70d Focus question for those familiar with Panasonic GH3 at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon EOS Crop Sensor for HD
Register FAQ Today's Posts Buyer's Guides

Canon EOS Crop Sensor for HD
APS-C sensor cameras including the 80D, 70D, 7D Mk. II, 7D, EOS M and Rebel models for HD video recording.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old December 19th, 2013, 06:59 PM   #1
Trustee
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Posts: 1,104
70d Focus question for those familiar with Panasonic GH3

I own a GH3 and like it for its imagery and ease of use. I rarely use autofocus but I have noticed with autofocus that if the light is even slightly low, it can suddenly without warning go wildly out of focus. I don't mean slightly soft, I mean totally out of focus so that the image is a complete blur. Has anyone observed this on the 70d or is autofocus on it more reliable?
Jim Snow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 19th, 2013, 09:27 PM   #2
Trustee
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Crookston, MN
Posts: 1,353
Re: 70d Focus question for those familiar with Panasonic GH3

I suppose how frequently it happens matters. I have seen it once or twice on our 70D when it's dark.... if I up the exposure to brighten it up I haven't seen it. So, for me it would be a problem to use on the dance floor, or maybe speeches at a wedding reception, when I allow it to look darker.
Robert Benda is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 20th, 2013, 04:51 AM   #3
Major Player
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Winnipeg Canada
Posts: 532
Re: 70d Focus question for those familiar with Panasonic GH3

I am exploring the 70d focus limitations and am developing techniques to work with them.
I find that knowing when to use each of the three different autofocus modes is important, as they will hold or lose focus in different ways with different subjects (especially moving subjcts) and under different lighting conditions. I think it is really useful to suspend the autofocus at the right time also, so the camera doesn't get confused. To that, you can either tap the screen or press the flash enable button to turn it off, or if you program the zoom button, you can hold it down to suspend the autofocus and release it to reactivate.
I also drag my finger on the touchscreen to follow subjects when the camera is confused. You are also able to program how the tracking focus gives priority to either 'locking on' or being more 'responsive', depending if the subject is moving a lot, or is fairly stationary, but you have to delve into the menus to do so.
I find that not being able to use the touchscreen and an external monitor at the same time is unfortunate, and I hope it is fixable in a firmware update, as well as the ridiculous app that cannot control video, or work on an ipad. Also, if they add zebras and a histogram that can be used while recording, as well as being able to control audio levels, this camera would be a video monster.
But likely we'll have to wait (a year?) for Magic Lantern to add features that should easily be included by Canon. How annoying! But anyway, this is a pretty great camera as is!
Brian David Melnyk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 20th, 2013, 09:54 AM   #4
Trustee
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Crookston, MN
Posts: 1,353
Re: 70d Focus question for those familiar with Panasonic GH3

Finally found a GREAT side by side comparison video. It starts with the 7D, 70D, 5d mark ii, and 5d mark iii all filming side by side so you can see noise, moire, and aliasing for yourself.

Then he shows how the live autofocus and such works - skip to about 10 minute mark for that.
Robert Benda is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 20th, 2013, 11:50 AM   #5
Trustee
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Posts: 1,104
Re: 70d Focus question for those familiar with Panasonic GH3

Do you have a link?
Jim Snow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 20th, 2013, 12:03 PM   #6
Trustee
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Crookston, MN
Posts: 1,353
Re: 70d Focus question for those familiar with Panasonic GH3

Woops. Sorry

Robert Benda is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 20th, 2013, 08:54 PM   #7
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Indianapolis Indiana U.S.A.
Posts: 63
Re: 70d Focus question for those familiar with Panasonic GH3

Here is a Tips of Our Fingers - Behind the Scenes from HUMBLE TV of a short film they Done with the 70D. They show how they use the autofocus If you click the Humble TV you can look up the full short they did.

Michael Bishop is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon EOS Crop Sensor for HD


 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:55 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network