Sony cameras are well known for their impressive Auto Focus capabilities when shooting still images. Face / Eye AF, Real Time Tracking and AI enhanced AF on the latest cameras are making it easier for Professional to get more “keepers” every time they shoot.
This article will explain the Video Auto Focus features for Sony Alpha cameras.
Further in-depth videos on “How To Master Sony’s Video Autofocus” by filmmaker Phillip Bloom will be linked at the end of this article.
AF in Video Mode
When shooting in Video Mode not all Sony cameras have the same AF features as in stills mode.
Further to that, not all cameras have the same settings for Video Auto Focus either.
There are two types of the Auto Focus options available to you which are determined by he type of camera you own. Cameras such as A7III, A7RIV/A, A9 & A9II, all have the original settings of
AF drive speed & AF Tracking Sens. in the Camera 2 Menu (Purple Tab) under Movie 2.
AF drive speed can be set from: Slow, Normal, Fast
AF Tracking Sens. Can be set from: Standard, Responsive
These settings can allow a user to determine how quickly focus will shift from subject A – B (AF drive speed) and also, how easily the Auto Focus will change subjects (AF Tracking Sens.)
With the release of the A7SIII in 2020 a new type of Auto Focus control was introduced with
AF Transition Speed & AF Subj. Shift Sensitivity found in the new AF MF Menu (Purple Tab)
This setting is also found in the A1, A7RV, FX30, FX3, FX6 (Firmware v2.0), ZV-E10, ZV-E1
Note: ZV-E10 has the older menu layout but does have the updated Video AF options
AF Transition Speed
AF Transition Speed is used in place of AF Drive Speed in previous models.
Users can now choose up to 7 different speeds allowing for more finely tuned AF expression.
The previous models only offer 3 settings.
This increased performance can give you a more refined “focus pull” between two subjects
AF Subject Shift Sensitivity
AF Subject Shift Sensitivity is used in place of AF Tracking Sensitivty in previous models.
Users can now choose up to 5 different sensitivity settings that determine how “sticky” the AF will be. Previous models only offer 2 settings.
Having greater control over the sensitivity can determine whether a subject will continue to remain in focus in busy environments for example.
How To Master Sony’s Video Autofocus
Sony has partnered with leading Filmmaker & Educator Phillip Bloom to bring you an in depth look at Auto Focus for Video with Sony cameras.
Please use the links below to learn more and see the Video AF features in action.
How To Master Sony’s Video Autofocus - Part 1 - YouTube
How To Master Sony’s Video Autofocus - Part 2 - YouTube
