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cgchang · 05-21-2015, 10:55 PM

This has probably been asked before but couldn't find a thread.

I know focusing manually is best but was wondering if the K3 is able to do any reasonable autofocusing during recording if I press the AF button. Whenever press the button I hear the gears nudging slightly but focus doesn't change, basically unresponsive. After a second or third push AF sometimes kicks in slowly. Is this normal?

Here's a video illustrating the problem. You can hear when I push the AF button and the clicking of the lens.

Youtu.be

Steve.Ledger · 05-21-2015, 11:52 PM

Yes, that is totally normal for Pentax, especially with a screw drive AF lens.

(Thank goodness they disable mechanical SR during video so we don't hear the SR noise as well.....)

Adam · 05-22-2015, 05:11 AM

Originally posted by cgchang

This has probably been asked before but couldn't find a thread.

I know focusing manually is best but was wondering if the K3 is able to do any reasonable autofocusing during recording if I press the AF button. Whenever press the button I hear the gears nudging slightly but focus doesn't change, basically unresponsive. After a second or third push AF sometimes kicks in slowly. Is this normal?

Here's a video illustrating the problem. You can hear when I push the AF button and the clicking of the lens.
http://youtu.be/Se7JBHR00UA

Yup that's normal. The AF speed is reduced in video mode to keep noise levels low and to allow for smooth focus changes, but the implementation could use some work.

Steve.Ledger · 05-22-2015, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The AF speed is reduced in video mode to keep noise levels low and to allow for smooth focus changes, but the implementation could use some work.

Understatement of the year!

cgchang · 05-22-2015, 04:41 PM

Thanks guys.

I can understand slowing autofocus to keep noise levels down, but micro clicks back and forth before any major focusing movements kicking in is...unfortunate.

Steve.Ledger · 05-22-2015, 11:49 PM

Originally posted by cgchang

Thanks guys.

I can understand slowing autofocus to keep noise levels down, but micro clicks back and forth before any major focusing movements kicking in is...unfortunate.

A result of CDAF.

But really, it's far more professional looking to focus first then shoot.

PiDicus Rex · 05-24-2015, 10:43 AM

Better solution for the 'noise issue', besides focusing manually, is to use an external shock-mounted microphone, such as the Rode Video Mic.

05-22-2015, 05:11 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Originally posted by cgchang This has probably been asked before but couldn't find a thread. I know focusing manually is best but was wondering if the K3 is able to do any reasonable autofocusing during recording if I press the AF button. Whenever press the button I hear the gears nudging slightly but focus doesn't change, basically unresponsive. After a second or third push AF sometimes kicks in slowly. Is this normal? Here's a video illustrating the problem. You can hear when I push the AF button and the clicking of the lens. http://youtu.be/Se7JBHR00UA Yup that's normal. The AF speed is reduced in video mode to keep noise levels low and to allow for smooth focus changes, but the implementation could use some work. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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05-21-2015, 11:52 PM	#2
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	Yes, that is totally normal for Pentax, especially with a screw drive AF lens. (Thank goodness they disable mechanical SR during video so we don't hear the SR noise as well.....)

05-22-2015, 01:58 PM	#4
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	Originally posted by Adam The AF speed is reduced in video mode to keep noise levels low and to allow for smooth focus changes, but the implementation could use some work. Understatement of the year!

05-22-2015, 04:41 PM	#5
cgchang Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Delta, British Columbia Posts: 148 Original Poster	Thanks guys. I can understand slowing autofocus to keep noise levels down, but micro clicks back and forth before any major focusing movements kicking in is...unfortunate.

05-22-2015, 11:49 PM	#6
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	Originally posted by cgchang Thanks guys. I can understand slowing autofocus to keep noise levels down, but micro clicks back and forth before any major focusing movements kicking in is...unfortunate. A result of CDAF. But really, it's far more professional looking to focus first then shoot.

05-24-2015, 10:43 AM	#7
PiDicus Rex Veteran Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 1,381	Better solution for the 'noise issue', besides focusing manually, is to use an external shock-mounted microphone, such as the Rode Video Mic.

On demand AF on K3

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