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Question

Focusing my Sony Z5U Camcorder

May 11, 2011 2:24PM PDT

I recently purchased a Sony Z5U camcorder and I am very enthused about the product overall; however, I am having difficulty with the focus feature.

I have the camera set up on a tripod against a green screen and I notice that the images from the camera appear very out-of-focus momentarily throughout various pieces of footage. At first I thought it was due to how a subject moved in and out of the line of vision of the camera, or how a subject moved from stage back to stage front (and vice versa), but now it's happening every 5-10 seconds throughout the footage regardless of what the subject is doing.

I've checked different online forums to see what others say may attribute to blurred focus and have found suggestions ranging from lighting to automatic focus settings. Although strong lighting helps a great deal in regard to "graininess," poor focus remains to be an issue.

I know this camera is capable of strong focus because of the dozens of reviews I've read of individuals praising this particular camera for it's outstanding picture quality; however, I am at a loss. Does anyone have any tips/tricks/suggestions regarding my problem???

Thank you for your help!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Focusing my Sony Z5U Camcorder
May 12, 2011 5:13AM PDT

Hello xxsupernova80xx,
My name is Evelyn from sony eletronics the sonylistens team. I notice you need some help with your camera. Please contact Sony support at 1-800-222-7669 or visit esupport.sony.com.I hope this helps and if you have any other questions please contact us at sonylistens@am.sony.com.
Best Regards,
Evelyn Perez
SonyListens Team

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Sony was no help
May 13, 2011 8:58AM PDT

I tried contacting Sony customer service, and instead of any troubleshooting they just said send it in. At this point I do not think it is a hardware problem, because when I shoot in other rooms it does not happen. I would just like a few tips that I could try before I jump to "the camera is broke".

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My tip is
May 14, 2011 10:43AM PDT

Give it something to focus on or use manual focus. I'm unsure why a dot out of field that can be edited out later is not an option.
Bob

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Answer
Green screens and focus.
May 12, 2011 2:17PM PDT