Master Video with your DSLR - Amateur Photographer Supplement

24 Pages·2015·5.766 MB·English

by  Amateur Photographer

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WITH YOUR DSLR
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MAKERS OF In association with
LEARN HOW TO…
●
Stabilise your camera
●
Record better audio
●
Master focusing & exposure
21
EXPERT TIPS
Our essential guide to
making better videos
£10,000
IN PRIZES
TO BE WON!
In our Amateur
Filmmaker
of the Year
competition
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&& VViiddeeoo NNeeeeddss
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CONTENTS VIDEO
Welcome
Nearly every digital environment. You can even make
camera now comes your holiday videos more interesting
with the obligatory so your family and friends actually
red button that want to sit down and watch them.
activates its video This supplement aims to give you
mode, but how many some of the basic information you
of us actually get around to pressing need to get out and start using the
it? Unlike stills photography, video can video mode on the camera. And if you
be daunting. There is a whole new set feel inspired, why not check out The
5 Shooting video
of rules, techniques to practise and Video Mode (www.thevideomode.
on a DSLR
editing sof ware to get your head com), the new website from the
We explain the basics, and how to
around. Plus, there is another makers of Amateur Photographer and
set up your camera to record video
dilemma: what to shoot? What Digital Camera, in association
Thankfully, photographers aren’t with Canon. The site of ers advice on 8 Amateur Filmmaker
starting from scratch. Many of the shooting video, from the information of the Year competition
same principles apply to stills and you need to know when starting out, Your chance to enter the UK’s newest
video, particularly framing, exposure, to more advanced questions on competition for budding amateur filmmakers
composition and lighting. You can shooting raw video footage. Plus,
10 Exposing for video
start with just the basics and we will be of ering insights and
The key rules you need to know
introduce new techniques as you go. techniques from leading
And as for what to shoot, well, there is videographers, as well as camera and 13 Sound recording
plenty to choose from. If you are stuck equipment reviews. Basically, there’s Our guide to the basics of audio recording
for ideas, just turn on your TV. Wildlife everything you need to get started
16 21 top tips
documentaries are a great place to recording video with your digital
Our round-up of the best advice that will help
start. Watch how landscapes are shot, camera. So read this supplement and you on your way to shooting successful videos
or how timelapse videos are used. then pay The Video Mode a visit.
20 Supporting
Then think about how you can use
your camera
these types of shots in your own Richard Sibley, supplement editor
How to keep your camera as stable as possible
when shooting video
22 Editing and exporting
We explain how to edit, export and share
your video with the world
EDITORIAL TEAM
Written and edited by Richard Sibley Design Mark Jacobs
Production Lesley Upton, Meike Abrahams
4 XX Month 2015 I www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I subscribe 0330 333 4555
ESSENTIALS THE BASICS
Shooting
video
on a DSLR
Almost every camera allows you to
shoot video, but the terminology can be
confusing. We explain the basics, and
how to set up your camera to record
From cine flm to analogue video, the
enthusiast photographer has always
been able to shoot moving images.
Just as with photography, digital
technology has changed the
way enthusiasts can shoot
video. Almost every digital
stills camera is now capable of
shooting video, and many of
these cameras can produce
footage that is of broadcast
quality. Computers have also
had an impact, as editing
software that was once the
preserve of the professional
can now be found on the most
basic computer, or even a
smartphone. on top of that,
the internet, and websites like
YouTube, allow us to share our
video creations with the world.
Yet videography can be a daunting
place. There’s a new range of formats
to use and acronyms to understand, as
well as composition and exposure rules
to learn. To help you get to grips with
shooting video, or even just to refresh
your knowledge if you’re more
experienced, we’ll start with the basics.
Resolution
As technology has advanced, our ability
to record and display video at higher
and higher resolutions has increased.
