Why I DON'T care about auto focus and image stabilization

[@matteobertoli]

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[@White_Raven_Films]

Can you tell me please the approximate weight of the camera for me to start to feel the difference? I'm looking for a way to weigh down my existing compact rig, so I could just tell the difference and to play around with the setup

[@FilmshooterOH]

I'm an old guy who started out shooting on film with no autofocus or stabilization. You really learn to be one with your camera and lens. I have done dolly in, zoom out moves by myself, pulling the zoom, racking the focus, and pushing the dolly. It takes practice and being zen.

[@joeltunnah]

But even in the 80s didn’t every Hollywood cameraman switch to the steadicam?

[@FilmshooterOH]

@@joeltunnah Steadicam is a very specialized piece of gear and even then they had a separate focus puller when needed.

[@Yodd]

How long did it take you to be able to do it?

[@FilmshooterOH]

@@Yodd I'd guess I was 10 years into my career as a DP when I felt confident to do things like that.

[@legend240891]

the whole KZbin camera influencer community needs to watch this video again and again until they get it! thank you so much for this video! Such an eye-opener and great insight into the serious video industry!

[@alutzlft]

Yeah, i always find weird when those influencers praise the AF when the only thing they do is sit in front of the camera without moving

[@markshirley01]

@@alutzlft agreed - got to say tho I do appreciate good touch screen AF. I dont need continuous AF - but Im very often shooting hybrid at a very fast pace. IBIS I definitely don't need or want tho.

[@floatingrabbit3556]

They are too busy getting paid to review auto focus gear to learn or preach the arts.

[@pascalbasel]

You forget that there are different kinds of KZbinrs. For just sitting around, af and ibis etc. are definitely not needed. But if you do run and gun vlog style and publish multiple videos per week, you want to have a small and lightweight setup and not having to think about focus all the time. So it really depends on the style. However, I also think that everyone that gets serious about video production should at least be able to get decent shots with manual af when being behind the camera. It just gives more control in certain situations.

[@kamikaze1213]

The point is becoming a better cinematographer. Not a wedding videographer.

[@FlatlandFilmsLLC]

Great vid. Haven't reached for a gimbal in about a year after switching to a heavier rig, definitely helps. Your comment about when AF misses focus it looks worse than manual focus missing focus - 100% SPOT ON. Appreciate these videos. Keep em coming!

[@A1Bokeh]

ya I am starting to think a gimbal is when you want that look or clean following kind of shot

[@FlatlandFilmsLLC]

@@A1Bokeh only time I ever use one is for smooth real estate shots of interiors of homes. But that’s rare for me

[@Yodd]

Gimbal doesnt replace handholding they are 2 different types of shots. So if you were using a gimbal and now are handholding because your rig is heavier, it doesnt make any sense. There is a reason why some shots are done on a steady cam and some are done on a shoulderrig or hand held. So you probably used the gimbal for the wrong reasons. If autofocus misses the shot is unusable but same can be said for manual focus. However autofocus will miss less often than a human. Not to mention that most photo lenses are horrible for manual focussing.

[@seanamullen]

@@Yodd you missed the point. A slight error from manual focus can look artistic and human as long as you don’t completely botch it. And if you do that’s your own fault and you can work to get better at correcting focus errors more quickly and smoothly. If autofocus misses, it takes ages to correct that error and it looks obviously digital and non-human when it does.

[@Yodd]

@@seanamullen missed focus is missed focus, there is nothing artistic about that unless you have a good reason for it like a dream sequence or drunk pov or something. But it remains a fact that autofocus on something like a7s or a1 will not be missing focus as much as a human will. Especially when using photography lenses like most people do. Autofocus opens up a lot of possibillties. Shooting and interview wide open if people are moving towards or away from the camera. Try pulling focus like that without a focus puller, blocking and some crazy followfocus system. Dont forget that autofocus is an extra, you can always switch to manual focus when need to or combine both of them. In 2022 you are very limited if you dont have good autofocus on your camera. Movies can get away with it because they pay a full time salary to a dude whos job is to only make sure focus is right. If you are a solo filmmaker autofocus is a dream.

[@Mr_Moka]

Your completely right on this...I started out with A7SII using auto focus. The issue was I was doing a lot of night events (clubs, artist performances etc.) and I simply couldn't trust autofocus so I forced myself to learn focus pulling and I haven't looked back since. That's why in my opinion the BMPCC cameras will forever be the best option for anybody looking to get real camera power without having to spend too much. Develop your skill as mentioned in the video and you will thank yourself later.

[@johnwaldmann5222]

Funny this was the exact reason I opted for the 6k pro rather than another branded mirrorless camera. Ok, I am intentionally shooting a wide fast lens, to minimise the effects of my hands, on an old 28mm Pk lens from the 1980s. But everyday I feel my skill inching forwards a fraction.

