Sharp, reliable focus is essential for professional PTZ setups. This chapter covers every focus mode, region and behavior you need to know — including manual focus, autofocus algorithms, sensitivity settings, where to configure focus, depth of field control, and what happens when you recall presets or move the camera.

Where to configure focus

InterfaceMenu PathControls
OSD menu
(IR remote)		MENU ▶ CAMERA ▶ FOCUSManual, Auto, One-Push
Web GUIVIDEO tab ▶ Camera Settings ▶ FocusManual, Auto, One-Push, AF-Mode, AF-Sensitivity

Focus modes

  • Manual focus – You set focus yourself. Ideal for fixed-distance shots (podium, desk).
  • Continuous AF – Camera continuously refocuses via pixel-contrast.
  • One-Push / Trigger AF – Performs one autofocus cycle, then locks.

Overview of autofocus strategies

Iris setting for depth-of-field

Objects or persons over a larger difference in distance won’t all be in focus when the camera is on automatic settings. To maximise depth-of-field:

  • Switch to AAE (Aperture Automatic Exposure) so you can set the iris manually while the camera handles shutter and gain.
  • Close the iris to a higher F-Stop (e.g. F3.4 – F4.0) to increase DoF and overall sharpness.
  • Supported F-Stops on CM70 series: F1.8, F2.0, F2.4, F2.8, F3.4, F4.0, F4.8, F5.6, F6.8, F8.0, F9.6, F11.0 (Doc 1 appendix).
  • Why F3.4 – F4.0?
    • Gives a deeper depth-of-field so foreground and background stay sharp.
    • Reduces lens aberrations for a crisper image.
    • Requires more light or longer exposure—compensate with shutter speed or gain.
  • Note: each F-stop step halves the light reaching the sensor; adjust shutter time or gain accordingly.

F-Stop values showing aperture sizes

Depth of field comparison example

To enable iris control, set Exposure Mode ▶ AAE:

  • OSD: MENU ▶ CAMERA ▶ EXPOSURE ▶ Mode ▶ AAE
  • Web GUI: VIDEO ▶ Camera Settings ▶ Exposure ▶ Mode ▶ AAE

AAE Exposure Mode with iris control

CM70 series supports F-Stops from F1.8 (shallow DoF) to F11.0 (deep DoF). Avoid going too high: long exposure and high gain can introduce noise and blur.

Autofocus areas & strategies

Table 3-A – Avonic autofocus modes
ModeFocus areaStrategy
Front FocusAll cellsPrioritises near objects.
Front Focus area
Back FocusAll cellsPrioritises distant objects.
Back Focus area
MeetingAll cellsEqual priority across frame.
Meeting focus area
Education TrackingPrimary: cells 5–19;
Secondary: top/bottom rows		No refocus on horizontal moves within primary band.
Education Tracking area
Moving ObjectsModel-dependent*Refocuses whenever subject moves.
Moving Objects focus area
Center FocusPrimary: cell 12;
Secondary: cells 6–8, 11, 13, 16–18		Centre prioritised; refocuses on movement.
Center Focus area

* Check your camera’s firmware for exact “Moving Objects” region.

Focus behavior with presets & movements

ActionResult
Store presetSaves PTZ position + focus mode & point.
Recall presetRestores PTZ & focus exactly as saved.
Pan/Tilt (joystick)Keeps current focus mode; manual focus holds if distance is stable.
ZoomIf Auto, switches to Continuous AF and refocuses; if Manual, focus remains until adjusted.

Best practices

  • Use manual focus for fixed subjects; store in a preset.
  • Use AF Meeting for gentle motion; set Sensitivity to Mid/Low.
  • Use AF Moving Objects + High Sensitivity for dynamic scenes.
  • Combine AAE + F3.4–F4.0 iris to increase depth of field where needed.
  • Test focus modes and sensitivity in your venue prior to live events.