The Sony Camera Autofocus (AF) System for Video Production from Udemy

For decades the autofocus feature on cameras has been exclusively for photographers. You would be laughed off set if you switched your video camera to autofocus.

But the autofocus system for the most recent Sony Alpha cameras is a GAME CHANGER for video production, something as important to the world of digital photography as the release of the Canon 5D Mark II back in 2008. The face and eye detection in these new Sony mirrorless cameras is so reliable and precisce that you can now free yourself up to think only about your framing and subject's performance. On larger productions, you'll no longer need to hire focus pullers or first ACs, saving yourself some serious cash.

But with all these new features, it can take a few weeks of experimenting with your camera's settings before you truly grasp everything you need to. That, or you can take this 1-hour course.

We'll cover all the in-depth camera settings such as the AF Transition Speed, AF Subject Shift Sensitivity, the Seven Different Focus Areas, Focus Point Circulation, Focus Peaking, and how to Register Faces within the camera and give them ordered focus priority. We'll even discuss a hybrid AF/MF approach and cover customizable buttons that will allow your camera to quickly capture the most cinematic content possible in any situation.

The concepts learned in this class apply to many different Sony cameras, but the specific menu layouts we will be working with are found in Sony a7iii, Sony a7siii, Sony a7iv, Sony a7riv, Sony a7c, Sony a6600, Sony fx3, Sony fx30, and Sony Alpha 1 cameras.

This class is all about Sony's It is not an all-encompassing course on these Sony cameras or video production at large.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Master the new sony autofocus system
Set custom buttons and menus to expedite the production process

Adjust camera settings to achieve the perfect rack focus
Understand face and eye detection

Master the new sony autofocus system
Set custom buttons and menus to expedite the production process
Adjust camera settings to achieve the perfect rack focus
Understand face and eye detection

Syllabus

Introduction and Overview

Introduction

A super quick overview/refresher on the necessary 11 settings to adjust to have your Sony camera create the most cinematic autofocus experience possible.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on specific Sony Alpha camera models, which allows learners to immediately apply techniques without needing to extrapolate from other systems

Covers in-depth camera settings like AF Transition Speed and Face Registration, which are essential for achieving professional-looking results

Explores a hybrid AF/MF approach, which gives learners more creative control over their focus and allows them to adapt to different shooting situations

Requires learners to own or have access to specific Sony camera models, which may be a barrier for those using other camera brands

Discusses menu layouts specific to certain Sony cameras, so learners with different models may find some information less relevant

Does not provide an all-encompassing course on Sony cameras or video production, so learners may need additional resources to fully master these topics

Reviews summary

Mastering sony camera af for video

According to learners, this course is a highly effective and focused guide specifically designed to help users leverage the advanced Sony camera autofocus system for video production. Students frequently praise its ability to simplify complex menu settings, making features like AF Transition Speed, Subject Shift Sensitivity, and Face/Eye Detection easy to understand and implement. Many reviewers reported significant improvements in their workflow and shooting results after taking the course, highlighting the practical, actionable tips provided. While widely appreciated for its specificity and clarity, learners are reminded that this is not a comprehensive course on general video production or full camera operation, staying true to its stated scope.

Applicable to various recent Sony cameras.

"The menu layouts matched my a7iv perfectly."

"Works great for my a7siii, the settings were all in the right place."

"Even though I have the a6600, most concepts and menu structures were very similar."

"Good that it covers the specific cameras listed in the description."

Specifically tailored for video production needs.

"This course is laser-focused on using Sony AF for video, which is exactly what I needed."

"Appreciate that it didn't waste time on photography features, just video AF."

"It clearly explains how to make the Sony AF system a 'game changer' for video work."

"Unlike other general tutorials, this really zeroes in on video-specific AF techniques."

Well-explained content, easy to follow.

"The instructor explains complex topics very clearly and concisely."

"Everything was easy to follow, even for settings I found confusing before."

"Much better than trying to figure this out from the manual or scattered online info."

"The course is short, but packed with clear, essential information."

Provides techniques for immediate use in filming.

"I could immediately apply the techniques for rack focusing and custom buttons to my next shoot."

"Learning the 'Manual Autofocus' technique alone was worth the price of the course."

"The hands-on examples and practical tips made it easy to implement on my own camera."

"Great tips on setting up custom keys for quicker access to AF controls while shooting."

Explains complex autofocus menu options.

"Finally understanding the AF Transition Speed and Subject Shift Sensitivity made a huge difference in my videos."

"The course helped clarify what every single AF setting in the Sony menu actually does."

"Navigating the Focus Area and Face/Eye AF settings is now so much clearer thanks to this class."

"Breaking down the specific menu items was incredibly helpful for optimizing autofocus performance."

Doesn't cover all camera or video basics.

"Remember, this is ONLY about autofocus, not general video settings or camera operation."

"Don't expect a full guide to your camera; it's highly specialized on AF."

"As the description says, it's not an all-encompassing course on video production."

