Videoing RC model airplanes

[Henry111]

I am shooting with a Sony VX2000. On Monday I am going to shoot radio controlled model airplanes on the ground and in flight. Because the sky is bright and some of the airplanes are dark I am concerned that the airplanes in flight will come out underexposed. So, should I use the Back Light button or maybe the "N" (neutral density) button? Or neither one?
Regarding focus:
I am concerned that the automatic focus will focus on the clouds instead of the FAST MOVING model. Should I use audiomatic or manual? Maybe set the focus on "infinity"?
Sure hope I can get some advice on this before Monday.

[redwudz]

I'd probably try the backlight setting. But you should be able to experiment with something like a tree branch or a flagpole against a bright sky to see what works.

After about 50 - 100 feet distance, focus should be at infinity anyway. But you could lock focus if you think your camera will change autofocus. Just make sure to reset it if you plan to do some closer shots. You might also consider a circular polarizer as it can help contrast with a cloud background. (As long as your lens doesn't rotate during zooming or focusing.)

Good luck trying to keep a fast moving small object like a RC plane in view.

But others may have better advice.

And welcome to our forums.