Kent State University Videography Basics
 

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FOCUS

AUTO FOCUS

  • Set FOCUS to AUTO if necessary so that the letters MF do not appear in the viewfinder.   videography11a.jpg (9182 bytes)

  • The camcorder will automatically bring the subject into focus even during zooming.

  • You may see the picture go in and out of focus while you are recording.

MANUAL FOCUS

Manual focus takes a little longer, but it gives you more control over the image, and you will not see the "focus shift" that sometimes occurs with auto focus.  Use manual focus when you are recording:

  • a subject through glass, a fence, a screen, or other barrier.

  • in low light situations.

  • a scene with fast motions.

  • a subject not centered in the viewfinder.

  • a scene with objects or people moving in and out of the view.

  • subjects with shiny surfaces.

videography11b.jpg (24990 bytes)

  • Set the VCR/CAMERA switch to CAMERA.

  • Set the FOCUS switch to MANUAL so that MF (Manual Focus) appears in the viewfinder.

  • Press and hold the T side of the POWER ZOOM switch until the lens is zoomed in all the way.

  • Rotate the LENS FOCUS DIAL until the picture is in focus.

videography11c.jpg (12734 bytes)

  • Press the W side of the POWER ZOOM switch to frame the picture as desired.

REMEMBER that you will have to re-focus your camcorder when you aim it at each new scene.

When you want to adjust the focus quickly in the MANUAL position:

  • Leave the FOCUS switch in MANUAL.

  • Press and hold the FOCUS switch.

  • The focus will adjust automatically as long as you continue pressing.

  • When the focus adjustment is complete, release the FOCUS switch.

MACRO FOCUS

Use this process when you want an extreme close up of a very small object.

  • Set the FOCUS to AUTO.

  • Press the W side of the POWER ZOOM switch to the wide angle position (zoomed out).

  • Bring the camcorder as close to the subject as necessary.

  • AUTO FOCUS will function down to 1/2 inch from the lens.

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