• DSLR Video

  5D2 Video focus technique

  Posted by Rick Pozzi on April 6, 2011 at 7:29 pm

  Hey guys and gals,
  I’m new to this forum so first I’d like to say hello.

  So my question is, when taking video with an SLR how can I setup the focus where everything from lets say 6 to 10 feet out to infinity is in focus?
  Do I need to figure out the hyperfocal distance for the focal length used and set that up? I have a DOF calculator for my iphone and it tells me the hyperfocal distance for a specific focal length.

  The reason I ask is because I’ve seen a few videos taken with SLRs and I noticed everything is in focus without the used making adjustments, so I’m trying to figure out how they do that.

  Thanks
  R.

  Canon 5D MkII / 70-200 f2.8 / 24-105 f4.0 / 85mm f1.8

  Cody Walters replied 15 years, 3 months ago 6 Members · 7 Replies
• 7 Replies

• 

  Errol Lazare

  April 6, 2011 at 8:48 pm

  If you close the iris of the lens then this will increase your depth of field which means you will have a larger area of focus in your shot.

  Errol X. Lazare
  EXL Films
  http://www.exlfilms.com
• 

  Noah Kadner

  April 6, 2011 at 9:02 pm

  Get a very wide angle lens and shoot at a closed down aperture. It’s all about the optics. But then again the whole reason to get a DSLR in the first place is *shallow* depth of field. If you want everything in sharp focus, a standard fixed lens 2/3″ camcorder will be much more what you’re after. Sony EX1, Panasonic HVX200, etc.

  Noah

  Unlock the secrets of 24p, HD and Final Cut Studio with Call Box Training. Featuring the Panasonic GH2 and Canon 7D.
• 

  Rick Pozzi

  April 6, 2011 at 10:13 pm

  I agree about the role of the SLR, I just want to maximize what i can do with one.

  So maximizing the focus area is as simple as shooting with a wide lens and a large F stop?

  Canon 5D MkII / 70-200 f2.8 / 24-105 f4.0 / 85mm f1.8
• 

  Richard Harrington

  April 7, 2011 at 3:28 am

  Watch the COW DSLR podcast. It will help yu understand depth of field

  Richard M. Harrington, PMP

  Author: From Still to Motion, Video Made on a Mac, Photoshop for Video, Understanding Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Studio On the Spot and Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
• 

  Rick Pozzi

  April 7, 2011 at 12:34 pm

  I found the DSLR tutorials, that’s great stuff. thank you.

  Is that what you’re referring too?

  R.

  Canon 5D MkII / 70-200 f2.8 / 24-105 f4.0 / 85mm f1.8
• 

  Brent Dunn

  April 7, 2011 at 2:48 pm

  It’s an issue for those who shoot weddings. When the bride is coming down the isle, you have to keep the F-Stop at a high number, 6 or higher, and it will help keep every thing in focus. Also, set your focus ring to the infinity setting. Setting up your lens to a lower setting like 1.2 – 2.8 will give you a shallow depth of field.

  Brent Dunn
  Owner / Director / Editor
  DunnRight Films
  DunnRight Video.com
  Video Marketing Toolbox.net

  Sony EX-1,
  Canon 5D Mark II
  Canon 7D
  Mac Pro Tower, Quad Core,
  with Final Cut Studio

  HP i7 Quad laptop
  Adobe CS-5 Production Suite
• 

  Cody Walters

  April 7, 2011 at 8:41 pm

  Brent,

  Just out of curiosity, what stabilizing gear do you use with a DSLR in a wedding situation when the bride is coming down the aisle? I purchased a shoulder mount, but I’m not in love with it.

  Cody Walters

  Mac Pro 2.26GHz 8 Core
  16 GB 1066 MHz DDR3
  Final Cut Studio 3
  Adobe CS5 Master Suite
  Panasonic HVX-200
  Canon 7D

  http://www.codywaltersvideo.com

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