Until a few years ago, a lot of video
was recorded at VGA resolution, or at
www.thevideomode.com I Master video with your DSLR 5
PAL, NTSC and
frame rates
PAL AND NTSC are different video standards that are primarily
used for analogue television broadcast, but are still relevant
when shooting video. The UK, and most of the world, uses PAL,
whereas the USA uses NTSC. If you’re in the UK you should
always set your video system to PAL, to make sure that you can
play back via the camera output to a TV.
Although in these days of HD digital the choice between PAL
and NTSC is less important, the one thing you still need to
consider is the frame rate. The NTSC standard uses 30fps, while
PAL uses 25fps. If PAL footage is shown on an NTSC standard
screen, fve extra frames must be added, otherwise footage will
seem too fast. On the other hand, fve frames must be dropped
from NTSC footage when shown on a PAL screen otherwise it will
seem too slow. If you plan to broadcast your video, or record it to
a DVD or Blu-ray, you should make sure that it is recorded at an
appropriate frame rate, and resolution, for the output medium.
On the internet things are a little different. It’s possible to
upload and play back footage at any number of different frame
rates. However, 24, 25 and 30fps are the most common speeds,
and online video players mostly support these. However, it’s
worth noting that some sites may recompress the video, causing
a drop in frame rate or a loss in quality.
footage to YouTube or a similar site. If
720x480
(DVD) D) you watch 640x480 footage from
R 10 years ago on a 50in high-defnition
1280x720 NDA screen today, it will look very low quality.
A
1920x1080 (Full High Defnition) ST Try to shoot in 4K, because even if you
U don’t fully appreciate it now, you
C
0 (D probably will in the very near future.
6
1
2 Video fles and formats
x
6
3840x2160 (4x1080p 4K) 409 First, you’ll need to get to grips with the
various kinds of video formats available.
This is a dazzling world of names and
640x480 pixels. For are a few variants in 4K resolution, but Above left: Set acronyms like AVCHD, H.264, MPEG-4
comparison, broadcast quality it’s generally recorded at 4096x2160 your camera to AVC, QuickTime, AVI, MP4, Pro Res
NTSC SD resolution is recorded at pixels – meaning that a still frame from record video at and X AVC. However, once you know
720x480 pixels, while PAL SD a 4K video is around 8 million pixels in 1920x1080 pixels how video fles work, it’s actually fairly
at a rate of 25fps
resolution is at 720x576. The size. Believe it or not, 8K is expected to straightforward and there are really only
introduction of high-defnition arrive by the end of the decade, at an a few you need to concern yourself with
television brought us 1280x720 incredible 7680x4320 pixels or 33.2 when starting out.
and 1920x1080 pixels. million pixels for a still frame. Above: As this A video fle is made of two parts: a
illustration shows,
4K video is now becoming more So which resolution should you container (or wrapper) and a codec (or
the difference in
common, despite the fact that most choose? Generally, you should always compressor). The most basic way of
resolution from
people don’t have a TV or monitor chose the highest resolution you can high definition to understanding how they work is to think
that’s able to display the footage. There – even if you’re only uploading your 4K is a big increase of the container as a library or fling
6 Master video with your DSLR I www.thevideomode.com
ESSENTIALS THE BASICS
confusing. MP4 fles are simpler to use,
as they can be opened and played just
like a conventional fle. They are also
much easier to upload to the internet.
Interlaced or progressive?
You’ll often see the letters ‘i’ or ‘p’ after
the video resolution, such as 720p or
1080i, and you might also see it after
the frame rate, such as 24p, 30i or
60p. The letters refer to the terms
‘interlaced’ or ‘progressive’.
Progressive footage means that the
video is played back line by line, so lines
1, 2, 3, 4 and so on will be played back
consecutively. Once the last line has
been played, it returns to the frst line
and the process starts again.
Interlaced footage plays alternate
lines from the video (for example, 1, 3,
5, 7) and once it has played the last
line, it will return and play the remaining
ones (2, 4, 6, 8 and so on).
