5 things you need to know about shooting video on a dslr.
1. DSLRS ARE ORIGINALLY MADE FOR PHOTOS
DSLR cameras are traditionally cameras used for photography because they are built on a frame that is designed for photography. Video is really an afterthought in DSLR cameras. If you are looking to shoot videos, a video camera would be favored over a dslr. However, if you are a photographer and want to shoot video. DSLR cameras maybe a great choice for you offering a great window into video production.
2. CHANGING LENSES
DSLR cameras are unique because of the variety of lenses, adaptors, and converters. Lenses can make or break it when it come to video. If you are using cheap glass for your DSLR video, you are missing out. Being able to use lenses that offer optimum low light performance is a major appeal for shooting video with a DSLR camera in the first place. By using lenses that have low f-stops (like f/2 or lower) you are enabling for the most light the lens can offer. These lenses also offer the best performance when shooting in low light conditions.
3. HOLDING AND FOCUSING A DSLR IS HARD WHEN SHOOTING VIDEO
In video, the camera is made to respond to live camera adjustments, particularly zooming adjustments. You don’t take pictures when you are zooming the lens in and out so this is not a real problem with photography. Video cameras are made to adjust focus and zoom while the shutter is open. With a video camera, you can press a button and glide smoothly from zoomed in to zoomed out while maintaining focus.
4. ND FILTERS
ND filters are used to block the light from coming in through the lens. On a bright day, you can set your video camera to several different ND settings. In DSLR cameras, there is not an ND filter switch built into the camera itself. You will have to purchase a screw on version of a ND filter, the only downside to that is an ND can make the sky look much bluer on those real sunny days when the sky looks white in your video.
5. DSLR CAMERAS CANNOT CAPTURE PROFESSIONAL AUDIO
What the DSLRs aren’t capable of right now is capturing professional audio straight out of the box which will leave you with a couple option you can either buy a preamp that connects to the camera and allows for professional inputs or purchase and lav mic of some sort and record your audio separate from you camera . Problem with a pre-amp is, they costs hundreds of dollars. And two, they add another 4 or 5 pounds to your gear. Having all this great audio being delivered through professional XLR cables, jacks and ports, in the end you will plug it all into the camera with a mini audio jack. A lav mic is the perfect option, you can record audio separately and sync it up in post.a lavalier mic can be used indoors or outdoors and still providing that clear crisp audio we all love.
If you are interested in learning more about the basics of photography or videography, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d love to hear from you. You can reach The Burnette Agency by email at info@theburnetteagency.com or give us a call at 404-850-2081.
