In today's lesson I was researching on the basics of how to use the DSLR cameras and the do's and don't s as well as having a workshop on how to use the cameras, i did this today to make sure I know what is expected by me to make the music video professional. Today I used my research skills and organisation.
Speaking from experience, Skyler shares several tips for
producing better video on your DSLR.
Below, he outlines six key areas to
consider, plus need-to-know pointers.
1. Settings
2. Resolution/Frame Rate
3. Frame Shutter Speed + Frame Rate
4. Manual Focus
5. Stabilization
6. Audio
Pointers: In The Field
The first thing to understand is that motion capture (video)
technology operates very differently than traditional still photography, DSLRs
included. To illustrate,
imagine for a moment that your D-SLRs can capture only 2 Megapixel stills in a
format far more compressed than JPEG Basic. Also imagine that all settings,
such as White Balance and Picture Control profile, are baked-in.
Finally, know that very little post-processing can be done later in the editing
room. Sounds rather limiting, doesn’t it?
The above description parallels how work in 1080p—the
highest video resolution rate on a Nikon D-SLR video mode—operates. Despite the
perceived limitations, not to mention challenges, the majority of the video
world produces in 1080p and employs some variant of heavy compression.
SETTINGS
The first thing to keep in mind is video mode is not the
same as still photography. For
video, you should pay far more attention to determining appropriate settings,
then applying these to your shoot.
Let’s look first at the Picture Control profile and White
Balance settings to be sure the desired “look” can be achieved in-camera. Remember that with video,
settings such as these are baked-in so very little can be done to correct flaws
post-capture. By baked-in, the camera is applying the Picture Control profile
and White Balance settings in a non-raw format so neither can be changed later.
This means that for a shot with a high contrast picture control profile there
is likely little to no detail in underexposed blacks or overexposed whites.
And shots where white balance renders very blue, little if any other colour
information will be recorded. What you see is what you get.
Remedy challenges like this using a powerful in-camera tool:
the live Histogram (access by cycling through displays via the Info button on
select Nikon DSLRs). The histogram displays exposure levels. Check frequently
to be sure your highlights aren’t blowing out and your blacks aren’t being
crushed.
RESOLUTION/FRAME RATE
The higher the frame rate, the sharper any motion will
appear during playback. However, sharper does not necessarily mean more natural
looking. Humans see things that are in motion in a slightly blurry manner. Try
holding your hand in front of your face and quickly wave it back and forth. You
see your hand blur. 24 FPS is the video standard closest to the way our eyes
perceive things.
FRAME SHUTTER SPEED +
FRAME RATE
In order to capture what we perceive to be natural looking
motion, there is a correct shutter speed for each specific frame rate. The rule
is:
-The shutter speed should be double the frame rate.
For example, if you are shooting at 24 FPS the correct
shutter speed would be 1/50th (rounded up from 1/48th). For 25 FPS the shutter
speed should be 1/50th. For 30 FPS the correct shutter speed is 1/60th and so
forth.
Of course you can shoot video at other shutter speeds, from
1/25th -1/30th up to 1/8000th depending on the DSLR model. Keep in mind that as
the shutter speed changes, so will the look of the video.
– The slower the shutter speed, the more motion blur will be
visible in moving subjects.
– The higher the shutter speed, the less motion blur will be
visible in moving subjects (making video appear choppy).
Video is easier to watch and is more smooth and natural when
the right amount of motion blur in moving subjects is presented.
Due to this shutter speed/frame rate limitation, the
settings combination cannot change during capture. This means that
videographers face a challenge of having only ISO, aperture and filters as
tools to obtain a desired exposure. This can be most challenging when shooting
in bright environments.
AUDIO
Working in
video introduces yet another medium to carefully monitor: audio. Capturing good
audio is a key component to producing a quality end product.
Instructions for capturing optimal audio are well beyond the scope of this
article, but here are few tips.
First and foremost–pay attention to your surroundings. Even
the camera’s own small microphone will pick up audio you did not consider while
filming. Freeways, airplanes, the TV in the next room, the refrigerator,
central air all make noise and may muddy sound. The microphone built-in to the
camera is good for general purposes, but if you wish to elevate overall
quality, consider the Nikon ME-1 stereo microphone. It renders good clean
audio.
AVOID OVERHEATING:
If shooting video with your DSLR for a long period of time,
it’s important to keep the camera cool. Some D-SLRs have a warning timer to
alert you when the camera is getting too hot to operate. Timer or not, adopt best
practices that let you work in ways to reduce the chance of overheating: use an
umbrella, cloth or other object to shield the camera from heat sources such as
direct sun or big lights.
When it comes to protecting your camera, little things like a shade can go a
long way to prevent overheating.
Source: http://www.imagechaser.com/produce-your-best-ever-hd-slr-video-6-key-areas-to-consider-plus-need-to-know-pointers-2/
h