Considering Video work

[neilmc]

I'm considering getting into some video work.

 

I'm starting a little project, a video documentary/storytelling.

 

I'm going to be using my DSLR, and a tie mic This one

 

Any tips/tricks that anyone knows about for filming and maybe some other equipment (Except a tripod)

[dhicks]

Any tips/tricks that anyone knows about for filming and maybe some other equipment (Except a tripod)

 

What make/model DSLR? Lots of people seem to go for a shoulder rig of some kind to make the DSLR into more of a shoulder-mountable style of camera. You can buy them, of course, or make your own - a search for "DIY DSLR rig" should probably be the place to start. A DSLR acts as a way for you to hold and mount the camera, and for a way of mounting various accesories. Lots of DSLR filmakers seem to use a follow-focus - basically a way to more finely adjust the focus ring on your lens. Again, you can buy them or make your own (search "DIY follow focus"). A lot of people also seem to use a matte box (to keep the glare of sunlight / stagelights directly off the lense), although a certain amount of equipment seems to be used because that's what everyone else uses.

 

What kind of video quality does your DSLR output? Do you know what codec it uses, and the kind of bitrate it records at?

[michael2k6]

If you're recording at 1080p, make sure you have a class 10 SD. Also look at the read and write speeds on it as they vary wildly once you get up to class 10. Best I've found is PNY elite at 100mb/s read and 75mb/s write. Never had a problem with those.

Also bear in mind you can only capture 20 minutes at a time which is to do with the licensing or import tax or something along those lines - if it's a camera it's subject to a different amount than if it's a video camera. Keeping it to 20 mins (in the firmware / software, not sure which) allows manufacturers to price better as a camera.

[Meldrew]

Also bear in mind you can only capture 20 minutes at a time which is to do with the licensing or import tax or something along those lines - if it's a camera it's subject to a different amount than if it's a video camera. Keeping it to 20 mins (in the firmware / software, not sure which) allows manufacturers to price better as a camera.

 

I thought it was 10 minutes...

 

Meldrew

[dhicks]

If you're recording at 1080p, make sure you have a class 10 SD. Also look at the read and write speeds on it as they vary wildly once you get up to class 10. Best I've found is PNY elite at 100mb/s read and 75mb/s write. Never had a problem with those. Also bear in mind you can only capture 20 minutes at a time which is to do with the licensing or import tax or something along those lines

 

I think the tax involved is an EU import tax (rather than a Japanese export tax) - if you can get the US version of a camera they don't seem to have this limitation. Most DSLRs, by default at least, will record H.264 MP4 or MOV files. Some cameras will let you use a different codec, but if that's not an option you can get an external recorder (Atomos seem to be the main manufacturers). They sell devices that attach to the camera's HDMI out port and record footage to a high-bitrate "intermediate" codec (ProRes, CineForm, etc) - a codec designed for use with video editing software rather than for playback, and generally records with less compression and with greater colour detail. Atomos' devices also record straight to SSD and with no time limit other than the size of the storage you give them. You need a camera that outputs uncompressed data to HDMI, though, if you want higher-quality footage.

[neilmc]

Thanks for this guys, Ive got a Cannon 600D I knew about the limitaiton on the length of filming, which, when filming for a documentary like I am this shouldn't be an issue. I think as i'm only just starting out and looking to see if its something I want to get into more, the limitations and the filming to the camera itself shouldn't be an issue.

 

What are your thoughts on microphones? I was looking at this Audio Technica

 

or would i be better with a Shotgun Mic

[dhicks]

What are your thoughts on microphones?

 

Most people seem to use a shotgun mic - Rhode seem to be the best-known brand, but to be honest I've used a couple of cheaper ones off Amazon like the one you link to and they sounds fine to me. It's just a bit more flexible than a mic you have to attach to someone, and you don't pick up rustling sounds as they move around.

[michael2k6]

It's defo 20 mins on mine.

[jinnantonnixx]

DIY steadycam!

http://www.edugeek.net/forums/jokes-interweb-things/96928-all-you-amateur-video-makers-cheap-steadicam.html