70D Focus Problems

[rpcrowe]

A dog lover friend of mine has asked if the 70D might not be the best camera for him both for shooting videos and stills of dogs... The stills will often be of dogs in action.

I couldn't give him an answer because, I am not sure that the 70D autofocus system is working correctly for shooting stills using the eye level viewfinder. At least there are a lot of reports that it doesn't:

https://www.google.com/search?q=cano...sm=93&ie=UTF-8

Canon denies any problems with the viewfinder focus but, they adamantly denied any focus problems with the early issue 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lenses when at 300mm in the portrait mode. Even after they pulled all those lenses off the dealers shelves to fix the problem, they denied that there was a problem. As the Lone Ranger's Sidekick, Tonto, was fond of saying, "they speak with forked tongues"

Apparently the 70D works fine using live view with touch control focus. But if you shot action stills using live view and touch control focus, "you're a better man than I am Gunga Din" or "madder than the March Hare". I strongly suspect the latter

Additionally, I am under the impression that the 70D requires an STM lens for continuous video auto focus. If this is true, are there any STM lenses that provide the image quality of the Canon L Series glass, or even the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens? My friend used to shoot his stills with Leica equipment so he requires top level IQ in still work.

My 7D with top quality glass is great for stills but, not absolutely wonderful for video. Since I don't shoot video with my DSLR (preferring a high grade dedicated consumer video camera), the video capability of my 7D is a moot point for me...

[chauncey]

Richard, are you suggesting that your friend wants to pull stills from his videos...for that I would assume 4K is needed. The 70D, as seen here http://www.autofixinfo.com/oocprHoWD...0D-Review.html seems to be quite lens dependent regarding AF abilities.

[rpcrowe]

Chauncy,

No, my friend wants to shoot videos and also shoot stills but, not capture stills from the videos.

I suggested that he opt for a camera for stills and a decent consumer video camera for his video needs.

This is the way I go. I really like the capability of my Panasonic video camera HDC-TM900 (which is no longer available) I do have problems switching my mind-set from video to stills. IMO, they require two different chains of thought...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...tion_3MOS.html.

I selected this model because it appeared to be the best of the small videocams available. My wife wanted a small camera if she was to use it occasionally.

However, if the camera had been for my use only; I would have selected this camera. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...nt_avccam.html

I like a larger camera to shoot video. IMO, like a heavier rifle (up to a point) a larger and heavier camera can be held steadier.

I like the shoulder rest when shooting off tripod.

I detest using the LCD (except possibly in Steadicam type work when a larger viewer is better) but like an articulating viewfinder....

I shoot my stills with a pair of 7D cameras and a selection of high grade lenses.