Beginner's Guide to Videography: Basics in 10 Minutes

Overview

• Series: Part of "Beginner's Guide" series aimed at new content creators.
• Focus: Teaching 80% of the basics of videography.
• Previous Episode: Basics of photography.
• Support: Free content supported by courses, prints, presets, and ebooks available at patkade.com.

Understanding Video

• Video vs. Photography:
  • Video = many frames per second for motion illusion.
  • Standard cinema frame rate: 24 FPS (technically 23.976 FPS).
• Frame Rates:
  • Capture vs. Playback Frame Rate.
  • Slow Motion: Captured at higher FPS (e.g., 60, 120 FPS) and played back at 24 FPS.
  • Example: 60 FPS playback on a 24p timeline results in 2.5x slow motion.

Shutter Speed in Videography

• Role: Impacts motion blur, related to frame rate.
• 180 Degree Shutter Rule:
  • Shutter speed = double the frame rate.
  • Example: 24 FPS = 1/48s shutter speed (use 1/50s on most cameras).
• Effects of Shutter Speed:
  • Slower shutter = more motion blur.
  • Faster shutter = less motion blur.

Exposure and ND Filters

• Challenge: Limited shutter speeds can lead to overexposure.
• Solution: ND Filters (Neutral Density Filters).
  • "Sunglasses" for the camera to control exposure without altering other settings.

Audio in Video

• Importance: Good audio is crucial, often more than visual quality.
• Microphone Types:
  • Shotgun Mic: Directional, common for vlogging, and movies.
  • Lavalier Mic: Small, clipped-on, for voices.
  • Dynamic and Condenser Mics: Various uses, e.g., ambient noise rejection, voice recording.
• Recommendation: Start with a simple shotgun mic, like the Rode VideoMicro.

Camera Movements

• Types:
  • Pan: Horizontal movement.
  • Tilt: Vertical movement.
  • Push In/Out: Moving closer/away from subject.
  • Tracking/Trucking: Following movement.
  • Zoom, Dolly, Follow Shots: Various effects.

Conclusion

• Basics Covered: Introduction to fundamental videography concepts.
• Further Learning: Cinematography, storyboarding, lighting, post-production.
• Next Episode: Choosing your first camera.
• Encouragement: Start creating meaningful content.