I also use (2) C70's and an R5c for gimbal and wides in 3 camera interview shots. All with RF glass. Expose right and AF is gold. I'm usually lighting, audio and the camera guy. Sometimes running 3 cameras. AF is a must.
Do you do that shot where the viewer is seeing a closeup of the subject from a side camera while the subject is addressing the very viewer on a different camera?
Totally agree. Autofocus can be a great tool and it depends on the situation and lenses. It’s a strange thing when I see people arguing for a one size fits all approach to any aspect of filmmaking and cinematography, it’s about using the tools and techniques most suitable to achieve what you need.
As you may know from FB C70 group, I just sold my CN-e 18-80 lens. It has a great auto focus on it but with a T/4.4, it lacked the shallow depth of field I was wanting in my interviews. I ended up replacing it with a CN-e 50mm and the same 24mm. I relied on the autofocus so much that I was apprehensive to invest more money in a manual lens. In some ways I cheated because I actually spent more on these canon primes than I might have on Xeen, or Meike lenses because the canon primes still communicate with the camera as far as the focus assist and T/stop. I still have a couple of autofocus lenses for the situations that deem them better, but I’m mostly just wanting to do kit interviews at this stage in my career. As always your insight is awesome! I’m glad your still making TH-cam videos and urge anyone looking at developing their video skills to enroll in your Master Class.
There's also touch focus. Cameras with good autofocus allow the camera operator to put it in manual touch mode. Such cameras also have focus speed controls. In those situations, you can touch to rack focus with human intervention and settings to control timing and speed. As someone who owns both a Blackmagic and Sony cameras I've finding it harder to justify using the Blackmagic camera for most work. There are times when you want the subject to go into or out of focus based on camera movement. Those cases justify manual focus but there's no focus puller involved in those cases so you can just switch the autofocus into manual mode. In run & gun documentary work flexibility is critical.
Being good at using manual focus AND being good at using autofocus (which is a skill in itself) is definitely better than being limited to only knowing one or the other.
My first real setup for professional work was canon 1dxmkii. AF. Then realized a lot of that camera was TH-cam hype. No one talked about waveform monitoring, log etc. I switched to the GH5s. I learned to not trust AF on it. Now I don’t even think about it, I just go to manual focus instinctually. Some methods you start thinking about if zones and infinity focus. Not saying I’m a pro at it (I actually need to learn more real manual focus pulls), but you do get into a certain mindset when you cant trust AF. Love your videos man!
Thanks Damien I couldn't have seen this at a better time. I'm a bit envious of all of the equipment you have at your fingertips.. LOL! But I always feel as though, if one has an idea, one can figure out how to get the desired affect with whatever one has at their fingertips. Your video has given me the confidence to go ahead and do what I can with what I have. At the end of the day, you have to understand photography before you can shoot anyway, if you don't, then one wouldn't be faced with this conundrum. Thank you again Damien and I hope to one day be in a position to create some of the wonderful set-up's I see presented in your videos.
Still refining my manual focus skills. Coming from a photography background too. But more importantly, you mentioned your new interview course is coming, excited for that!
We film a lot of fast dynamic camera movements with shallow focus that would be nearly impossible to achieve without AF. If you're filming everything on sticks, MF is fine but AF is essential for modern filmmaking.
For it is simple. I use autofocus to focus then I turn it of and press record. It is faster then turning the ring and I don't need external monitor. The camera screen shows where it is focused I don't need to do fine adjustments. And it is just one button on the lens which turns on / off the autofocus. Easy. Fast.
Ich hab damals noch auf Betacam SP und DigiBeta mit B4-Optiken gelernt, manuell Fokus zu ziehen, also mach ich das weiterhin ganz gern, um die volle Kontrolle zu haben. Autofokus ist bei Interviews ab und zu ganz praktisch, aber ich verlasse mich definitiv lieber auf mich selbst als auf eine Automatik.
As a 'lone' shooter I find the benefits of autofocus far outweigh the negatives. Sony autofocus is so good - and you can set up tracking boxes on the touch screen to make sure the focus goes where you wish. Finally I have a dedicated button assigned to switching to Manual Focus so I can do pre-planned focus pulls...
