IAC DISCUSSION FORUMS

Having filmed a good many stage shows I have now experienced a new problem. When LED lighting is used in addition to/or in place of the usual lanterns my Sony Z5 hunts for focus when I zoom in for a tight shot even though the focus has been set to manual. I have never experienced this before, it only occurs when LED lighting is used. Would deploying the ND filter help or am I barking up the wrong tree?
Any advice would be welcome.

Hi John,

Just a guess but you could try adjusting your shutter speed slower if possible. LED lights flicker although their refresh rate is usually set high enough so that the human eye can't detect the flickering, typically about 3kHz. However, camera circuitry can detect the high speed flickering so it could be this that's upsetting matters. So yes, an ND filter might help if it causes the camera to select a slower shutter speed to compensate for the reduced brightness.

I've not come across any issues with focusing though, especially manual focus - and I have no explanation why your camera should start 'hunting' for focus if the whole point of manual focus is to override the camera. But, I am totally unfamiliar with the Sony Z5 as I use a Panasonic GH-3 system. Perhaps someone with more experience of smartphones could help you?

Good luck - John

John Roberts wrote:Perhaps someone with more experience of smartphones could help you?

John, I think you've inadvertently insulted Mr Morgan! He's not talking about an Xperia Z5, but a full blown professional HDV camera!
Drat these silly model names!

Whoops My apologies to Mr Morgan!

I'd like to personally shift the blame to Uncle Google - if I'm unfamiliar with a model name/number I Google it, and that's what 'Sony Z5' came back with! Seeing as the premium Xperia Z5 is a 4K capable smartphone, it's not beyond the realms of possibility, I say in my poor defense

No apologies needed! Thanks John for trying to help.

John