1. A method for improving the image quality of images in a video image stream captured by a digital video camera, comprising: capturing a first subset of images by the digital video camera; outputting the images of the first subset of images as the video image stream; moving an image sensor and/or a lens of the digital video camera from a respective normal position to a respective test position, the test position being different from the normal position; capturing an image of a second subset of images while the image sensor and/or a lens of the digital video camera is in the test position, capturing the second subset of images using the digital camera, wherein the capturing of the second subset of images is interspersed with the capturing of the first subset of images at a dynamic rate dependent on at least one of bandwidth and system load; comparing image quality, based on analyzing sharpness, of an image of the first subset of images with an image of the second subset of images; and determining, based on the comparison of image quality, if the image of the second subset of images exhibits improved image quality as compared with the image of the first subset of images; wherein on a condition that the image of the second subset of images exhibits improved image quality as compared with the image of the first subset of images, initiating a refocus operation on the digital video camera.