DSLR VIDEOGRAPHY SETUP

Throughout the remainder of the course, we will be using DSLR camera in order to film our projects. In order to do so, you must become familiar with how to set these cameras up. Before you begin with the setup, make sure that you are familiar with the exposure triangle as it will be an important factor in what we do in this using. If you need a refresher, be sure to visit that TGJ3M website for more information.

Once you are ready, follow the lessons and tasks listed below to learn more.

BASIC CAMERA SETTINGS

Before you can film with the camera, you need to make sure that you are using the proper settings. Watch the video below to learn how to setup the Nikon D5200. Once you are ready, complete the task to demonstrate your knowledge. In order to record video, you must first learn how to turn on Live View. Once you have learned how to turn on Live View, watch the video below to learn how to set the aspect ratio and frame rate.

 

TASK

Using the DSLRs are you able to:

  • Change the aspect ratio and the frame rate?
  • Turn on Live view?

Using one of our cameras, or your own, change the settings of your camera to 1920 x 1080 24fps

FILMING WITH MANUAL FOCUS IN MANUAL MODE

In the previous lessons, you learned about frame rate and aspect ratio. In order to get the shutter speed we need (1/50th of a second for a 24fps movie), we will need to either shoot in Shutter Speed Priority Mode or Manual Mode. In this lesson, you will learn how to shoot in manual mode and see the difference that can occur.

 

In the Grade 11 course, we learned about ISO. While it can be easier to set the ISO when taking still pictures, it may be more difficult to do so when filming as our lighting conditions may change as we move the camera. To eliminate this issue, we will use AUTO-ISO when filming and allow the camera to decide what the best setting it.

Watch the video below in order to learn how to set the Nikon cameras to AUTO-ISO. There is A LOT of information in this video so the link below will begin the video at the 7 min 55 sec mark. Start the video from the beginning should you need a refresher on ISO.

 

TASK

  • Switch your lens to manual focus (switch on the side of the lens)
    • Depending on the lens, you may have the following options: M/A, A
      • M/A is the designation on lenses which provide the ability to focus manually and automatically without the need to flick a switch on the lens. When the camera focuses, the user can further turn the focus ring if they are not satisfied with the autofocus results.
      • The M on the other side of the switch is pure manual focus. The camera won’t focus at all in this mode using autofocus as expected.
  • Make sure your camera is set to film at 1920×1080 24fps
  • Set your camera to film using manual settings
  • Change your shutter speed to 1/50
  • Change your aperture to the lowest possible setting and adjust your ISO accordingly
  • Capture some footage using a variety of apertures and note which clips use which settings. Be sure to adjust the ISO accordingly as you change the aperture.
    • NOTE: You cannot change the aperture while filming
  • Complete the same task as listed above but this time switch to AUTO iso. Let the camera change the ISO for you as you adjust the aperture.

After you have completed the steps shown above, try the following:

  • Change your settings to 1280×720 60fps
  • Change your shutter speed to 1/125
  • Complete the tasks listed above once again using the new aspect ratio and frame rate.

Download the clips onto your computer and note the difference in lighting, resolution, and frame rate.

WHITE BALANCE

White balance (WB) is the process of removing unrealistic color casts, so that objects which appear white in person are rendered white in your photo. Proper camera white balance has to take into account the “color temperature” of a light source, which refers to the relative warmth or coolness of white light. See the video below to learn more.

TASK

Try filming using some of the settings from the previous task and see what effect changing the white balance on your camera has. Did you find one better than the other based on the condition you were filming in? Which one and why do you think it worked well? Why do you think the others didn’t work as well?