automatic focus?

[Roger Valdes]

A device (carried by the subjects) that pinpoints the exact location and wirelessly sends it over to the camera for continuous focus.

Does something like this exist?

 

[Terry VerHaar]

There are some devices around that consist of a pan head that can "follow" a "token" that the user holds or places on them. Theoretically, as they move in front of the camera, it will pan with them. The focus part would have to be done by the autofocus capabilities of the camera/lens. Not actually sure they work all that well but I imagine it depends on your need for accuracy and responsiveness.

 

[Tommaso Alvisi]

Roger I think sw image tracking alghoritms will be there before something like this can be developed/implemented...

 

[Marc Wielage]

Wouldn't it be cheaper just to hire a really good assistant camera operator?

 

[Les Dittert]

I would welcome some better focus methods for my solo street shooting. I'm a bit jealous of the sony fs700's phase focus on e-mount glass. It tracks even rapidly moving subjects and locks focus without all the hunting of simple contrast based 'live view' type focus that we have now.
Years ago pro still photographers ridiculed automatic focus. Now good auto focus is one of the most desired features of a pro still camera. IMO same thing will happen with movie cameras. It won't be used all the time but would be a welcome feature.