"Good for what it is, but you'll need other resources for non-AF topics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Sony Camera Autofocus (AF) System for Video Production with these activities:

Practice Manual Focus Techniques

Show steps

Reviewing manual focus techniques will provide a stronger foundation for understanding and appreciating the nuances of Sony's autofocus system, especially when employing hybrid AF/MF approaches.

Show steps

Practice focusing on various subjects at different distances.
Experiment with different aperture settings and their effect on depth of field.
Use focus peaking to confirm focus accuracy.

Experiment with AF Transition Speed

Show steps

Practicing with AF Transition Speed settings will help you master rack focusing and create more cinematic video.

Show steps

Set up a scene with subjects at varying distances.
Adjust the AF Transition Speed setting and record several takes.
Review the footage and analyze the effect of different speed settings.

Read 'David Busch's Sony Alpha a7 IV Guide'

Show steps

Reading this guide will provide a deeper understanding of the Sony Alpha a7 IV camera and its autofocus capabilities.

View David Busch’s Sony Alpha a7CR/a7C II Guide to... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the sections related to autofocus settings and features.
Experiment with the settings described in the book on your camera.
Take notes on the settings that work best for your shooting style.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Follow Advanced Sony Autofocus Tutorials

Show steps

Following advanced tutorials will expose you to more complex autofocus techniques and settings, expanding your knowledge beyond the course material.

Show steps

Search for tutorials on specific autofocus features, such as Face Registration.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, experimenting with the settings on your camera.
Document your findings and share them with other students.

Create a Short Film Using Only Autofocus

Show steps

Producing a short film using only autofocus will force you to deeply understand the system's capabilities and limitations, leading to mastery.

Show steps

Plan a short film with dynamic scenes and moving subjects.
Shoot the film using only Sony's autofocus system.
Edit the footage and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the autofocus performance.

Read 'The Camera Assistant's Manual'

Show steps

Reading this manual will provide context on the traditional role of focus pullers and how autofocus changes the landscape.

View The Camera Assistant's Manual on Amazon

Show steps

Read the sections related to focus pulling and camera operation.
Reflect on how autofocus systems can automate some of these tasks.
Consider the implications for crew roles and responsibilities.

Build a Custom Focus Rig

Show steps

Building a custom focus rig will provide hands-on experience with camera accessories and how they can enhance autofocus performance.

Show steps

Research different focus rig designs and components.
Gather the necessary materials and tools.
Assemble the rig and test its functionality with your Sony camera.

Career center

Learners who complete The Sony Camera Autofocus (AF) System for Video Production will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Wedding Videographer

Wedding videographers capture the special moments of a wedding day, creating a lasting record for the couple and their families. Wedding videography is a demanding role with the need to move fast and focus on the action. Consequently, the wedding videographer can use the Sony camera autofocus system, which is the subject of this course, to focus on framing and capturing the moments they need. This course's section on setting custom buttons and menus to expedite the production process can allow the wedding videographer to be ready for anything, which is essential when filming an event that only happens once.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wedding Videographer

Content Creator

Content creators produce engaging material for online platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Many content creators film themselves, and therefore do not have access to a focus puller. The content creator can leverage the Sony camera autofocus system, which is the subject of this course, to ensure that they are always in focus. The course's coverage of face and eye detection can be especially valuable for content creators who frequently appear on camera. The course's lesson on setting custom buttons and menus could also be useful in maximizing efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

Documentarian

Documentarians create films that explore real-world subjects and events. Often, documentarians work alone or in very small teams. This course on the Sony camera autofocus system would be extremely useful for documentarians. The course's lesson on face and eye detection would allow documentarians to focus on conducting interviews and capturing spontaneous moments without worrying about focus. The course's section on customizable buttons can similarly allow documentarians to focus on the story. The course's syllabus on hybrid autofocus/manual focus approaches would also be an important component of the documentarian's toolset.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentarian

Videographer

A videographer is responsible for capturing video footage for a variety of purposes, such as documentaries, commercials, or social media content. The autofocus capabilities of Sony cameras, as covered in this course, can be a game changer for videographers, allowing them to focus on framing and subject performance rather than manual focus adjustments. This course is especially helpful because it covers AF Transition Speed and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity. By understanding and mastering these settings, videographers can create more cinematic and professional-looking videos with ease. Learning to set custom buttons and menus to expedite the production process, which this course covers, is also useful for the aspiring videographer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Videographer

Corporate Video Producer

Corporate video producers create videos for internal and external communications, marketing, training, and other business purposes. These videos may range from simple product demos to elaborate promotional campaigns. This course on the Sony camera autofocus system would allow corporate video producers to create high-quality videos without the need for a large crew. The course's lessons on face and eye detection can ensure that on-camera talent remains sharp and in focus. The course's exploration of customizable buttons can further help the corporate video producer's workflow.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Video Producer

Camera Assistant

Camera assistants work with cinematographers and camera operators to set up and maintain cameras on film and television sets. While camera assistants may not always be responsible for operating the camera, understanding camera technology is essential for their role. This course on the Sony camera autofocus system allows camera assistants to learn how to set custom buttons and menus to expedite the production process. They may also wish to learn about focus magnification and focus peaking. This course will teach them the ins and outs of the Sony cameras used on set.

