DSLR Video Tips: Technical Knowledge

Course details

Do you want to become more proficient with DSLR video? Knowing the technical side can make it easier to set up gear, be more creative, and get your shot right on the very first take. These tips provide answers to the most common questions videographers encounter when shooting with DSLR cameras. Learn how frame size and frame rate, aspect ratio, codecs, cropping and compression, and the "exposure triangle" (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO) affect the look of your footage. DSLR Video Tips hosts Rich Harrington and Robbie Carman also help you troubleshoot common problems with video: when shots are too dark, too jittery, or impacted by rolling shutter and moiré. Plus, get tips on effective data management and setting up multicamera shoots for more complex productions.

Learning objectives
Choosing a frame size and frame rate
Shooting 16:9
Cropping video
Adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
Mastering exposure
Avoiding rolling shutter and moiré
Checking focus
Managing data in the field
Transferring footage
Achieving critical focus
Setting up multicamera shoots

Concepts

Introduction

Welcome

Which Frame Size Should I Use

Frame size recommendations

Which Frame Rate Should I Shoot

Exploring frame rate choices
Frame rate recommendations
Mixing frame rates

What Is the Impact of Compression

Understanding color loss
Understanding detail loss

What Is Aspect Ratio

Understanding aspect ratio
Why shoot 16 - 9

Can I Crop Video

Composition matters
Exploring the action-safe area

Why Is My Shot Too Dark

The exposure triangle for low light
Adjusting aperture
Adjusting ISO
Adjusting shutter speed

How Do I Master Exposure

Exposure
The exposure triangle
Evaluating the settings

How Do I Master Aperture

What is aperture
A DP's perspective on aperture
Adjusting aperture
Evaluating the shots

How Do I Master Shutter Speed

What is shutter speed
A DP's perspective on shutter speed
Adjusting shutter speed
Evaluating the shots

How Do I Master ISO

What is ISO
A DP's perspective on ISO
Adjusting ISO
Evaluating the shots

How Do I Control Exposure Beyond the Camera Settings

Controlling exposure beyond camera settings
Adding light
Adding filtration

What Causes Rolling Shutter

What is rolling shutter
Avoiding rolling shutter

What Is Moir

Moir explained
Avoiding moir

Why Does My Footage Jitter

Shutter speed explained

How Can I Check My Focus

How can I check my focus
Zooming in
Using a target
Using autofocus at the start

How Should I Manage My Cards in the Field

How should I manage my cards in the field
Using card wallets
Mirroring your data

How Do I Transfer My Footage

How do I transfer my footage
Monitoring your footage

How Do I Achieve Critical Focus

Achieving critical focus
Punching in on Live View mode
Using a loupe
Using autofocus before the shot
Using a monitor
Changing the aperture

How Can I Read a Waveform Monitor and Vectorscope in the Field

Scopes
Reading the histogram
Reading a waveform monitor
Reading a vectorscope

How Do I Prepare for a Multicamera Shoot

Preparing for a shoot with multiple DSLR cameras
Scouting the location
Lighting for multiple cameras
A DP's perspective on multicamera lighting
Matching cameras

How Do I Do a Multicamera Shoot

Doing a shoot with multiple DSLR cameras
Positioning the cameras
Syncing the cameras
Directing the shoot