DSLR Video Tips
June 14, 2014Finishing with the edit on our newest piece for Blackbeard Films and thinking about all I’ve learned since I started shooting DSLR video - still always more to learn of course - but thought I’d share a couple things I’ve picked up for those starting out….
CLIP LENGTH: Always shoot your clips longer than you think you’ll need to - count to ten slowly - you’ll be grateful you did when you go to edit later.
STABILIZE: Using a Zacuto viewfinder will not only help you focus, but equally importantly, it’ll help stabilize your shots by adding another point of contact since it’s pressing against your face along with your two hands. Stabilize on a monopod as well when you can.
SOUND: Don’t skimp on sound quality - and whatever you do, don’t use the in-camera microphone. Start by getting a Rode Video Mic Pro - and as you get more serious about interviews, think about getting some Sennheiser G3 wireless lavaliers. A good sound recorder, the popular Zoom H4N or a Tascam DR-60D which mounts directly to the camera, will further guarantee good results since it’s providing all the preamps rather than the shoddy in-camera preamp. Good video can quickly be ruined by bad sound.
LIMITING YOUR LIGHT: Get a circular polarizer or an ND filter for your lens - this cuts down on light which means you can shoot at lower f-stops in bright conditions and make your video look sexier by dropping backgrounds out of focus when you want to.
More to come soon, but feel free to post or message with any specific questions - I’ve benefitted greatly from the generosity and skill of others and believe in paying it forward.