[@OfficialDragerMusic]

My blackmagic 6k pro just came in the mail today and this video fired me up. So many people were telling me to get the A7siii for the auto focus and image stabilization and how it'll be really difficult to have to deal with it all being a one man band the majority of shoots. I never even thought about the fact on bigger sets you dont even have the option with fancier cinema cameras. Awesome vid, excited for the growing pains of the manual world!

[@Rogeras32]

yo, blackmagic color science > Sony alpha shitty magenta tint. Bmpcc is there best option for it's price if you want to grow as a cinematographer. Rig your shit up, get some good monitor, a focusing ring... it'll make your experience way better.

[@dameanvil]

- 00:00 📸 Mateo introduces the topic of autofocus and in-camera image stabilization (IBIS). - 00:14 🗣 He mentions a post on KZbin that sparked many comments, prompting this video. - 00:27 🎥 Mateo is a cinematographer who often works alone or with minimal crew. - 00:46 🚫 Despite working solo, he never uses autofocus or IBIS. - 01:00 📷 He started with cameras like the Canon T2i and 5D Mark II, which lacked these features. - 01:18 🛠 Learning without these tools improved his skills and understanding of cinematography. - 01:35 🎬 Professional cinema cameras like ARRI Alexa and RED do not have autofocus or IBIS. - 02:08 📏 Professional lenses often lack autofocus and stabilization. - 02:43 ⚖ Adding weight to a camera can help stabilize it without needing IBIS. - 03:09 🏋 Mateo recommends tools like the Easy Rig for additional stability. - 03:54 🕵‍♂ He prefers manual focus over autofocus for its natural and unique results. - 04:48 🔧 Using workarounds and learning manual techniques has made him a better cinematographer. - 05:33 🎯 He believes autofocus can never fully replace a skilled focus puller in professional settings. - 06:01 🚀 Learning to operate without autofocus or IBIS prepares one for higher-level cinematography roles.

[@WillinovaTV]

Hello Mattel, Can you please make a video about how to Pull Focus in various scenarios? Like in fast moving movements what f stop best to use etc. it will be really appreciated 🙏🏻🙏🏻 I’ve been practicing every week slowly getting better but still no where l want to be

[@juanguevaradp]

Focus peaking configuration and a good monitor are definitely tools that will help you. But as they say, practice makes perfect!

[@WillinovaTV]

@@juanguevaradp thank you. I’m amazed by the skill level of old school focus pullers who don’t have focus peaking and monitors back in the days

[@konradwelinder819]

Yeah bro its all about practice, rhe lower the f/t stop the harder it is to nail focus. But after time you can focus without totally from muscle memory

[@stanleystevens6278]

I've read somewhere they used to practise focus pulls using a car tyre swinging on a tree branch. Maybe try that?

[@joshuamartinstudios]

well said. This is the reason we have 1st AC's. Sure there are Lidar tools to have with focusing but it's still not a standard. IBIS doesn't have an organic look. The gap is still wide for AF to be a standard, it's great in some cases but not reliable for critical focus.

[@joshkiddfilms1295]

Josh, You know I respect you and your work but have to disagree on the ibis comment. It’s just so good on my s1h. Looks totally organic imo

[@joshuamartinstudios]

@@joshkiddfilms1295 JOSH haha I hear ya. it's all about how we define organic. keep making great work.

[@andresjaime9634]

I started photography 25years ago, I was intimidated using autofocus now i am glad i have it and I don’t care

[@dspoet1]

Totally agree. I'm a Sony user and trying to wean myself off using af. My friend is a Red User. He filmed a spoken word video for me with my Sony A7III. He used manual focus for all the different takes.

[@chrisweber7460]

I like your philisophy. And the most beautiful moment in the video is when your wife comes out of the phone booth and starts to smile! Stay healthy

[@shalomshalom4467]

thx for sharing this... sometimes i whish i had autofocus, but when i m listening to you, i m shure, i dont need autofocus.. :) keep going manual focus!

[@david_djent]

If you do weddings, autofocus is invaluable though. I highly prefer manual and the organic look for sure, but the a7siii autofocus is great for things that you can’t afford to miss or know is coming in the way that it does

[@matteobertoli]

Shot plenty of weddings, always on manual focus. Much better than AF imo. At least I know what I can do while pulling, but I have no clue what a computer might do while searching for focus!

[@david_djent]

@@matteobertoli I feel you! I’m just saying the a7siii autofocus is on another level with how well it tracks subjects, so far I haven’t had any complaint about it botching important focus moments and searching in my experience. I love to whip out the vintage lenses for beauty shots and the like though :)

[@DavidRamirez-y6h]

Hi Matteo. thanks for the video. im having the same issue you are having with the clip on the slider at 4:30 .. like jumping frames.. do you know what it is? gracias!