See salaries and explore the career path for Camera Assistant

Filmmaker

Filmmakers oversee all aspects of film production, from developing the initial concept to directing the final edit. In many cases, filmmakers also do the work of a cinematographer, and this course may be highly useful. The course's exploration of camera settings such as the AF Transition Speed and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity will improve the filmmaker's capabilities. Moreover, understanding the intricacies of focus peaking will keep the filmmaker ahead of any potential problems with obtaining footage.

See salaries and explore the career path for Filmmaker

Camera Technician

Camera technicians are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting camera equipment. This role requires a deep understanding of camera technology and electronics. This course may be a good fit for a camera technician, as it will help the technician understand the technology behind the Sony camera autofocus system. Technicians may find the course's lessons on focus peaking and focus magnification to be useful. This course will help the camera technician understand how to fix the camera and diagnose problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Camera Technician

Real Estate Videographer

Real estate videographers create videos that showcase properties for sale or rent. The goal is to create engaging and visually appealing tours that entice potential buyers or tenants. This course on the Sony camera autofocus system may be useful for real estate videographers. The course's exploration of AF Transition Speed and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity allow the real estate videographer to draw attention to the home's best features. Furthermore, understanding the hybrid AF/MF approach can assist in the videographer's goal of capturing properties in their best light.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Videographer

Cinematographer

Cinematographers are responsible for the visual aspects of a film or television production. This requires a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of camera technology. This course on the Sony camera autofocus system may be beneficial for cinematographers. Specifically, the course's instruction on adjusting camera settings to achieve the perfect rack focus could be of use. By understanding the intricacies of the Sony autofocus system, a cinematographer can keep the camera's focus on the subject without needing to hire focus pullers or first assistant cameramen. The course's section on customizable buttons can also help cinematographers quickly capture the most cinematic content possible in any situation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cinematographer

Broadcast Camera Operator

Broadcast camera operators capture live events and news footage for television and online broadcasts. The fast-paced nature of live broadcasting demands reliable and efficient camera operation. This course on the Sony camera autofocus system may improve the workflow of broadcast camera operators. The course's lesson on focus area limits could be particularly useful in crowded or dynamic environments. The course's discussion of focus peaking and focus magnification would also assist in capturing the action. The course's instruction on setting custom buttons and menus to expedite the production process would further ensure that the camera operator never misses those crucial shots.

See salaries and explore the career path for Broadcast Camera Operator

Video Editor

Video editors assemble raw footage into a final product that tells a story or conveys a message. While video editors don't directly operate cameras, understanding the capabilities and limitations of camera technology can enhance their ability to work with footage. This course focused on the Sony camera autofocus system may be beneficial for video editors. Understanding how the footage was captured, including the autofocus settings used, can help editors make informed decisions during the editing process. Learning about rack focus may also be useful. This understanding allows for seamless edits and a polished final product.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Social Media Manager

Social media managers are responsible for creating and curating content for a company's social media channels. While social media managers may not always operate cameras themselves, understanding the basics of video production can enhance their ability to create engaging content. This course on the Sony camera autofocus system may benefit social media managers. By understanding the autofocus capabilities of Sony cameras, social media managers can better coordinate with videographers and content creators to produce high-quality video content. The course's lesson on customizable buttons may also be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Instructional Designer

Instructional designers create learning materials for online courses, training programs, and other educational settings. While instructional designers may not directly use cameras, understanding video production techniques can help them design more engaging and effective learning experiences. This course on the Sony camera autofocus system may be useful for instructional designers. By understanding the technology, the instructional designer can design courses or materials that effectively teach these concepts. They may also be better equipped to create example videos illustrating key aspects of the Sony autofocus system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Photography Teacher

Photography teachers educate students on the art and science of photography. This role involves teaching technical skills as well as creative concepts. This course on the autofocus system of Sony cameras may be useful. As technologies evolve, photography teachers who wish to stay current need to acquire new skills. By completing this course, the photography teacher will be better able to share their professional knowledge with students. The course's lessons on rack focus and face detection will also be very helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photography Teacher

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Sony Camera Autofocus (AF) System for Video Production.

David Busch’s Sony Alpha a7CR/a7C II Guide to...

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to the Sony Alpha a7 IV camera, covering all its features and settings in detail. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the camera's autofocus system and how to optimize it for video production. While not solely focused on autofocus, it provides the necessary context for understanding how AF interacts with other camera settings.

David Busch’s Sony Alpha a7CR/a7C II Guide to...

Kindle Edition

The Camera Assistant's Manual

Save

Comprehensive guide to the role of a camera assistant in film and television production. While not directly focused on autofocus, it provides valuable insights into the responsibilities of focus pullers and the challenges they face. Understanding these challenges can help you appreciate the benefits of Sony's advanced autofocus system and how it can streamline the production process. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

The Camera Assistant's Manual

Kindle Edition

The Sony Camera Autofocus (AF) System for Video Production

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Mastering sony camera af for video

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses