday and it's great, crisp footage. Not so with my initial attempts when I first got the camera. The other secret for getting focus right is you don't always need a 3" DOF. Bump the aperture up to 5.6 or more and your DOF will be much easier to use. When I fly the T2i on my Blackbird, this is the only way to get good focus as the camera can't be adjusted once you're moving. This link helped me quite a bit... Online Depth of Field Calculator |
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