[Cyberphil]

Are you sure you are setting each key at the right time and place?

Here is the pattern that should happen, written like a program:

Autokey engage

Key initial position

Change current frame

Move to second position

Key second position

Change current frame

Move th third position

Etc.

If you are not following that it will not work the way you wish for it to. You still have to key it even though you are in auto key mode at least from my experience. I have never had it actually auto key for me, that is set the keys automatically. I have wondered that previously but have never really questioned it, I just dealt with it.

If the zoom thing doesn't work right, create a line with a bunch of segments and lock the camera on the pivot points at whatever frame. make the line so that it is perpendicular to what you are zooming in on.

I believe there is some kind of modifier to follow a line, but I usually just do it the long way.

I hope this helps even the slightest bit!