[@aahritya_tv]

Steadicams are usually wayy better than using a tripod if you dont wanna go handheld if a story requires. They just deliver so smooth flow of footage which looks so natural and filmic:)

[@jonathanl7883]

It’s useful if you don’t have an AC and your shooting scenario does not easily allow you to free up a hand to pull focus. Even if you can pull your own focus, it’s distracting. If you are shooting a soccer player running and dribbling a shot, I want to focus on the framing and movement and lighting, not whether it’s in focus or not. Not everything is slow mo on an easy rig. If your shoot can afford an AC, that’s the best solution. But I am also glad companies like DJI and others are innovating in the autofocus space. Not everyone shoots narrative stuff, so most of the time catching focus is not artistic. It’s just technical, so it’s the last thing you want to worry about.

[@dna8269]

Yeah, excellent points. This is especially true when you're on a decent / high paying corporate type gig and just need to get the shots done and move on. The art doesn't need to be there, but the focus and efficiency does.

[@albertusbodenstein1976]

Totally! ~YEAH!! Imperfections is what gives your work authenticity. This is where the magic happens.

[@joeltunnah]

I don’t know, my wife says my unstabilized footage makes her nauseous.

[@ayushwithasingle_a]

@@joeltunnah I believe we should use both stabilised and unstabilised footage. Perfectly balanced.

[@campa_t]

Ok bur cameras with af also have the option to turn it off or lock it

[@robieibor]

Yes, Matteo-- preach it! 🙌 Using auto-focus and stabilized sensors/lenses is subjective, BUT knowing how to pull focus and stabilize shots yourself are definitely critical skills in being a camera operator. I'm usually a one-man band on music video gigs, so I pull focus when doing handheld shots and switch to auto-focus on a gimbal. Thank you for sharing wisdom with the filmmaking community!

[@SimplicityForGood]

well, how much do you need to film yourself, while moving? I think that is the question to ask... if you act and move in front of your own camera and there is no one around, how much will you need continuous focus then... if you are always hiding behind the camera filming others, is locally no reason to have a continuous autofocus.. professional is what you make it, not if you you use it... you make your own films, is up to you you if you observe things or talk to us in the camera about what you experience.. be logic! anything can be professional, it depends if you use logic in what you aim to film or not, not if you have or not have AF on....

[@matteobertoli]

You are confusing KZbin with cinema. You don’t film yourself in a movie. And no, vlogging has nothing to do with professional cinematography

[@DP_Daro]

I'm not sure about your opinion. I have tried the a7sIII autofocus system in dark lit scenario and DAMN! That's a next level experience. It was accurate and spot on even on the eye! I also used AF/MF toggle and never missed my focus. I'm shocked how good it performed. I was always shooting with AF and I have my own techniques to maximise the performance and accuracy.

[@matteobertoli]

It’s not my opinion, I am just saying that if you wanna be a DP, AF and IBIS won’t exist in your workflow and if you show up on a professional shoot asking for those things you’ll get fired. As simple as that :)

[@DP_Daro]

@@matteobertoli Even being a focus puller, and having AF panic button would save time and money rather than doing double take. I think that future cameras and focus pulling gear will have this option. Even today WCU-4 has ultrasonic autofocus system but your hand is still pulling focus. These are just things that make live easier.

[@HornbillStudios]

Can you talk about how you pull focus manually in a dynamic situation like shooting weddings?

[@247.mp4]

Many small adjustments plus peaking (thats how i do it on a gimbal)

[@b.i.g_hulk8802]

Almost impossible...almost

[@HornbillStudios]

@@b.i.g_hulk8802 Then how do you do it?

[@b.i.g_hulk8802]

@@HornbillStudios i don't....i use auto focus.

[@HornbillStudios]

@@b.i.g_hulk8802 on Lumix?

[@BrunoSaraviaPhotography]

Hi Matteo, great explanation! Would you please tell me in your opinion what would be a good aperture in the lens, I mean the F, to control a good focus when you have a moving subject?

[@bqfilms]

That really depends on what focal length you are shooting with and also what kind of look you want in your shot, remember smaller aperture = more range in focus (dof)

[@IntiFeelmaker]

Well, if there's a LOT of movement in your shot, I'd say the deeper the depth of field (higher F number), the easier it would be to pull focus, but the look is less "cinematic", and you don´t have that extra tool to direct the audience's attention... Does that make sense?

[@cammackey]

100% agree with you.

[@guitarmovies]

Same

[@avinashrai11141]

Finally a refreshing take on cameras on KZbin. Focusing is a craft and camera man needs to learn it.

[@theslowfoodshow8939]

I would add to this beautiful video the fact that The use of an EVF is also one of the most under appreciated skills in some young people and the best way to analyze your work as a cinematographer on set. I also have never used auto focus or gimbal and even more, I once in one shooting started using a wireless follow focus and in 10 seconds changed it for my trusty good old manual follow focus. I am a cinematographer to be part of my job, to be able to make the decisions that make it my own and to savor the joy of getting the right focus to tell the story I want, not the one a computer chip thinks I want. Cheers!