A lot of the debate over progressive
or interlaced stems back to the original
technology and techniques used for
broadcast. Nowadays, with some
consumer cameras capable of
recording at 60p, and sensor readout
speeds getting faster and faster, the
case for shooting interlaced footage is
becoming less relevant. We would
recommend shooting progressive
footage, but try both on different
types of subjects and see which
one you prefer.
Colour
Although there are some cameras
that now shoot a raw video format,
for the most part you’ll be working
with compressed footage. To get the
most out of editing this footage it’s
important to make sure that it’s as
‘fat’ as possible. This means preserving
as much detail in the highlights and
system. It contains all the information work differently. Also bear in mind that shadows as you can, which in turn
and instructions that allow the video if you want to create a DVD or Blu-ray, means shooting the footage with
clip to be played properly. you also need to stick to specifc the lowest contrast colour setting
Within the container is the video, and standards for video creation, although available and with colours that aren’t
audio, itself. In the same way that there much of this can be done after editing overly saturated. Look for a colour
are different image fle formats, such your video. setting in-camera that is specifcally for
as JPEG, TIFF and BMP, there are For most purposes you’ll want to video, or for a Faithful, Natural, Neutral
different video formats. Each of these record as an MP4 fle. An MP4 fle is or a fat (low contrast and saturation)
can be compressed in different ways. actually a container fle that contains setting. Even in these settings, it can
Some are compressed to get a small MPEG-4 Part 10 AVC video. be worth reducing the saturation and
fle size, at the expense of image quality, Confusingly, MPEG-4 Part 10 AVC is contrast further, and then editing
while others are designed to produce much more commonly known as the colour in post-production.
the best image quality possible – H.264. So an MP4 fle can have
although this often creates large fles in H.264 compression. However,
the process. The codec is the form of AVCHD fles also use video that
compression that has been used for has H.264 compression.
the video, and for the audio. Some cameras will offer a choice of
When you play the video back, the different fle formats, perhaps MP4 or
container instructs the software, or AVCHD, and it may be confusing when
hardware, how to play the video, audio it comes to deciding which one to use. Select a colour style
in-camera that is
and even subtitles that are contained When you’re starting out, it may help to
low contrast and
within it. Thankfully, most computer know that MP4 fles are slightly easier
low saturation to
media players can now play almost any to work with, as the AVCHD container capture as much
video fle, but on the internet things uses a folder structure that can seem detail as possible
www.thevideomode.com I Master video with your DSLR 7
£10,000
IN PRIZES
TO BE WON
Amateur Filmmaker
of the Year competition
Your chance to enter the UK’s newest competition for budding amateur f lmmakers
TO COINCIDE with the launch of The competition is split into the round’s particular theme. Round One: Nature
The Video Mode website, we’re three rounds, each with its unique Visit www.thevideomode.com to In this round we ask you to fi lm
pleased to announce our new theme: Nature, Time and Love. To view the top videos, as well as the nature from a new perspective.
Amateur Filmmaker of the Year enter, submit a video no more scores and a leaderboard for the Look at the world around you –
(AFOY) competition. AFOY than fi ve minutes in length, of HD overall competition. The winner from urban foxes at twilight, to a
challenges you to get creative with quality. You can shoot on any will be the person with most points spectacular sunrise – from a new
your fi lmmaking, and gives you the camera you’d like, and the content after three rounds, who will win angle and get creative with unique
opportunity to win some fantastic and editing are up to your the overall prize as well as title of viewpoints. To see examples, go to
prizes worth £10,000 in total. imagination – so long as it fi ts Amateur Filmmaker of the Year. www.thevideomode.com/examples.
