PXW-FS7 Official Tutorial Video #8 “Focus Control and Focus Aids"| Sony Professional

Summary

In this video, Alistair Chapman explores the focus capabilities of the Sony PXW-FS7 camera, detailing its autofocus and manual focus functions. He explains the differences between Sony E-mount lenses and other lens types, highlighting the focus ring adjustments for both manual and autofocus modes. Additionally, Alistair introduces useful tools like AF assist, focus magnifier, peaking, and the focus assist indicator to help achieve precise focus, especially when shooting in 4K. These tools enhance the user experience by providing accurate focus control, crucial for professional video production.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sony PXW-FS7 camera offers both auto and manual focus options, with tools that make manual focusing easier.
• 😀 The autofocus on/off switch on the camera allows you to switch between auto and manual focus modes.
• 😀 Autofocus works best with Sony E-mount lenses. It may not function properly with lens adapters or third-party lenses, like Canon lenses.
• 😀 The 28-135mm power zoom lens uses a sliding focus ring to switch between auto and manual focus, with clear distance marks for manual mode.
• 😀 In manual focus mode, regardless of the camera’s autofocus setting, the lens focus ring allows precise control over focus.
• 😀 Pressing the autofocus button temporarily switches to autofocus for quick focusing, then returns to manual focus once released.
• 😀 The 'AF Assist' feature lets you adjust autofocus by turning the lens's focus ring, helping you override autofocus when needed.
• 😀 Three key focus-checking tools are available: focus magnifier, peaking, and focus assist indicator.
• 😀 The focus magnifier can be assigned to a button for 4x and 8x magnification, helping you check focus more accurately.
• 😀 Peaking highlights sharp areas of the image with white, black, or colored edges, making it easier to identify focus points.
• 😀 The focus assist indicator shows a bar graph measuring the sharpness of the image, helping you fine-tune focus for maximum contrast and sharpness.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the autofocus switch on the Sony PXW FS7?

The autofocus switch on the Sony PXW FS7 allows users to toggle between autofocus and manual focus modes, enabling flexibility in focusing techniques.

Why is it recommended to use Sony lenses for autofocus on the PXW FS7?

Autofocus on the PXW FS7 works correctly only with Sony lenses. Using third-party lenses or adapters, such as a Canon lens, can cause autofocus to function improperly.

What happens when the focus ring of the 28-135mm power zoom lens is set to the rear position?

When the focus ring of the 28-135mm power zoom lens is in the rear position, the lens is set to manual focus, and the distance marks on the focus ring are calibrated.

How can the autofocus function be used with the 28-135mm power zoom lens when the focus ring is in the forward position?

When the focus ring is in the forward position and the switch is set to 'auto' on the camera, autofocus will be enabled, allowing the lens to automatically adjust focus.

What is the purpose of the 'one-push' autofocus feature on the Sony PXW FS7?

The 'one-push' autofocus feature allows users to press a button to enable autofocus temporarily. This feature is useful for quickly setting the focus without the camera continuously hunting for focus during a shot.

What is the AF assist feature on the Sony PXW FS7?

The AF assist feature allows users to override autofocus temporarily by turning the focus ring, enabling more precise control over focus while maintaining autofocus capabilities.

What are the three primary tools available on the Sony PXW FS7 for checking focus?

The three main tools for checking focus on the Sony PXW FS7 are the focus magnifier, peaking, and the focus assist indicator.

How does the focus magnifier work on the Sony PXW FS7?

The focus magnifier can be assigned to a button and magnifies the image by four or eight times, allowing for more precise focus checks. It only affects the viewfinder image, not the recording or HDMI/HD-SDI outputs.

What adjustments can be made to the peaking function on the PXW FS7?

The peaking function can be adjusted in terms of peaking type (normal or color), frequency (high or normal), and sensitivity. The color options include black, white, red, yellow, or blue, depending on user preferences.

How does the focus assist indicator help in focusing with the PXW FS7?

The focus assist indicator displays a bar graph that measures the sharpness of the image. To achieve the sharpest focus, the goal is to adjust the focus until the bar graph is as far to the right as possible, indicating the maximum contrast or sharpness.