[@GuillaumeB7]

One nice thing with AF is that it allows you to use a zoom lens and not worry that the photography lens focus will drift away as you change the focal length, since the AF will compensate.

[@uniworkhorse]

indeed, though playing devil's advocate I should note that there are constant focus distance lenses as well

[@user-jr9dt8tm7r]

Are you saying that if I used, say, Sigma contemporary zoom lenses with autofocus and zoom function together, the result of focus would be similar to parfocal cinema lenses?

[@ballstadt]

Started on 3/4" with a deck slung over one shoulder and camera on the other. Beta, DigiBeta, Varicam, CineAlta... I've never used stabilization or autofocus in 35 years. It was a shock moving to the Blackmagic cameras, trying to stabilize the smaller, lighter cameras. Rigging helps, but I'm still using the same body movements and tricks to smooth out the footage that I always have.

[@ЯрославФилиппов-щ2ы]

Af doesn't exist in cinematorgaphy only because there were no technical ability to perform it. I think people said same about af in still cameras .

[@matteobertoli]

No, in stills camera you need AF because there is no motion and you need to have your subject in focus. In moving images is completely different

[@ЯрославФилиппов-щ2ы]

@@matteobertoli I dont see any difference. Its 24+ still pictures a/sek + add some modern ai stuff, teach it to pull focus and i believe we are gonna see soon reaaallly good performance in around 5 years Movie cameras brands are going to deal with it soon , caurse if they wouldn't it will move them out of market more. Why not to shoot red epic with autofocus of sony a7s3 ? Would you ever use this ability if such existed?

[@ShadowKingpin]

Mad respect for posting this. I pushed myself from cameras with IBIS to the BMPCC6K Pro so that I can continue teaching myself to think outside the box regarding my shots and to not rely on IBIS.

[@RohamBroccoli]

People on KZbin and social media needs the latest and the gratest: To make cat pictures🤷🏻‍♂️🐱

[@omarknowsphotos]

That's no way to talk about Philip Bloom 😤

[@legendp2011]

I started shooting manual focus with shoulder rigs and glidecam (600d/t3i). but autofocus and in camera stabilization is very helpful on smaller shoots. if I'm shooting with an alexa or red, than chances are we have the money to hire a dedicated focus puller, and time to set actor and camera marks (also things like easy rigs, movi pro with dedicated controller). when buying a personnel all purpose camera for small documentary or very low budget short films I do think auto-focus is a consideration. I do a lot of glidecam and gimbal work. I will say when it comes to manual focus, you need manual focus lenses. trying to manually focus on a fly by wire lens is like pulling teeth (probably why most people prefer auto-focus these days). bang for buck I use the rokinon cine ds when I need manual focus (or higher end rent nicer lenses)

[@DFaustmann]

Hands down, this is the spirit. i allways say: For every automatic, every automatic function, the human being loses the feeling, the sensitivity for the creative process, this is not only true for filming, this is true for every area in which one is creative (and even in areas of daily life, such as driving a car, etc.).

[@Yodd]

That is a filmmakers ego talking. Its not about your feeling. Its about the feeling of the viewer. If a filmmaker does his job well, a viewer will not be aware of the camera work, just the story. Only other filmmakers maybe notice the lighting and cinematography, regular viewers shouldnt. If you are driving a car, you might enjoy it. But the person sitting next to you just wants to get from a to b safely.

[@DFaustmann]

@@Yodd Its only my point of view, i am doing this for me, not the audience. if the audience is fine with the thing i am doing: thats good, of course but if not then its not for them = ego, thats accurate. (the comparison with driving a car is for me not accurate, because watching a bad film ist not danger for life (i hop, haha) don't get me wrong, this is not on you and i appreciate your thoughts on that, what i've written therefore i would give you an intenser view from my angle.

[@GTshortStories]

Great stuff as always. I'm a firm believer in manual focus. You may start off grabbing up soft images but with practice and consistency you will get better. Stay with your craft and you will get better.

[@roryonabike5863]

Having recently purchased an EasyRig Minimax myself, I would love to see Matteo make a video about how he uses his. On the subject of focusing, I think that it's useful to learn how street photographers use zone focusing.

[@wrenboy2726]

Great idea!

[@nebukadnezzar3578]

That truly would be fantastic!

[@joeltunnah]

It’s not complicated, Cartier-Bresson explained it in one sentence, he set the camera to f/11, 1/125s, and then adjusted the aperture up or down if the light changed.

[@roryonabike5863]

@@joeltunnah In theory, zone focusing works for all apertures. As a practical matter, it is used at wider apertures to get more apparent depth of field. It is frequently used at an aperture wider than f/11. Cartier-Bresson also normally used a 50mm lens, whereas many street photographers use 35mm, sometimes wider.

