Canon 650D T4i and EF 40mm f/2.8 STM auto focus performance test example

Example of the auto focus performance of the Canon T4i (650D) with the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM "pancake" lens.

Camera Auto focus was set to "Multiple" with AI Servo mode.

Raw video, straight out of the camera and uploaded to youtube

Yes that is the silent autofocus motor you are hearing when the car is not going by

Seems the camera wants to first try close-up focus and then back up and start hunting from there. Note how the lens makes small adjustments at seemingly consistent intervals, as if it is adjusting and then comparing and adjusting again, instead of going right to optimum focus like we have come to expect when shooting stills with similar DSLR cameras

• Category

  Science & Technology

[speedzoneproduction]

On the contrary, with a DSLR you can shoot far more beautiful videos, but it's NOT for tourists! That's for sure.

If you'd like to shoot nice videos, forget about AF! Take time to master your DSLR, buy a follow focus for your camera, and you can make movie-like videos, you would never ever do with a camcorder.

No wonder that professionals making for example music videos with DSLRs...

[Nick Reuter]

I'd have to disagree. Perhaps for your typical consumer who wants to quickly shoot video of the kids or whatever in a mostly automatic mode, a camcorder is better.

But for artistic video or more flexibility a DSLR will really outperform a non-professional handheld camcorder, *IF* you put the time and effort into learning how to use it properly. It's not easy but the flexibility of lenses and the focus mechanisms itself can create very beautiful effects.

[littleroot2]

LOL, not according to Canon QC. If you have seen it perform better under similar circumstances, i.e. close to far focus, real world conditions, let us know

[John Usa]

Looks to me that it is much better to get a dedicated camcorder than to rely on DSLRs with video capability. Canon needs to improve their very poor focusing technology on their DSLRs even on this brand new T4i with the new STM lens technology.

Not impressive at all.

Bottom line is for DSLR buyers not to count on DSLRs to shoot satisfactory videos.