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Question

focusing issue for HDR PJ380

Nov 5, 2013 2:16AM PST

Hi there,

So I ran into a bit of a focusing issue this past weekend. It only came up in the 2nd half. I did use the zoom more in this game, so I don't know if it's related to zooming. The 2nd half, the image would be sharp for a few minutes, then just go out of focus for a few minutes, then come back in, then go blurry again. The blurry was still viewable, but obviously not the best.

What I normally do is set up and then just let it record. I haven't had this happen before, so I don't know what was the reason. Was it, for example the fact that it was cloudier that day and starting to get more dusky? Was it b/c I was zooming in more than usual? And if anyone has any suggestions to avoid this, that'd be great. Like I have had a bit of a struggle with the facial detection, so I haven't been using it, but maybe would that have helped? (The issue is getting it to pick up on my son. and sometimes, it may pick up on him at first and then switch to someone else, so I have been a bit hesitant to use it)

Any comments, suggestions would help. Thank you!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Manual focussing
Nov 5, 2013 6:37PM PST

If you are recording a match in the distance, set to manual and focus on infinity. Auto focus was probably "hunting" in the dark conditions.

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(NT) manual focus?
Nov 5, 2013 9:36PM PST
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See P37 of your user manual
Nov 5, 2013 9:58PM PST

It shows you how!

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P37
Nov 6, 2013 3:06AM PST

Hi there,

I looked at that page and didn't see those instructions. Here is a link to what I see: https://docs.sony.com/release/HDR-CX320_CX320E_CX380_CX380E_CX390E_PJ320E_PJ380_PJ380E_PJ390E.pdf . I found this other manual online, https://docs.sony.com/release/HDR-CX220_CX230_CX280_CX290_CX320_CX380_CX390_HDR-PJ220_PJ230_PJ320_PJ380_PJ390_guide_EN.pdf, which p. 37 doesn't have it there either. Is there another manual you might be referring to? Finally, just to understand: what makes this better than "facial tracking"?
Thank you again for all your help.

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Different Guide
Nov 6, 2013 9:17AM PST

In the first Guide you show it is P36 Camera/Mic >Manual >Focus. The use of infinity is common with photographers. Lenses need to be focussed for near shots <20 ft (this depends on the lens of course) but from a certain distance to infinity, the lens will hold its focus and zooming should not affect it. To stop the fuzziness you need to stop the auto-focus.

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different guide
Nov 7, 2013 10:46AM PST

Ok, I think I understand. I admit, I'm like a notch beneath an amateur, so I'm grateful for the help.

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manual focussing issue
Nov 6, 2013 3:00AM PST

Hi there!

Thank you for your response. Not sure why I have a blank message posted from earlier. In any case, that is good information. If I may, let me ask some follow up questions. So, if I set it to manual and focus on infinity, will it keep the image in focus? Also, while the match is in a distance, I am zooming in. Does that impact any of this? If I'm zooming up a bit, can I still use the settings you suggest? Also, and I apologize for so many questions, if it is set to manual, can I walk away at that point and just let it record? B/c that's essentially what I'm trying to do: set it up, get it in focus, then hit record and just come back when it's done. that's why I didn't notice the issue until after I was reviewing the footage from this past weekend.

Thank you!