[@gife8529]

Inspired! I have a personal question. I'm planning to buy bmpcc camera, but which is best choice? A. bmpcc 4k with speed booster B. bmpcc 6k C.bmpcc 6k pro

[@deel7114]

don't be nostalgic with the technology development, for one man band especially not a professional filmmaker , camera built-in stabilization /lens stabilization ＆ autofocus they do matter , especially put the gear on a gimbal. Even Red developing the autofocus and DJI came out with the 3D tracking system. that's the reason why sony released the FX6 /FX9 for those small filmmaking teams. Surely you can still not use those features , but they did help a lot when need it

[@cy9105]

It’s helpful, but it isn’t necessary.

[@Yodd]

Dude you are absolutely right. Its not nostalgia. Its ego. Camera’s are just tools, like screwdrivers. Its like saying” nah i dont care for elctronic screwdrivers i am gonna do it by hand”. In the future focus will probably be adjustable in post, like iso when shoting raw. No1 cares how you shot it, if your camera work is noticed by the viewer you done a bad job.

[@isatlea]

Hey, I can’t really hear what you used when you were filming with BMPCC and canon 5d at 4:26. Could you please write it? :)

[@taylormadeinchina]

Shooting manual is the way to go for sure. I think IS and AF are just more tools you should learn, but don't rely on them. It's nice to know you have them as an option in some situations.

[@Müzikolarak]

Hello mate, thank you so much for this video. I am using bmpc4k and was thinking about gimbal with otofocus setup. What is your suggestion for no ringed bm4k? What should i buy you think is must? Thanks again

[@DavidTejedaMusic]

Thank you for making this video

[@alexparadis3438]

Been shooting for a year now and i'm so glad i never relied on autofocus or ibis! Like you said it prepares you so much more to eventually shoot on bigger professional rigs and the feel of the image is so much smoother imo 👌

[@slickslimyfilm]

I’m new to film making and picked up a bmpcc 4K for my first camera. I’m learning on the job how to focus

[@vitorg.delduque367]

Brother, you literally just saved my career. I used to think like you, but at some point I was caught by this bull** of classic social media content: simple, quick, irrelevant, tons of clients... you know. I left my cine lenses in the drawer, bought a stabilized lens and the most important: I stopped practicing to master the craft. I'm feelling terrible, angry and I almost threw that OS lens out the window. Thank you so much! I really needed to watch this video.

[@martintadilli]

Matteo, its a great thing you pop up in my youtube homepage tonight,because lately i was very confuse about the direction of most videomakers are going, it so mecanical and everithing is so similar, i'm an oldschool filmmaker and like you i started with manual focus lenses and still today i have my zeiss planar kit wich i use for most of my work and i take the "risk" averytime to handle the focus by my self, its really important to deal with it because as you say when you step up with different camera setups you are able to handle the situation, just to finish i also think that the quality of the manual lenses are waaaaay better than the autofocus you can find on the market. Great video, i was waiting something like this since a while!

[@markworkman9680]

Great video. Like many others have commented you really need to know your camera until it becomes a part of you. Years ago I earned my way as a photographer with a Canon F1, a beautiful f1.4, 50mm lens and a winning smile. The advice I was given then remains true, the way to improve is burn more film. I think auto-whatever simply gets in the way of that as a learning experience. I really think there is nothing better than intentionally producing great images knowing that you made all the decisions and dealt with all the challenges yourself.

[@JimiJames]

It’s crazy how a small few KZbinrs with MASSIVE followings have distorted the minds of so many young film makers into needing auto focus, stabilization, fps etc. I honestly feel their “wants” have distorted the camera market. Love this video, let em know.

[@eurotripx5931]

Really appreciate your point. It is all about your film competences. And not the gear.

[@sergiomartinez5946]

My coworker and I have this debate. Autofocus vs manual. I'm on the manual side. I tried using autofocus on the fx3 for an event and while it was fun, I found my self sooo many times wishing I had manual control. I need to practice my manual focus again, I've gotten lazy. This video has inspired me again.

[@picturemaker]

I've never used autofocus when filming. Started using IBIS but its caused headaches where there were none before. Also, manual focus solo or with a focus puller has more character. The more digital automation you add in the mix the less character the end result. That's my thoughts at least.

[@PERIKLISTSINTZAS]

For me at least at weddings ,when the couple is steady always manual,when it moves,specially with 50 mm lens and narrow depth of field ,with or without stabilizer i use autofocus .I think a reliable autofocus is a great tool to have

[@jweatherly26]

There is definitely a difference between moments that need to be captured and moments that can be re-captured. If I had a capable camera I would probably rely on it for those must have moments.

