Nikon D7000 Video Issue - Autofocusing

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Nikon D7000 Video Issue - Autofocusing

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NikonShooter1

new member
Joined: Nov '12
Posts: 3
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Hello Everyone,

I am currently new to NR...and absolutely love it =)...

I have already looked around for my answer but no one has been able to provide me the right answer which is weird... I was wondering if one of you gentlemen or lady can help me out here.

I would like to start shooting videos, possible blogs in the future but for now personal videos...

However I am running into autofocusing issues...

Gear...Nikon D7000, 50mm 1.8, 18-55mm 3.5-5.6, and the 70-300mm 3.5-5.6

I have set my video mode to manual and have the correct aperture and shutter value...A- F/4 to get the DOF sharp and the shutter speed to the amount of ambient light that I have available.

I use my tripod obviously to keep camera stable and in place to record myself.

Moving on...

I wanted to know how to focus on the subject being myself...I do have a remote but its only for photos...I have tried to manually focus my 50mm 1.8 but every time i get into the frame I am out of focus. It's been bothering me for quiet awhile and would like to get these videos started.

If you can please provide a step by step guide to getting myself in focus that would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advanced.

NS1

Posted 6 months ago #
Geoff_K

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Joined: Dec '09
Posts: 194
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Unless you are moving, putting a lamp where you will be sitting/standing to focus on did not work for you ? Anything to use as a focus dummy should work.

Posted 6 months ago #
R8R

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Joined: Aug '11
Posts: 352
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Go to a much smaller aperture than f/4. At that focal length and aperture, say you were about 5' from the lens, your DOF would only be maybe 5-6 inches. Not much wiggle room.

Also, your lens is probably not the sharpest at f/4.

Try f/5.6 or smaller, f/8 would be even better. Manually focus on a dummy object where you will be sitting, and leave it locked there.

One other benefit to this, NOBODY likes to hear or see the auto focus whirring away while they are trying to watch the video. (especially if you are using the on-camera mic) Having enough DOF and a locked focus eliminates this issue.

Posted 6 months ago #
Mike Gunter

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Joined: Sep '10
Posts: 946
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Hi all,

In the D7000 menus, go to

A8 (autofocus)

At autofocus mode, choose AF-F fulltime servo AF

At A8 also allows for 'Area' mode, and depending upon what you are shooting, you might want "Face", or "Wide" or perhaps tracking. Make some tests for which one of the modes works for you.

My best,

Mike

Posted 6 months ago #
El_Pickerel

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Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 581
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I second the use of manual focus for video - focus on a target that is set up where you will be, and leave the lens manually focused there. Even if you used full-time autofocus to focus on you after you entered the video, it would still move around slightly as it is trying to find the greatest contrast and will keep searching a little bit for the best contrast. This could really be distracting to viewers of the video, as the focus will continually twitch.

Use a smaller aperture like f/5.6 or f/8, and don't be afraid to add a little ISO if it is necessary. I was really impressed with how the D7000 managed some videos shot at up to ISO 6400, though that is certainly pushing it.

Posted 6 months ago #
NikonShooter1

new member
Joined: Nov '12
Posts: 3
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Thanks everyone for their posts!!!

Finally a source that answers my questions. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT EVERYONE!!!

THANK YOU!!!

NS1

Posted 6 months ago #