Sony Z7 auto focus problem

[Rodger Smith]

Originally Posted by Anthony Smith

. . . As an event videographer, we don't have the luxury of take 2 , take 3 , take 4 ...... etc. There is no such thing as take 2 infact. . . . the auto focus is worst (quite bad) than z1 or pd170 or Fx1. . .

We do the same as you. Problem only exists in very low light when lots of dark areas fill a good portion of the frame. Easy fix. 1. try to keep the lens more wide/infinity and move in closer. 2. make sure the back focus is set properly (we missed this even though it's on like page 4 or 6 in the manual). 3. check to see that the macro setting is proper to avoid the lens trying to focus on a fly's leg. 4. run manual where possible on either focus or iris or both. 5. avoid moving the camera around a lot in very low light. REMEMBER: Even a 35mm in these conditions with auto anything has a terrible time and makes for some interesting blurrs.

Sounds idioic right? Especially 4.? We found that if the iris is manual the focus is less likely to hunt and chase for some reason. We found that infinity and move the camera in watching the LCD screen flipped over and up (looking down on the LCD) we can keep the focus issues to a minimum (if any).

If others have found a better system, love to hear it; otherwise, I'll take this one small tiny "bad" with all the "good" we have gotten with this camera since switching from a Panny HVX200A :o)

[Rodger Smith]

Originally Posted by Anthony Smith

. . However Z7 is not suitable for filming weddings because of the auto focus problem.

I would disagree with this statement since we do over 150 videos every year and about 25 to 30% are weddings and we just put the HVR-Z7U into service in late July without a hitch other than "some" focus issues. If in fact you have an EX1 as stated, then the "rolling shutter" issue must have precluded you from being able to use that camera for weddings beyond the shadow of a doubt because we know, it happened like crazy on the EX1 we tried; however, it did not happen like that with the Z7U and thus I would say that . . .

"The Z7U is a great camera; for weddings; for events; for run and gun; for broadcast; for . . . geez, just anything. But, make sure your crew are pros because it is a professional camera . . I know, because after years of using fixed lens cameras when I was formerly a removable lens cinematographer, I had forgotten about backfocus!" Dr Dimento :o)

[Sophie Bucks]

Originally Posted by Anthony Smith

The auto focus for this camera is really slow and NOT good compare to Sony Z1 or Sony PD170

Is this problem fixed or is Sony going to fix this problem? If so, when?

We use Z7 a lot for events, weddings basically live stuff. The auto focus is a bit rubbish so we have stop using it completing. You may wish to try and use manual focus combined with the "peaking" setting to help get it sharp. With a bit of practice (and maybe a bit of an investment on a follow focus thingy) you might start to like the Z7

[Rodger Smith]

Originally Posted by Sophie Bucks

....The auto focus is a bit rubbish so we have stop using it completing. ....

this and many other reasons, like rolling shutter every time someone flashed . . which is like very 20 to 30 seconds at a wedding . . were our primary reasons for selling off both of your Z7's and going back to solid, reliable, wonderful, Canon XHA1s's