[@PERIKLISTSINTZAS]

@@jweatherly26 true

[@RAITORRENTFILMMAKER]

ok, great video, but I'm a wedding filmmaker, I can't carry easy rig, I need to run. Can you tell me how can I make great footage with a miroless camera without stabilization?.....thanks

[@mertgrkm]

A few days, I research about Blackmagic Pocket Series and filming with this camera. And your way expression impressed me so much. Thank you, my excitement for this camera is starting to increase and I can't wait to use it.

[@shootthemessengerband]

I got a bmpcc 6K pro today and I’m very thankful for this video

[@RockWILK]

Amen to all of this. Believe it or not, I just shot a feature-length film on my LG v40 smartphone, using manual everything. And it felt like I was in school, because now I'm using a Sony a 6400, and I'm still using manual focus, and I don't have image stabilization, and I am in love with this camera, simply because I can choose any lens that I want to use, and I feel like I've walked into the land of flexibility, and possibilities. But I don't trust autofocus, it just never seems to work properly to me. I also come from the music business, and autofocus to me, it's kind of like Auto-Tune. You can tell immediately, and manual focus is beautifully imperfect. Just like real life. Great video, thanks so much for sharing.

[@Profmorphious123]

Thanks your insights are very helpful. I'm leaning to use Manuel focus with my camera. Bm4kcc I have a cage a Handel follow focus and whip a v mount battery to balance things out. So I'm rearing to get into it. Thank you again.

[@dripllc5088]

I finally received my 4k I will be trying a monopod for stabilized shoots when shooting music videos and events.

[@jazzmanny02]

Nice! I own a 4K as well! he is right adding weight makes it way better in making it stable, sure gives your hands a work out though holding it for long periods, that why having a handle is useful

[@EstudioAndante]

Hi Mateo. I dont underestand what kind of stabilization did you use on the Og BMPCC, and Canon 5d in about 4:25 of the video. Please somebody can explain?? What do you think about Leica R on BMPCC Og?

[@ericfernando4296]

image stabilization and auto focus are more useful in a more unpredictable environment, such as news gathering and wedding where you might only have one chance to capture the footage and short setup time, for cinematography that has more control and time to setup, those things are easy to workaround.

[@belizaire28]

I'm pretty sure he literally says this in the video. 😊 He's also just saying, if you ever plan to level up, (and not everyone is); but if you do you plant to go higher, you have no choice but to learn those skills.

[@theslowfoodshow8939]

Yeah maybe true, but I had only one chance to get it right I bet on my eye and hand everyday of the week over auto focus. Cheers!

[@baqcasanke]

This is so subjective tho. Based on what you film. If youre an adventure videographer you physically cant carry with you a heavy rig, easy rig etc. good ibis will make your footage a lot smoother when holding a small camera 🤷‍♂️ I film while backpacking, my camera, 1 lens, a mic and extra battery is already over my weight limit. Cant bring a rig, shoulder mount, gimbal etc. panasonics ibis has def improved the quality of my footage. Its hard to hold a tiny camera steady after hiking miles uphill and out of breath

[@matteobertoli]

In facts, if you watch the video, you can notice that I am talking to aspiring DP/cinematographers. Not to travel filmmakers or youtubers. Even tho, IBIS looks bad no matter what you do and same goes for AF. But yes, this video is for DPs.

[@ma-bn8jh]

Absolutely agree with you Matteo. I got a bmpcc 6k earlier this month and got the meike 35 last weekend. No IBIS or autofocus was a shock to the system. I took it out to dinner and I loved how much control I had pulling focus while filming conversation and the meals/table. Sure as a beginner I missed a lot with focus but when I got it right OMG beautiful. Also since my rig is very front heavy, I found that turning the top handle backwards balanced the rig in hand and did wonders for getting rid of a lot of the micro jitters. Now I can let it dangle and lightly guide with my pulling hand. I'll probably have more changes to make, but loving the discovery and physicality of lack of autofocus, IBIS, or lens stabilization. And thanks for all the reviews you oftwolands are currently my favorite "channels" on KZbin.

[@MikeHunt-qu6ef]

Finally someone on KZbin that has some sense, I don’t know why all the weirdos that’s doing work love autofocus. Only place for autofocus should be for photos not video.

[@jairolozano680]

Black Magic 6K pro shooter here! I have a Sony A74 that I use for social media content for clients and even then sometimes I’ll use Manuel focus 💯

[@davidevalentiofficial]

Dear Matteo, please let me congratulate with you! I totally agree and I personally don't like all these features (please don't mind the content on my channel, since they are only tests I made for fun without any regards to focus, stabilization, ect...).

[@LegendaryLife]

Should I get Lumix G7 or G85. Please help everyone 🙏

[@Сергей-ю6ь8о]

Great video, great work, great charisma. Please tell are you using a Windows PC or Mac? And second question was your Mercedes commercial shot in the BRAW codec?

