Panasonic AG-DVX200 focus issues

dcoatney

Has anyone else experienced focus problems with the AG-DVX200?  I have experienced 2 major issues that I never experienced with its predecessor (the 100a).

1) It won't focus on closeups of food... literally ever. Under any lighting, I can't get it to focus.

2) The manual focus acts similar to an auto focus. I have never seen another camera do this, but at certain times the focus will shift in and out as if it's trying to focus on the light. While it's not terribly uncommon on auto, there's no earthly reason the focus should be adjusting itself once I set it to manual.

12harry

Hi, You don't say how-close..... However, what you describe reads like there is an error, software glitch or similar.... surely no Mfr would sell camcorders that behave like this.  It's as though it hasn't understood you want "Manual".
This is a well-spec'd pro-style camcorder for 4K recording with a built-in 13x Zoom - Oddly the spec I read suggests closest focus is 1metre - any nearer and you'd need a selection of CU lenses.
As with many Pro-Camcorders,  stills-recording is poor - it looks like a frame taken from the movie  . . . I don't understand why this is acceptable to pros.​Normally, for autofocus there has to be a clear "target" - often this will prefer contrasty items, straight lines etc. - you could try newspaper print and see if that is similar ( to the food-focus issue ).

As to what you can do to fix this - dunno.  - Unless you've set something in the Menu to provide focus assistance, say.
- Is this is only with ( what distance ), close-ups?  .... it's remotely possible it is some software routine that tells it to go AUTO, when the focus you've given it is wrong ( The Mfr is attempting to "help" ), but it's unlikely..... it is more than likely a fault....  I guess you will have tried setting to "Default-settings" in the hope this cures.... whatever...

What about the supplier...these camcorders are usually sold by dealers that know their products...

Good luck, sorry can't suggest a "fix". Let us know how things work out....