The Red Camera's Autofocus Feature: A Comprehensive Overview

The RED camera system is a popular choice for filmmakers, but does it have autofocus? The answer is yes, but it's not a prominent feature for most users, and RED recommends using autofocus modes as focus-assist tools only. The autofocus feature is available in the Mode drop-down menu and can be used with certain lens mounts and lenses. However, performance may vary, and manual focus is still recommended for optimal accuracy. Autofocus on the RED camera has its limitations and may struggle in certain conditions, such as low lighting or high contrast. While it is a useful feature for some, pulling focus manually is still the preferred method for many filmmakers.

The RED Komodo camera has autofocus

The autofocus functionality in the RED Komodo is accessed through the camera's menu system. It offers both full-time Continuous and Single shot autofocus modes, providing flexibility for different shooting scenarios. In the Continuous mode, the camera continuously focuses on the selected target, while in Single shot mode, it locks focus and then stops focusing. This basic yet effective approach to autofocus simplifies the process for those new to autofocus in video production.

The RED Komodo's autofocus performance is generally reliable, although it may occasionally miss the focus or take a bit of time to adjust. It is worth noting that the autofocus speed cannot be adjusted, and it lacks advanced features like face or eye detection. However, the touchscreen interface allows for precise control over the AF point's size and position, enabling smooth focus pulls.

The inclusion of autofocus in the RED Komodo expands its appeal beyond cinema, making it a more versatile option for run-and-gun documentary-style shooting. Its compact form factor, combined with its autofocus capability, makes it a flexible and attractive choice for filmmakers seeking a balance between image quality and usability.

Overall, the autofocus feature in the RED Komodo is a welcome addition, enhancing its usability and making it a more well-rounded camera. While it may not have all the advanced autofocus capabilities of its competitors, it is a significant step forward for the RED ecosystem, offering a more accessible entry point without compromising on image quality.

Autofocus modes are available in the Mode drop-down menu

The RED camera does have autofocus, and the autofocus modes are available in the Mode drop-down menu. However, RED recommends using these autofocus modes only as focus assist tools, as performance may vary from lens to lens. For optimal focus accuracy, manual focus is advised.

The autofocus modes in the Mode drop-down menu are available when the camera is fitted with a DSMC S35 Nikon Mount or a DSMC Canon Mount, or a DSMC RED MOTION MOUNT S35 Ti Canon (Captive) lens mount, with a supported lens attached. The lens focus switch must be set to "A" or "M/A" for the Nikon mount and "AF" for the Canon mounts.

The available autofocus modes are:

• Single: Optimised for rapid focus even in low-contrast conditions and works with Center and Spot zones.
• Continuous: Attempts to keep objects in the target in focus and works best with good lighting and contrast. Works with Center and Spot zones.
• Touch Track: Dynamically updates a positionable AF point using the touchscreen and works with the Spot zone.
• Rack: Enables rack focus and works with the Spot zone.

To cycle through the autofocus modes, you can press the key mapped to AF Mode: Cycle.

It is important to note that autofocus performance may be reduced under certain conditions, such as when the subject is too dark, too bright, too distant, or too close, or when there is inadequate contrast between the subject and the background, or inadequate surface contrast or detail. In such cases, RED recommends using Edge mode for improved performance.

While RED cameras offer autofocus modes, they determine autofocus based solely on contrast, unlike newer DSLR cameras that use contrast detection and face detection. Therefore, autofocus with a RED camera is more accurate when shooting high-contrast subjects in good lighting conditions.

Autofocus is recommended as a focus assist tool

The RED Komodo 6K camera has added phase detection autofocus with Canon RF lenses or EF lenses with an adapter. This feature is labelled as a 'Beta' firmware in the menu. The AF mode can be set to either full-time Continuous or Single shot. The AF point size can be adjusted, and the position of the AF point can be set in the menu. The touchscreen allows for nice focus pulls and a more manual feel as the AF slows down as it nears the focus point. While the autofocus feature is a nice addition, it lacks the precision and functions of the latest Sony and Canon systems.

Autofocus performance may be reduced in certain conditions

When using autofocus, it is also important to consider the number of autofocus points available on your camera. While high-end SLR cameras may have 45 or more autofocus points, other cameras may only have a single central AF point. Multiple AF points can work together to improve reliability, so having more autofocus points can be beneficial in certain situations.

Another factor that can affect autofocus performance is camera or subject motion. If your subject is moving too quickly, the autofocus may struggle to keep up, leading to blurry or out-of-focus images. This is where continuous autofocus modes can help, as they are designed to predict the subject's movement and adjust focus accordingly. However, even with these modes enabled, fast-moving subjects can still be challenging to capture.

It is also worth noting that different types of autofocus systems have their own advantages and disadvantages. Passive autofocus systems, for example, rely on contrast detection or phase detection methods. While contrast detection is commonly used in digital cameras, phase detection has become the norm in mirrorless cameras due to its superior AF tracking performance. On the other hand, active autofocus systems measure distance independently of the optical system and are typically used in low-light conditions or when the subject has low contrast.

In summary, while autofocus has come a long way and is a standard feature in most cameras, it is not perfect and may be reduced in certain conditions. By understanding the limitations of autofocus and the factors that affect its performance, photographers and videographers can make informed decisions about when to use autofocus and when to switch to manual focus for optimal results.

The RED Control app has a Face Detect Autofocus feature

RED cameras do support autofocus, although RED recommends using these autofocus modes as focus-assist tools only. The performance may vary from lens to lens, and for optimal focus accuracy, RED suggests using manual focus.

Frequently asked questions