Photography: 13 tips for DSLR filmmakers

13 tips for DSLR filmmakers

Filmmakers using DSLR cameras have to take plenty of aspects into account since it is vital that the film is professionally done which is a determinant of the quality to expect. As a filmmaker, your main goal should be to understand what you need to have and how to utilize the full range of capabilities on your DSLR to make it a worthwhile experience. As documented on ppchire.com, DSLR cameras offer a wide range of options for a filmmaker and phtographer and what remains is how to make it work perfectly. Here are 13 tips for DSLR filmmakers that will transform how videos are produced.

Target 4K resolution

The best resolution to shoot videos with is the 4K resolution since it offers a huge advantage when it comes to quality presentation. The beauty is in the fact that the resolution provides great advantage in post-processing flexibility which makes it easier for a filmmaker.

Have an external mic

This is a no brainer especially if the sound recording at the scene is to be used as the final piece. External mics always offer better quality and have the capacity to capture the audio in an advanced quality setting.

Keep an eye on frame-rate

Most filmmakers shoot with the frame rates for their videos at 24fps and the results are quite impressive since the videos tend to have a cinematic effect. Shooting at a higher frame rate promises to give flexibility and the capturing of more action. The key point to note here is the fact that shooting at a higher frame rate and then playing it back in normal speed is what can give good results. For instance, you can choose to shoot at 60fps and then play back at 24fps.

Consider shutter speed

The shutter speed determines how smooth the action will manifest on the screen. It also has a principle goal of capturing ambient light. The shutter speed and frame rate go hand in hand since the shutter speed needs to be double that of the frame rate to have a blended footage that is of the highest quality. For instance, when shooting at 30fps, 1/60 sec should be the shutter speed which is sure to give a perfect video.

Select white balance

Auto white balance does a great job for a DSLR filmmaker but you can also create your custom white balance setting. For instance, once you have accessed the settings option, you can select your white balance by choosing custom white balance followed by taking a picture of a white background under the same light concentration you are going to shoot the film. You can then use the image as the choice white balance.

Ensure stabilization is captured

The DSLR camera has to be stabilized every time shooting is taking place. Using stabilized lens is one of the easiest and most productive ways to achieve stabilization. A physical stabilizer can also be used and this is where tripods and monopods do the trick.

Choose manual focus

When shooting with DSLR, auto focus is mainly structured for still photos since the focus only needs to be there at the time the shutter clicks. Shooting a film however requires a steady mode of focus that will; result in films of the highest quality. Shooting footage will require that the focus is on continuously and this is what you should target with manual focus.

Utilize a camera slider

Using a camera slider ensures that you are able to move the camera freely to capture interesting subjects and angles especially landscapes. This gives you the chance to capture beautiful sceneries with the film being crated.

Use Viewfinder

Viewfinder provides a point of contact for stabilization of images and this is what makes shooting videos easier. Utilizing it gives you some flexibility in shooting films.

Concentrate on the basics of photography

From composition, lighting, color balance, ISO settings, Focus, Lenses and Depth of field; the goal should be to have all these figured out before you begin shooting. The basics of photography are some of the considerations that should be made when capturing footage.

Make sure camera movement is on point

Be it the camera is still and subject is still, the camera moves and the subject also moves, the camera remains still while the subject moves or the camera moves and subject remains still; you have to ensure the camera movement is on point. These four scenarios are the only possible camera orientations and you have to decide which camera movement you think will work for you best.

Consider limitations of your DSLR

Every DSLR has its limitation so you have to study and test your DSLR to understand its high points and low points. Some may be good in low light but are poor in dynamic range while some are sharp but produce footage that is limited and all this points to the fact that underst5anding your DSLR is the first step to good films.

Avoid Slow pans

Panning at slow speeds is a difficult endeavor for some DSLR cameras. Try to pan a bit faster so that the judder in the footage is less noticeable.