[@Light_Camera_Story]

Finally A Real Expert Talking About Real Life Experience In The World Of Videography. Those "Other Guys" Call Themselves Experts Should Watch It. Including Gerald Undone. I love Him. But He Is Also Biased On Autofocus And IBIS.

[@bas613]

I like your insight and I agree on alot of points but I think you are completely wrong believing everyone who operates a mirrorless camera with autofocus is going to work or want to work on a set with an ARRI, RED or other cinema cameras with manuel spherical or anamorphic lenses and will be therfore fired if he can't operate them. And of course you don't need gimbals for a camera that weighs north of 6 KG to give it the hand-held feeling.

[@lephotographinc]

without a doubt...for me this is one of the best videos on film making i've watched on KZbin. I am primarily a photographer and I am doing more and more Video work. Your video spoke the truth in regards to autofocus in Video/Film. THANKS A MILLION!

[@ginotarabotto]

Hi Matteo, great vid. Any tips for pulling focus while doing handheld w a cage? I have the wheel on the cage. Thanks!

[@alexcristescu8604]

I've owned canon c100, sony fs5 and now I'm currently on the S1H, when the a7siii and C70 came out I felt compelled to switch back to one of those brands for the AF. I thought about selling all my gear including lumix lenses and than I thought about how I went through that with my canon and sony gear and I thought hard. I ended up keeping my S1H and buying some Leica M lenses and I have to say I completely agree with this video. The images that I'm capturing are breathtaking, I dont think about af as much if at all now. If I do end up moving to a "real cinema camera' I know I can bring my Leica M lenses into the equation, cant say that for those native mirrorless lenses.

[@giuseppecalifano2575]

Grandissimo Matteo. Sei avantissimo nella resa dei tuoi lavori grazie anche a come ragioni. Traspare tutto, la tua visione è ciò che davvero arriva a noi attraverso il girato. Ti apprezzo tanto sotto ogni punto di vista. 😊

[@hamletd3647]

Noticed the slider you used in the beginning is discontinued. Any idea of the price range?

[@jessicaw5258]

Starting up, how did you practice pulling focus??

[@ihassan1001]

Great video...i agree I'm so glad my first camera was and have been blackmagic cameras that have no auto focus...I learned a lot...i recently got sony vlogging camera with autofocus and i like it not gonna lie but still feels weird without not being able to control focus.

[@DanielSeymourWellness]

So glad you made this video. I have a pocket 4K with Tilta nanual autofocus. You inspired me to keep honing my craft. Cheers!

[@dpjohnjones432]

I totally agree Matteo! One thing that I see with people who use manual focus is that they seem to have a more coherent work. What I mean by that is they seem to compose more carefully and they tend to do less spray and pray. When you use manual focus, as a by-product you tend to think your shots out which makes a more coherent production in my opinion. There is something about pulling your own focus that causes you to be more aware of what is in the frame. The move from auto to manual focus is not a comfortable one but it will make me a better cinematographer.

[@hbp_]

But the original BMPCC does have one-shot AF and it supports optical IS at least with EF lenses using Metabones or Viltrox adapters 🤨

[@blainecovert8374]

I shoot with metabones on ef and fd canon lenses. I admit that the stabilization I get with the ef lenses on my bm4ks when rigged light is much nicer to view later. Doesn't look unnatural.

[@hbp_]

@@blainecovert8374 Yes, think the same. I haven't used it so much but in my opinion the handheld footage looks a bit nicer with IS. The micro jitter is often just too disturbing and it can't be removed in post.

[@brandongraves5537]

Just what I needed! I come from a news background and we never use auto with so many live, non-staged, active shoots. Had to master the manual handheld.. I've been confident in that for 7 years, but was always jealous of the ease of a sony a7 walking shot used by our marketing department...I've been back and forth between the BMPCC 6k and the Fx30.. and it's down to differences of "built-in NDs" or "autofocus" (lived off using NDs) for me at this point. Think I'll stick with what I know.. I've always had random bad luck with auto anyways lol

[@Gr3kiZon3]

How do you manage changing lens (quickly) while run & gun?

[@PaulKentSkates]

I agree. I started on a 5dii and got my first follow focus wheel three months after I got my camera. But I am a huge fan of modern autofocus for situations where I am the camera crew and the talent. I do solo adventures and am trying to put together a short film.

[@moshuajusic1811]

Do you think you'd still use a separate 5" monitor if you had the 6K Pro with the tilting 5" screen? And if so, why?

[@DanGallagherArts]

Thanks! Do you have ideas on how to best learn manual focus?

[@matteobertoli]

Just keep shooting :) it’s not that hard

[@threethroneproductions5498]

I just bought 2 cine lens to that i can manual focus when filming. It's been a new experience and no more searching for focus all over the place.