Rounds and dates Prizes
Below is a list of the competition rounds, their themes and the dates you Enter to win your share of prizes worth over £10 000!
need to know. To view the results, visit www.thevideomode.com. When Here’s what you could receive:
planning your entry, take into consideration the criteria of fulfi lling the
Round One Round Three
brief, creativity and technical excellence on which you’ll be judged.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II, worth Canon XC10 (with 128GB CFast card
Theme Opens Closes £1,499.99 and reader), worth £1,999.99
Round One: Nature 1 Aug 30 Sep Canon Legria Mini X, worth £329.99 Canon Legria Mini X, worth £329.99
Round Two Overall prize
Round Two: Time 1 Oct 31 Dec
Canon EOS 5D Mark III, worth £2,499.99 Canon Cinema EOS C100 Mark II,
Round Three: Love 1 Jan 28 Feb Canon Legria Mini X, worth £329.99 worth £3,599.99
The overall winner will be announced in April 2016
Visit www.thevideomode.com/afoy
to send us a link to your short fi lm and to view the full terms and conditions
In association with
Master video
with your DSLR
at our tuition day
To go along with the launch of the frst round of the
Amateur Filmmaker of The Year competition, we’re holding
an exclusive seminar in London for all budding flmmakers
FREE EVENT!
WEdNEsday
2 sEpT 2015
09.30-13.30
THIS tutorial session is essential l Setting up your camera afternoon session, to put their Your expert guide
for amateurs who would like to for optimum results new-found skills into practice. Simeon Quarrie is
learn the basics of flmmaking l Essential shooting skills known for his creativity
with a DSLR or compact l The importance of To secure your place on this and storytelling in both
system camera, and will cover high-quality audio not-to-be-missed learning video and photography.
everything you need to know opportunity, please email His work has seen him travel
to get more out of that red Lunch will be provided and, as [email protected] with across the world for clients
record button. an added bonus, you’ll have the the subject line, ‘Canon Video who seek his unique approach.
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Places are on a frst come, frst served basis and are limited to 90 people
features on top industry blogs.
eexxppoossee ffoo r vi
How to
to a single shutter speed while
Exposing for video is very similar to
rreeccoorrddiinngg –– aanndd tthhaatt sshhuutttteerr ssppeeeedd
exposing for still images. However, ddeeppeennddss oonn tthhee ffrraammee rraattee yyoouu’’rree
shooting at.
there are key rules you need to know
Aperture
IF YOU know how to expose a still Shutter speed TThhee aappeerrttuurree sseettttiinngg ccoonnttrroollss tthhee ddeepptthh
photograph, then you know how to Stills photographers will know that ooff fifi eelldd,, aass wweellll aass tthhee aammoouunntt ooff lliigghhtt
expose video. There is one important the shutter speed is used to control ccoommiinngg iinnttoo tthhee ccaammeerraa tthhrroouugghh tthhee
rule, the 180° shutter rule (see right), how movement is recorded in a scene. lleennss.. TThhee rreessttrriiccttiioonnss oonn wwhhaatt sshhuutttteerr
but the basics of aperture, shutter So if you’re taking a picture of running ssppeeeedd ccaann bbee uusseedd ffoorr vviiddeeoo hhaass aa bbiigg
and sensitivity remain the same. water, for example, a slower shutter iimmppaacctt oonn tthhee aappeerrttuurree sseettttiinnggss tthhaatt
Depending on the camera you’re speed will give you blurred or smooth ccaann bbee uusseedd.. IInn vviiddeeoo,, aa sshhaallllooww ddeepptthh
using, you may have the option to water, whereas a fast shutter speed ooff fifi eelldd iiss oofftteenn uusseedd ttoo iissoollaattee tthhee
shoot a very low compression, or even will ‘freeze’ the water in place as it ssuubbjjeecctt.. OOnnee ooff tthhee aaddvvaannttaaggeess ooff
