My own testing of AFC (video) with Gh6

[DMKAlex]

I am moving along with the Gh family. It was renown for poor AF for the Gh series so far (the 7 is not on the market yet and it is not counted). Most of the Gh6 reviews are polite to say there is improvement, but still not there yet.

I did my own test and here is my finding.

If you're doing half body shot of the subject, you would notice that the focus would shift off as the subject moves the head position. I guess in a close up lens setting, a fraction of an inch would cause the distance adjustment. That's not acceptable. I would stay with manual focus with a small aperture to increase the DoF.

If you're filming someone walking (full body in an environment), the AF seems to be able to follow the subject reasonably well.

I guess I will still be shooting MF for my video for the time to come.

Three years ago when I purchased the Gh5, I forecasted that I will be able to pick up an used GH6 for under $1K in 3 years. I lucked out and bought an open box (with 56 shutter count) for $899. I was able to register it for extended 3 year warranty. That's definitely a lot more than what I hoped for.

 

[WilyKit]

That's an awesome price. Enjoy, it's a really amazing camera for video.

 

[Joe Lynch]

That sounds reasonable to me, considering the price.

I don't mind manual focus for most of my video subjects. I've used manual focus on the OM-1 plus 150-400 BWL for birds and insects so much that I feel like I'm back in my film days. The layout of the zoom and focus rings make it very easy.

Good luck with the new body. I bet it works out fine for you.

Joe L

 

[Video Imager]

For close imaging try the range limiter. Seriously, with one of the PL lenses with proper lighting you might find that those half body youtube style shoots can have autofocus. your mileage might very well be better or worse. Mine was much better with a 5 to 10' range set.

 

[DMKAlex]

For close imaging try the range limiter. Seriously, with one of the PL lenses with proper lighting you might find that those half body youtube style shoots can have autofocus. your mileage might very well be better or worse. Mine was much better with a 5 to 10' range set.

There is still a lot more I need to play with to get a feel of it.

Like, my half body test AF was set to capture "Human". I guess I should have set it to "Eyes".

Thanks.