Focus is critical on HDV. Tony Levelle explains manual focus, backfocus, push-to-focus and focus assist so your HD footage stays sharp on big screens.
Focus is critical on HDV. Without precise focus, your final image may appear blurry and soft when displayed on a high definition screen or HD monitor. If you don’t use good focussing practice, you may not know that your image is out of focus. The (comparatively) low resolution LCD panel on most HDV cameras is not good enough for fine focussing. Fortunately, many HDV cameras include a focus assist feature to help you get tack sharp images.
Focus assist in most under-$10,000 cameras uses a combination of image magnification and peaking. In peaking, high-contrast elements of the image (like edges) are enhanced when they are in focus. The JVC GY100-U has a nifty scheme that outlines edges of in-focus details in brilliant red, blue or green.
Focus assist is good, but it must be combined with good focussing practice to get the sharpest image possible.
Good focussing practice begins with backfocus. To backfocus, zoom in on a detail in the scene, focus and zoom out. Once you’ve performed backfocus, use the focus assist feature to set the final focus.
When you don’t have time for backfocus and focus assist – for example when shooting sports or verite documentary footage – use your camera’s ‘push-to-focus’ button to automatically adjust focus. The lens returns to manual focus when the button is released.
HDV focus tips
1.Use manual focus.
2.Backfocus at the beginning of every shot.
3.Use focus assist to set final focus.
4.In a non-static situation, use the ‘push to focus’ button. Press it every time the distance between you and the subject changes.
DVInfo is a great place to ask questions about HDV issues. You will probably have an answer from a professional cinematographer within a day. http:dvinfo.net
Tony Levelle is a writer living in northern California. His most recent book, Producing With Passion, co-authored with Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning filmmaker Dorothy Fadiman, is scheduled for release in late 2006. His next book is about digital movie cameras, through Michael Wiese Productions. It will be in bookstores in the spring of 2007. Tony Levelle’s email address is [email protected].
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