What is the best focusing method for video recording?

<p>I think I've gotten the hang of which focus point (single, multiple, tracking, face detection, etc.) to use for still photos.</p>

<p>How about for video? Does the same rule apply? One thing I find tricky is that single focus point works for stills, but in a video situation the subject moves around in the frame, so it won't work. Does that leave tracking or multiple?</p>

 

<p>Depends on the camera, the lens, whether you're shooting with a wide-open aperture, whether the lens has a quiet motor (and if you're using the camera's built-in mic, or something external that won't hear the focus mechanism working) ... lots of variables. There's a reason that so many serious video/film people shoot without any AF at all, so they can take control of things. Can you mention more about the equipment you're using and the circumstances in which you're shooting?</p>

The best focus mode for video is manual.

 

Watching a camera hunt for focus is more obnoxious than camera shake.

<p>Any movement that creates the need for complex and/or fast changes in focus is likely to produce unpleasant effects in video, at least with pretty much any auto-focus system. Skilled filmmakers usually try to minimize the need for such changes in focus, but "focus puller" is its own skilled craft for a reason (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focus_puller).</p>

 

<p>To address Matt's question, I have micro four thirds system and have various AF lenses. Although I take (environmental, candid) portraits, birds, sports and landscape photos in still, I only take my kids' playing in video; both indoors and outdoors, lots of movement by the subject and also by the videographer. As such, I'm not sure manual focusing is a practical solution for me.</p>

<p>I recently bought my first DSLR, the T4i. There has been much "buzz" around its slow focusing and hunting in live view (used if chosen for stills and mandatory for video).<br>

In testing the camera, I found the same thing. Through investigation I found that the default AF out of the box is face detection. When I switched to multiflex single, AF sped up to almost as fast as through the viewfinder.<br>

So at least for the T4i (and maybe other Canons?) be sure you aren't on face detection if using the live view!<br>

<br />Paul</p>