[@aperturefilm]

You're absolutely right, I find that when the camera makes it easy for you, it makes you lazy and not plan your shots or camera movement and focus precisely. me switch to blackmagic has made me a serious cinematographer.

[@abdomedia7509]

And for earning money also, when just manual handle the work

[@247.mp4]

I used the GH4 with Nikon lenses and use a GH5 now and im so greatful for not having autofocus (sounds ridiculous) but thanks to this combo i leaned to use manual and do it just like its muscle memory.

[@ruffprophetproductions]

i actually agree. i was thinking about upgrading to the XT4 for the IBIS but im good. im tryna make what i have work.

[@floatingrabbit3556]

I have learned to love autofocus when I don't have to think about it, but then again that's the point of cinematography to think about every detail to have full control of your shot. Many people say to shoot manual yet have autofocus lenses and to me, that can be detrimental. I have serious respect for focus pullers. It's fun and challenging.

[@Yvesphotoandfilm]

noticed this is a 2 year old video but I think this will still be relevant for maaaaany more. I can just imagine someone on set saying, wait where's the AF button... I use AF a lot but I do notice that focus breathing difference and sometimes miss the focus, or it detects another face that's not the character I need so I'm pushing myself to go manual.

[@ivandj707]

You are right now, but I'll ask you in ten/fifteen years can you see focusing on small monitor, or how well your back is... can not stay young forever...

[@matteobertoli]

You can already ask Roger Deakins and other thousands of DP’s ;)

[@jacobmarrs811]

Matteo, you literally read my mind! Jumped onto youtube to check opinions on easy rigs, because I had a music video shoot on Saturday where I used my pocket 6k on a ronin s and by the end of the day my back and legs were killing me. (still sore) I went to your channel first to watch this new upload... man what wonderful timing! Thank you for your help and your honesty! Cheers

[@glmstudiogh]

thanks man, I have always believed in pulling and pushing focus rather than letting the camera do it. auto focus fails especially when you want something crossing the frame. even on my Canon 200D, I manually focus...

[@theheadg4mer609]

I definitely look up to you, the only LUT I've ever bought is the Buttery LUT pack. For a long time when learning as a videographer I used cameras with AF and stabilization. It has costed me a lot of missed shots, so when I got my bmpcc6k I wanted to make it more about the quality of each shot and not what I can fix in post. I love your work and honestly hope to be at your level one day

[@pasteriori]

i really loved this vid. i just got 6k pro as my first camera ever, after having only cellphones. i do totally agree, that manual is so much better.

[@ENJOY97]

I agree | bought your Luts as well 💯

[@DruMUSIC06]

Honestly the only reason I need to not use the auto-focus is I want to be in control... I want the video to look as I imagined it to be... If its a "fast-focusing" style, okay no problem. If its a dramatic "slow-focus" style, okay! I want to be in control.

[@BoyBlessing]

sony a7siii has that built into their af you can choose from 1-5 for the af speed

[@jweatherly26]

@@BoyBlessing You can change that while you are filming? I think the point being made here: Lets say I am focusing between 2 people in the same scene and going back and forth. With auto focus you could use a touch screen to go back and forth but the focus speed will be identical each time. With manual I could slowly focus in at the beginning and suddenly snap to the other head if desired.

[@belizaire28]

@@jweatherly26 100%

[@BoyBlessing]

@@jweatherly26 that’s very particular. I just set the AF setting based on the focus pull I want in the scene. If I want to do something particular like that I would just use MF. but otherwise I’m almost always using AF bc it works amazing. I feel like ppl who love MF tend to hate on AF. as if their way is the right way and the professional way to film. but that’s all ego to me. bc in reality they’re both tools to be used in different situations. I can name a situation where it would be better to have AF. a situation where my AF would outperform you manually focusing by yourself. but that doesn’t mean I think AF is better. for me in my line of work AF is a huge help, and there’s nothing wrong w that. only ppl that have a problem w it are dudes who look down on other filmmakers for using AF. but dudes like that are the worst to me

[@jweatherly26]

@@BoyBlessing For sure! I am not looking down on anyone for filming anything and its great that auto focus is working for you. I have seen some fantastic autofocus coming from modern DSLR's. I do not have access to a camera with useable autofocus and having follow focus with a proper screen is quite amazing.

[@Moses_Kanneh]

I am shooting video with old manual focus Nikon lenses; any suggestions for a follow focus.

[@SeanTolan_illuminated_imaging]

I started in 2009 and went almost nowhere in my career. I was in a saturated market and just never was able to outcompete the competition. I almost envy what you have done, and I blame no one but me. Just mad respect for what you do because at the end of the day you have to have not just technical skills, but a degree of confidence as well...I never had that.

[@dermomedia]

U can do more than u think; never quit. U can do anything

[@Umiflow]

Our shooting styles, as far as never using gimbals, autofocus, and using gravity.. is exactly how I shoot. I 100% agree with this! Great video