Both EX cameras have as well the "lens Info" button. This gives you a bar that indicates your DoF (or what is in focus), use this to get familiar with how "much" is in focus at different zoom lengths and different apertures. I sometimes leave it on when shooting documentary style stuff to see if I have everyone in shot in focus etc

try 2 border collie chasing frisbees seems impossible

Hope this is still pertinent.

Manual focus is about remembering distances and learning how much is in focus at different zooms, f-stops and chip sizes.

If you are shooting from the stands and you are on a wide shot, pretty much everything will be in focus.

If you are on the sideline and shooting super telephoto of a player's head, your depth of field will be very shallow, not a lot in focus.

In the end, it is a mental exercise. Which is good because it keeps your head in the game so to speak.

Practice a lot. This is what separates a skilled camera operator from the crowd.

Here is a sample rough cut edit of the Sebring 2010 race Pt.1 using the EX-1 in full manual.
most of the footage is handheld.
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/ex-serie...mp1-coupe.html

Hey Bob,

Sorry but I couldn't really tell how well you were focusing. I was too busy watching the cars! Just kidding. As an old retired club racer I always get fixated on the cars when viewing race footage.

Seriously though, great footage.

Garrett