Need a focus chart(?) to snap into macro focus at DVinfo.net

Vince Pachiano · March 12th, 2015, 04:39 PM

OK, my title sounds a little odd... What I am looking for is to print something that I can hold directly in front of the camera lens to make it quickly and surely focus from an object that is 20 feet away to an object that is 2 inches away (6 meters -> 5cm)

I film actors at 20 feet, then I immediately want to film a "slate" with a 1,2,3, or blank on it. I had been using a photograph of a focus-chart, but the AF still hunts trying to get focus on the focus chart. Is there a pattern I should use that will help the AF? Can you point me to a JPG of something that I can print?

Vixia HF G20

Don Palomaki · March 13th, 2015, 05:26 AM

Auto focus generally works best with good light and high contrast vertical edges in the focus sensing zone. Light levels under 50 lux and low contrast subjects make it difficult for typical image-based auto focus systems. Depending on the content, a focus test chart may or may not work well.

Note that the HV20 autofocus minimum distance varies with the zoom setting from 1 cm to 1m. If you are zoomed in a bit it may not work well with an object at 5 CM (2") distance.

March 12th, 2015, 04:39 PM	#1
Vince Pachiano Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 307	Need a focus chart(?) to snap into macro focus OK, my title sounds a little odd... What I am looking for is to print something that I can hold directly in front of the camera lens to make it quickly and surely focus from an object that is 20 feet away to an object that is 2 inches away (6 meters -> 5cm) I film actors at 20 feet, then I immediately want to film a "slate" with a 1,2,3, or blank on it. I had been using a photograph of a focus-chart, but the AF still hunts trying to get focus on the focus chart. Is there a pattern I should use that will help the AF? Can you point me to a JPG of something that I can print? Vixia HF G20

March 13th, 2015, 05:26 AM	#2
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Re: Need a focus chart(?) to snap into macro focus Auto focus generally works best with good light and high contrast vertical edges in the focus sensing zone. Light levels under 50 lux and low contrast subjects make it difficult for typical image-based auto focus systems. Depending on the content, a focus test chart may or may not work well. Note that the HV20 autofocus minimum distance varies with the zoom setting from 1 cm to 1m. If you are zoomed in a bit it may not work well with an object at 5 CM (2") distance. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com