Fujifilm xt20 Video - Focus

[Faiz Ahsui]

Hi All,

Morning!

Just wanna ask..

If theres anyone whos an expert in this..

Anybody tried using fujifilm xt20 for video?

Already set my camera to S mode or C..
Focus mode have tried either Zone or Wide..
Yet, seems like its trying real hard to keep focus..

Why does the camera keeps going out of focus?

Hence, i got no choice but only to use Manual while shooting video..
Got a problem if intend to mount in on stabiliser..

Any solution?

 

[kandinsky]

Short answer: Because AF technology for video with large sensor cameras ain't that good/consistent, not yet at least.

They might be okay for some shots, but the reality is most AF systems will struggle unless the scene is farily simple, with wider FOV and aperture stopped down (or set to infinity) for sufficient DOF. When the AF can't keep up, video shooters do tend to set to MF to avoid unsightly focus hunting. If you have another operator then you can think about wireless electronic follow focus. Talking in general, not specifically about the XT20. I'm using GH4 and A7R2 and found these to be true. You can do shallow DOF with MF on stabilizer, but you'll likely need to rehearse your shots and continually adjust/maintain distance from subject to maintain focus.

http://www.eoshd.com/comments/topic/20348-best-focusing-method-when-shooting-with-stabilizer/

 

[Faiz Ahsui]

Short answer: Because AF technology for video with large sensor cameras ain't that good/consistent, not yet at least. They might be okay for some shots, but the reality is most AF systems will struggle unless the scene is farily simple, with wider FOV and aperture stopped down (or set to infinity) for sufficient DOF. When the AF can't keep up, video shooters do tend to set to MF to avoid unsightly focus hunting. If you have another operator then you can think about wireless electronic follow focus. Talking in general, not specifically about the XT20. I'm using GH4 and A7R2 and found these to be true. You can do shallow DOF with MF on stabilizer, but you'll likely need to rehearse your shots and continually adjust/maintain distance from subject to maintain focus. http://www.eoshd.com/comments/topic/20348-best-focusing-method-when-shooting-with-stabilizer/

Thanks for the feedback.

Perhaps Fuji system for video not stable yet..
I am also a Sony A7S user..
I will usually set to my sony to AFC at aperture f5.6. and it will all be magic. no matter how a person moves, for as long as it remains at centre of zone, it will stay focus.

 

[Faiz Ahsui]

Does it seem like its struggling when it comes to focusing for video?
What mode do you guys use for autofocus?
Let say i'm going to mount it on a stabiliser, i cant possibly put it on Manual focus.
Have set it to Autofocus S mode with aperture of f5.6.. yet it seems like the camera is struggling to find focus..
It keeps going out of focus...

 

[Africangrey]

I noticed you only tried only zone or wide.
I suggest you use single zone. I used C mode and Single zone for video and I get good results except when someone walk pass my camera and it will refocus on the nearer object.
Btw, my above settings were for videoing a concert.

Another way to check if you have a wonky set, suggest you try taking video in full auto mode. Switch to Auto on top right panel. This mode overrides all parameters.
This Auto mode is as idiot-proof as it can get.