Canon Camera

Keeping focus while shooting videos with DSLR

By 44frames - October 12, 2020


Keeping focus while shooting videos with DSLR 

How to keep everything in focus on DSLR video, keeping the subject in focus is an ultimate challenge while shooting videos, this becomes easy in photography as the subject is mostly in a constant distance. This completely changes when it comes to video shooting, it's a different game. Many have asked me do you use manual focus for video?

DSLR video focus tracking can be achieved either m manual focus or by autofocus. A new video camera focus technique has come into the market called the 'Remote focus puller', a focus puller helps you by focusing your camera through a wireless controller. Best focus mode for video is neither manual focus nor autofocus, both works in different situations and also based on the abilities of your camera.

Many have asked me how to keep the focus on a moving subject in focus, I have tried a few methods and those have worked successfully for me.

I have shared my experience and all methods I follow when I do a video shoot.


1.Wide angel Lens

Try to use the wide-angle lens as much as possible, always shoot with a more closed aperture. I use 5.6 to F8 in moderately lit areas. Higher the aperture [higher number], more the focus. 


2. Constant Distance 

For moving subjects always keep a constant distance between the camera and the subject, of course, you have a little freedom based on the aperture, use higher aperture more range of focus will help you keep the subject in focus.


3. Autofocus

Autofocus is available in many cameras nowadays but autofocus works properly only when you have one subject in the field-of-view, one human in the frame if you have more than one person in the frame, it is better to use manual focus else the camera decides on which face focusing rather than the planned face[subject] to focus

4. Remote Focus Puller

Having a Focus puller is a good idea if you have the budget. A focus puller will help to do the focusing from a remote monitor or a tablet, you can have the Focus puller remotely operating the focus so the camera can move freely and also capture the subject in their quiet Focus. We get remote focus puller kit available like the Zhiyun focussing kit, comes as an addition to their awesome gimbals.



5. Fixing a Meeting point for Focus

When capturing a subject moving in the opposite direction, mark a point on the floor, where the subject has to come in focus and then work backwards so that when the camera is moving in the opposite direction to the subject there is a particular marked point where the subject comes into focus and then moves away, remember the camera should be shooting in the manual focus mode.
This kind of shot is commonly used in dance videos come on music videos and commercials.

In the below videos, I have used all these techniques I have shared with you, there are 3 more techniques following below...



6. Back-up plan

Take the same shot with manual focus and with autofocus if required, so if either of it goes wrong the other could help you as a backup

7. Multiple takes

To cover up the risk in the focus, I always advise taking multiple shots or repeated shots so that if one goes away at least you have a few to back you up

8. Shoot the rehearsal

If you can shoot the rehearsal that is really good as it will be a backup for you and you could also check the camera angle, camera focus the lighting everything on the monitor and adjust before the real shot.


The above video is completely shot with manual focus in a DSLR camera, I have managed to keep everything in focus. Keep practising and you will understand the techniques better.

Thank you for reading all my experience, if you have better ideas please do write them in the comments so I could learn from you as everybody who reads this blog.

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