2008Steadi-Newbies forum
Manual versus autofocus cameras for steadicam work
18 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- Autofocus cameras are not recommended for steadicam because the focus will hunt and shift constantly during movement, making it difficult to maintain the desired focal plane.
- Setting manual focus at around 6 to 10 feet on the lens and keeping the frame wide allows most 1/3 inch cameras to maintain acceptable focus during steadicam shots.
- A dedicated focus puller operating a remote wireless system or wired focus controller is the standard professional approach, but this requires additional crew.
- Closing the iris and increasing depth of field through lighting techniques is a practical workaround for single-operator steadicam work without a dedicated focus assistant.
- Most professional steadicam operators use manual focus mode rather than autofocus, whether they have assistants or rely on deep focus techniques.
- Steadicam shots with shallow depth of field are challenging because both the camera and subject are moving, creating a demanding focus pulling task.
Depends on
- The advice assumes 1/3 inch cameras with standard lenses and moderate focal lengths.
- Professional focus pulling with shallow depth of field requires additional crew and specialized equipment beyond the steadicam system itself.
- This discussion does not address 35mm adapters or larger sensor cameras, which would have different focus characteristics.
- The techniques described are most applicable to documentary-style shooting rather than feature production with cinematic shallow focus requirements.
- One participant claimed the JVC 110 has autofocus but was later corrected that it has a manual focus lens with focus assist features.