Introduction to Shooting Video with Your Camera

Overview

• Presenter: Simone, professional nature & wildlife photographer
• Goal: Demystify video shooting with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, provide settings and tips for beginners
• Special Mention: Tips are particularly useful for those with a photography background
• Main Question: Can you get usable photo stills from video frames?

Why Video is Important

• Increasing need for video in photography (e.g., real estate, weddings, wildlife, landscapes)
• High demand for video content on social media platforms
• Comparison: Photo of sandpipers vs. slow-motion video – video offers an engaging format

Fundamentals of Video

Frame Rate

• Definition: Number of frames displayed per second in playback
• Common Standards:
  • NSTC: 24 frames per second (North America)
  • PAL: 25 frames per second (Europe)
• Implication: Matches electricity Hertz speed in different regions
• Effect: Incorrect settings can lead to video flickering
• Slow Motion: Shoot more frames per second but play back at 24 fps - e.g., 60 fps → 24 fps = slow-motion

Resolution

• Common Standards:
  • 4K: High definition, what Simone uses
  • 8K: Available but often overkill
  • 1080p: Lower than 4K but still looks good on smaller screens
• Performance Tip: Use 1080p if your computer can't handle 4K smoothly

Shutter Speed

• Video vs. Photo: Video frames are typically blurrier than photo frames for smooth motion
• Optimal Setting: Shutter speed should be twice the playback frame rate
  • Example: 24 fps playback → 1/48 or 1/50 sec shutter speed
• Slow Motion: Higher frame rates have corresponding faster shutter speeds (e.g., 120 fps → 1/250 sec)

Managing Brightness in Video

• Low Shutter Speed: Often leads to overexposed footage in bright light
• Solutions:
  • Lower ISO
  • Adjust aperture (sacrifice depth of field)
  • Use neutral density (ND) filters to darken exposure

Audio in Video

Importance

• Adds another dimension to your footage
• Enhances viewer experience

Tips for Good Audio

• Avoid Built-in Mic: Often low quality
• External Microphones:
  • Basic Upgrade: Cheap shotgun mic (e.g., Comica)
  • Higher-End: Rode VideoMic NTG for better quality
  • Lavalier Mic: Wired or wireless lapel mic for spoken audio
  • Field Recorder: Zoom H1n for environmental sounds
• Wind Sock: Essential for outdoor recording to avoid wind noise

Getting Smooth Footage

• Use a Tripod: For stable and smooth footage
• Image Stabilization: Camera or lens stabilization
• Video/Fluid Head: For panning shots
• Handheld Shooting: Use slow motion for smoother results

Bonus Tips

Extracting Stills from Video

• Feasibility: Possible but not ideal
• Reasons:
  • Video frames are often blurry (1/50 sec shutter speed)
  • Lower resolution compared to photo mode due to how sensors are read in video mode

Conclusion

• Encouragement: Start using the video mode on your camera
• Additional Resources: Link to video on shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings
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