By Maxim Duncan and site editor Dan Chung:
Movcam were showing not one, but two automatic follow focus systems at the BIRTV show in Beijing. The first is the brand new MAF-1 auto follow focus which comprises a camera top sensor, control box and focus motor. The sensor provides real time distance-to-subject and then uses this information to move the focus motor on the lens. It appears that the system is only designed to work when a subject is in the central part of the frame, but if you use it in conjunction with Movcam’s three axis wireless follow focus system it can be engaged and disengaged at the touch of a button. This means the operator easily can go between autofocus and wireless remote manual focus depending on the shot.
The second system on show was the AcFocus Intelligent tracking and focus system which we had previously seen in prototype form. The system is now working well and Movcam were able to demonstrate it identifying and tracking multiple subjects in the frame. The unit can store up to five subjects in its memory which the user then selects which one should be in focus. You can see it working in the video below:
For more details of Movcam products you can visit their website.
