CANON HF-G70 Focus Hunts, nonstop, even in the best lit studio conditions.

[Greggadventure]

I have been suffering, with focus hunting, since the Day I got the HF-G70. It ruins takes, constantly, and, if I don't watch a Monitor, religiously, I can miss it, and not find out till the shoot is over. I have to re-shoot, scenes, regularly, every time I work with the printer. It can be, on me, sitting at a desk, or, on a component. Both do the same thing. It goes in and out of focus, the whole time.

Here is a peak at it, using a printer part, to demonstrate. https://youtu.be/71hzgidG0ag

A Secondary issue, is Auto White Balance, turning everything blue. Even with matching Godox lighting.My HF-G60, did the same thing. I sold it, and got the G-70. No change. There are many reports online, of this camera line, doing this. Is there any solution?

[SkaterVideoGuy]

Hi Gregg,

Having watched a couple of your Vids, I clearly see your Issue with "Wandering Focus".  I don't know if you're having folks complain about it, but I'm sensitive to it - and I see it often.

Looks like you've got good Lighting - Not an issue I suspect.

What you're up too is the most Challenging type of Video to do, in my Experience.  Close Up and personel with small changes in Distance from the Cam.  I'd never count on the "Auto" Focus to get that Job done if I wanted Maximum Clearity for every Shot.

I assume your Cam stays in one spot and that you use "Zoom" for change of Closeness.

I would hope that you're using a Seperate Monitor (10 to 15" or larger ) for watching what you're Cam is doing.  But, still have easy access to the Cam's Side Viewer for making Focus changes either by the Focus Ring or the Via the Focus Box in the FUNC Settings.  (Cam being in Manual Focus Mode) 

If using the AUTO Focus Mode, then I would consider using "Fast" Zoom Speed, and High-Speed Zoom settings.  I would turn Off - Face Detection & Tracking.  I just don't believe that Auto Focus will work properly for what you're doing.

Which Program Mode are you using ?  P, Tv, Av, M, or Sports ?  For my Derby Videography I use the P Mode, and Manual Focus.

Food for Thought,

SkaterVideoGuy

[Greggadventure]

Hi SVG,

Thanks so much for another reply. I've been trying to find a conversation like this for months. 
Yea, it's bad. And, what you see, is after I reshoot every seen that goes out of focus, sometimes multiple times, then, while editing, remove every possible second of it, and STILL I'm stuck with noticable instances of it. But, what I cut, is 10x worse. It will go in and out repeatedly, many times in a row, sometimes slow, sometimes fast, even when not moving at all.

Here is a peak, via an unlisted video on my other channel: https://youtu.be/DqJMFxAeNyU

For lighting, in hopes of better results, I repainted the whole room, and got all new lights. Two GODOX UL-60, and a panel light.
I respect your opinion, that AUTO FOCUS, may just be out of the question for my setup.

That said:
I typically only need to push in or out, a small amount, and use Zoom for that. I move the Camera, if need another angle, but, it's kept the same distance, as much as possible.

I have a 22" Samsung Monitor, and also keep the screen turned toward me. I have to watch for out of focus at ALL TIMES, so, the monitor is a must. It helps me see it, but, sometimes, I get caught, because I am making eye contact with the camera. I speak with pauses, between sentances, so I can keep an eye on the TV, and, edit out fuzzy takes more easily. 

When in Auto, I have not found a way, to turn off Face Tracking, other than by touching the screen. That selects a focal point, and OFF appears on the screen. This OFF, I believe, is FACE TRACKING, being OFF.

I don't believe this camera has those progam modes. However, I could be mistaken. I am far more experienced with SLR and Mirrorless camera's, over this. I just got the PDF Manual, and will spend some time, poking around it. If I CAN get it into those modes, I will start working with them, and Manual Focus.
Manual: https://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/1/0300044581/05/hfg70-im7-n-en.pdf

It kinda sounds like, Manual is the way to go, and I probably better start getting more comforable with that. I appreciate your kind and detailed advice, more than I could put to words. I am going to check out your channel, and sub from 3DRUNDOWN, and GREGGADVENTURE. 🙂 I'm sub 311 and 312!!
 
Bonus Question: If you were me, what Camera, if not the one I have now,  would you use for my channel? Or, should I just learn to get along better with this one?

[SkaterVideoGuy]

Merry Christmas Gregg,

Great on using a Monitor as you do. 

I've been using a Separate Monitor for most of 3 Decades for my Video work.  Currently using either a 10' or a 16" unit, both Battery Powered.  I can go 10 to 20 Hrs on Full Battery Power with my Equipment.  4.5 hrs. is currently the most I need for Derby.

Based on your descriptions and watching your Vids,  it would be much easier and quicker for both of us if we could converse by Phone.  I'm a Baad Speller and even worse Typist, so this way takes tooo much time.  Not sure how to share Phone #'s, as we don't want them public.

Be happy to speak with you to go over my Recommendations.   Best done with your Camera in hand.

??? How to share #'s. ???    I'm in the Central Time Zone.

SkaterVideoGuy