Digital Video Tips

[MR77100]

I have not adjusted well to the digital video. After shooting railroads for 11 years with a Sony 8mm Handycam, I am trying to adapt to the use of a Sony HD miniDV handycam DCR-HC28. There are more toys with this model, although they seem to do little to correct my main issue of focusing on a moving train. When I shot video with the 8mm, I used manual focus on a passing train, and the result was even the numbers under the cab being clear! But this is a not the case with the hc28. Would autofocus work better? Also, would an infared light help with low-light conditions? Does anyone else have the same issues I have had?

[TheJollyRailfan]

Modern day manual focusing in cameras usually is pretty bad unless there is an actual focus ring on the lens. Its not your fault, its just the industry standard. I suggest you give autofocus a try! The AF systems are very sophisticated and always keep focus on whats in the center of the frame and very simple: just point and shoot!

Some cameras just wont work naturally without additional lighting. It all depends on sensor size and lens aperture. For low light situations you can use a spotlight to brighten up the situations or look more into infared lighting. Unfortunately infared isnt to my knowledge.

[MR77100]

Thanks for the tip. I will try to autofocus, and there is an infared light for this model. It is available for about $50 on ebay so it is worth a shot. If you have any more suggestions, please let me know.