Using phone apps like Monitor+ for Sony cameras (costs $18) which allows for touch autofocus from an AC from their phone or iPad. The latency on the app is incredibly low. So this is a sort of hybrid autofocus/manual solution where the AC can touch to track and monitor while the camera is shoulder mounted and the cam operator is unable to see or have access to the touch screen. This app can also pull manual focus with the right lenses. It’s a poor man’s AC.
Great Video Damian - I shoot with 2 x C70s and an R7 - on a recent interview shoot my C70 side-angle on the face lost focus a few times (on eye detection) so I ended up switching to manual and focussing with peaking - could the face have been too much in profile and the C70 was hunting for an eye?
I don’t know how to use autofocus with my vintage Nikkor AI-S lenses! 😂 On the Sony FX3/FX6, there isn’t any reason why one shouldn’t utilize it - but like you said, use it when you need to / want to. Every situation calls for a different tool.
I mean if you're doing event videography or making youtube videos then autofocus is fine.. But if you're on set filming movies or big commercials then you need to learn how to manual focus. Even people who film sports like the NBA they use manual focus
You don’t spend money on camera features only to be told not to use them. No, autofocus is not in any way cheating especially if you cannot achieve the same results in manual focusing. Don’t get me wrong, manual focus has its place and it’s a handy technique to master but don’t think of it as the only way. Amateur or professional can use either of said features.
Good topic with fair points! I'm also team "whatever works better for the job"
that's the best team! ;)
I also use (2) C70's and an R5c for gimbal and wides in 3 camera interview shots. All with RF glass. Expose right and AF is gold. I'm usually lighting, audio and the camera guy. Sometimes running 3 cameras. AF is a must.
Same here
Do you do that shot where the viewer is seeing a closeup of the subject from a side camera while the subject is addressing the very viewer on a different camera?
Totally agree. Autofocus can be a great tool and it depends on the situation and lenses. It’s a strange thing when I see people arguing for a one size fits all approach to any aspect of filmmaking and cinematography, it’s about using the tools and techniques most suitable to achieve what you need.
I’ve got literally the exact same take as you 😂 nice video Damien
As you may know from FB C70 group, I just sold my CN-e 18-80 lens. It has a great auto focus on it but with a T/4.4, it lacked the shallow depth of field I was wanting in my interviews.
I ended up replacing it with a CN-e 50mm and the same 24mm. I relied on the autofocus so much that I was apprehensive to invest more money in a manual lens. In some ways I cheated because I actually spent more on these canon primes than I might have on Xeen, or Meike lenses because the canon primes still communicate with the camera as far as the focus assist and T/stop. I still have a couple of autofocus lenses for the situations that deem them better, but I’m mostly just wanting to do kit interviews at this stage in my career.
As always your insight is awesome! I’m glad your still making TH-cam videos and urge anyone looking at developing their video skills to enroll in your Master Class.
There's also touch focus. Cameras with good autofocus allow the camera operator to put it in manual touch mode. Such cameras also have focus speed controls. In those situations, you can touch to rack focus with human intervention and settings to control timing and speed. As someone who owns both a Blackmagic and Sony cameras I've finding it harder to justify using the Blackmagic camera for most work. There are times when you want the subject to go into or out of focus based on camera movement. Those cases justify manual focus but there's no focus puller involved in those cases so you can just switch the autofocus into manual mode. In run & gun documentary work flexibility is critical.
Being good at using manual focus AND being good at using autofocus (which is a skill in itself) is definitely better than being limited to only knowing one or the other.
My first real setup for professional work was canon 1dxmkii. AF. Then realized a lot of that camera was TH-cam hype. No one talked about waveform monitoring, log etc. I switched to the GH5s. I learned to not trust AF on it. Now I don’t even think about it, I just go to manual focus instinctually. Some methods you start thinking about if zones and infinity focus. Not saying I’m a pro at it (I actually need to learn more real manual focus pulls), but you do get into a certain mindset when you cant trust AF. Love your videos man!