raw video footage. This will give you falls or fl ows. sshhoooottiinngg wwiitthh aa DDSSLLRR tthhaatt hhaass aa llaarrggee
much more fl exibility when editing the In digital video, however, the shutter sseennssoorr iiss tthhaatt ccoonnssuummeerrss ccaann rreepprroodduuccee
video, and allow you to recover some works slightly differently. For a start, tthhiiss llooookk –– aanndd tthheerreeffoorree aa vviiddeeoo tthhaatt
shadow and possibly highlight detail. with stills photography you’re relying llooookkss lliikkee aa HHoollllyywwoooodd fifi llmm.. IInn tthhee ppaasstt,,
Generally, though, you want the footage on a mechanical shutter, but when vviiddeeoo ccaammeerraass wwiitthh ssmmaalllleerr sseennssoorrss
to look as good straight out of the you’re recording video the noise of ccoouullddnn’’tt rreepplliiccaattee tthhiiss sshhaallllooww ddeepptthh ooff
camera as you can, and this means the shutter would be picked up fifi eelldd,, wwhhiicchh iiss wwhhyy mmoosstt aammaatteeuurr vviiddeeooss
avoiding blown-out highlight areas. during video recording. So instead, hhaavvee ffrroonntt--ttoo--bbaacckk ffooccuuss.. TToo ggiivvee yyoouurr
the shutter opens at the start and vviiddeeoo aa cciinneemmaattiicc eeffffeecctt,, ttrryy uussiinngg aa
Sensitivity then an electronic shutter simulates sshhaallllooww ddeepptthh ooff fifi eelldd aanndd ccaarreeffuullllyy ND filters reduce
the amount of light
Just as with stills photography, the higher the function of the mechanical ffooccuussiinngg.. DDoonn’’tt uussee iitt aallll tthhee ttiimmee,,
entering the lens,
the sensitivity, the less light is required to shutter as you fi lm. tthhoouugghh,, aass iitt mmaayy llooookk aammaatteeuurriisshh..
and prevent a
expose the frame. However, due to the When shooting stills, you can shoot at video becoming
shutter speeds that are used for video, any shutter speed you like, or at least ND f lters overexposed
the sensitivity will generally be at the whatever shutter speed is appropriate Having to stick with a fi xed shutter
lowest possible settings, usually ISO 100, for the effect you’re aiming for and the ssppeeeedd ccaann ffeeeell ppaarrttiiccuullaarrllyy lliimmiittiinngg ffoorr
200 or 400, depending on the camera. environment you’re working in. You can tthhoossee ooff uuss wwhhoo aarree eexxppeerriieenncceedd iinn ssttiillllss
Using a higher sensitivity can also capture images right up to 1/8,000sec pphhoottooggrraapphhyy.. IIff yyoouu’’rree oouuttddoooorrss aanndd
introduce noise. On a still image noise (so long as your camera has that sshhoooottiinngg aatt 11//5500sseecc aatt yyoouurr lloowweesstt IISSOO
is acceptable to some degree, but the function), right down to long exposures aanndd yyoouu wwaanntt ttoo uussee aa wwiiddee aappeerrttuurree,,
random nature of video noise means lasting a number of yyoouu’’llll oofftteenn fifi nndd tthhaatt yyoouurr sscceennee iiss
that shadow areas are prone to seconds. oovveerreexxppoosseedd.. TThhee nnaattuurraall tteennddeennccyy ffoorr
constantly looking fuzzy and So the critical aaa ppphhhoootttooogggrrraaappphhheeerrr wwwooouuulllddd bbbeee tttooo iiinnncccrrreeeaaassseee
may even change 24 times difference tthhee sshhuutttteerr ssppeeeedd,, bbuutt bbeeccaauussee wwee ccaann’’tt
a second, which can be between the ddoo tthhaatt oonn vviiddeeoo wwee hhaavvee ttoo uussee NNDD
very distracting. Again, two disciplines fifi lltteerrss ttoo rreedduuccee tthhee aammoouunntt ooff lliigghhtt
it’s best to stick to lower lies in the fact eenntteerriinngg tthhrroouugghh tthhee lleennss..
sensitivity settings to that for video WWhheenn sshhoooottiinngg vviiddeeoo,, NNDD fifi lltteerrss wwoorrkk
try to prevent this. you’re limited iinn eexxaaccttllyy tthhee ssaammee wwaayy aass tthheeyy ddoo ffoorr
10 Master video with your DSLR I www.thevideomode.com