YES IT IS
Thanks Damien I couldn't have seen this at a better time. I'm a bit envious of all of the equipment you have at your fingertips.. LOL! But I always feel as though, if one has an idea, one can figure out how to get the desired affect with whatever one has at their fingertips. Your video has given me the confidence to go ahead and do what I can with what I have. At the end of the day, you have to understand photography before you can shoot anyway, if you don't, then one wouldn't be faced with this conundrum. Thank you again Damien and I hope to one day be in a position to create some of the wonderful set-up's I see presented in your videos.
Still refining my manual focus skills. Coming from a photography background too. But more importantly, you mentioned your new interview course is coming, excited for that!
We film a lot of fast dynamic camera movements with shallow focus that would be nearly impossible to achieve without AF. If you're filming everything on sticks, MF is fine but AF is essential for modern filmmaking.
For it is simple. I use autofocus to focus then I turn it of and press record. It is faster then turning the ring and I don't need external monitor. The camera screen shows where it is focused I don't need to do fine adjustments. And it is just one button on the lens which turns on / off the autofocus. Easy. Fast.
Ich hab damals noch auf Betacam SP und DigiBeta mit B4-Optiken gelernt, manuell Fokus zu ziehen, also mach ich das weiterhin ganz gern, um die volle Kontrolle zu haben. Autofokus ist bei Interviews ab und zu ganz praktisch, aber ich verlasse mich definitiv lieber auf mich selbst als auf eine Automatik.
As a 'lone' shooter I find the benefits of autofocus far outweigh the negatives. Sony autofocus is so good - and you can set up tracking boxes on the touch screen to make sure the focus goes where you wish. Finally I have a dedicated button assigned to switching to Manual Focus so I can do pre-planned focus pulls...
As someone with marginal vision I rely on auto focus. I think you made a very balanced video… it all depends on the situation.
Its closer to driving a manual vs an automatic. Generally you'll get more performance and control in a manual, but both will get you from A to B.
Using phone apps like Monitor+ for Sony cameras (costs $18) which allows for touch autofocus from an AC from their phone or iPad. The latency on the app is incredibly low. So this is a sort of hybrid autofocus/manual solution where the AC can touch to track and monitor while the camera is shoulder mounted and the cam operator is unable to see or have access to the touch screen. This app can also pull manual focus with the right lenses. It’s a poor man’s AC.
oh wow, never seen that in action actually
@@damiencooper I was shocked at the low latency. Like almost as good as an expensive wireless video system. Crazy!
sony has updated it’s own app now
@@dinbali monitor+ is incredible. I’ve not tried the Sony app, but wow.
Would love for you to make a review for the panasonic lumix s5iix!!!
Great Video Damian - I shoot with 2 x C70s and an R7 - on a recent interview shoot my C70 side-angle on the face lost focus a few times (on eye detection) so I ended up switching to manual and focussing with peaking - could the face have been too much in profile and the C70 was hunting for an eye?
I don’t know how to use autofocus with my vintage Nikkor AI-S lenses! 😂
On the Sony FX3/FX6, there isn’t any reason why one shouldn’t utilize it - but like you said, use it when you need to / want to. Every situation calls for a different tool.
exactly
You could autofocus those old nikkors with LiDAR…
@@TheGreatAmphibian
One day!
I mean if you're doing event videography or making youtube videos then autofocus is fine.. But if you're on set filming movies or big commercials then you need to learn how to manual focus. Even people who film sports like the NBA they use manual focus
how did you get those shots at the waterpark?!
Client project
Spätestens wenn man sich Atlas Linsen kauft muss man den manuellen Fokus lernen haha
Manuel focus here 👋
Because bmpcc 6k ..... no choice 😂
With current technology autofocus wont create that cinematic focusing yet. Therr is no bad or wrong you need to adjust yourself to the situation.
Are you #teamaf or #teammanual?
You don’t spend money on camera features only to be told not to use them. No, autofocus is not in any way cheating especially if you cannot achieve the same results in manual focusing. Don’t get me wrong, manual focus has its place and it’s a handy technique to master but don’t think of it as the only way. Amateur or professional can use either of said features.
ya autofocus is for noobs sorry