Why Choose the Best Tripod for Video?

Any idea what’s the fastest way to boost production value?

Using a good sturdy tripod plays a very imperative role when it comes to achieving vibrate free shots. These shots are instantly professional. Some tripods (one of the best DSLR video accessories) are light and don’t cost an arm and a leg, but you need to keep in mind that you’ll be shooting 24/25/60fps video and not individual still frames.

I advise you to keep away from still-photo specific tripods. This is because they won’t do any good to your motion video.

An awfully low-priced tripod may sound attention-getting, but you should not forget that they’re designed for stills and not video. You don’t want your camera blowing over half way through a shot, do you?

Tripods for Video

A tripod must be able to resist the weight of a heavy camera. It should even pan or tilt without having to jerk and getting stuck, which is a continuous battle with inferior quality tripods.

I’d like to bring to your kind attention that it’s in fact much easier to execute ultra-smooth professional looking pans if your one of the most vital DSLR video accessories (a tripod) has a crippled fluid-effect head. But don’t you forget it provides a lockable tilt function as well as an adaptable center post if you plan to use the same for still shooting?

What are features that make up the best tripod?

There are some tripod features that you must consider for reaping great benefits.

You must choose tripods “legs” that has adjustable pan handles matched with a ‘fluid head’.

“The fluid minimizes the risk of the camera operator introducing any irregularity or quivering to the shot during a pan or tilt through moistening. That’s not all! It cuts the friction down between moving parts of the head.” 

That way you’ll be able to effortlessly pan the camera in all directions - up, down, left and right favorably. Look for a tripod head that does not have an easy-to-level ball head, but comes with a carrying case. Not only will it give a professional look, but it’ll often leave a great impression on clients.

While you can buy a level separately, keep in mind that highest quality tripod legs and/or heads will come equipped with built in levels. 

What else you must look for in a video tripod

There are some vital features that are found on video tripod, including:

Elongated platforms which are created to accommodate and position various video rigs for optimal balance - it’s a main factor that will help you move the DSLR in the right way.

Various ball heads that can be locked in position for panning. These ball heads may have accessory handles for more effortless panning and tilting.

Plain or lit up bubble levels for leveling the legs and head for seamless panning with a natural looking horizon line.

Leg strut holds for needed stability as well as resistance to flexing. 

Is a tripod the top-notch must-have video accessory?

If you were to ask me the importance of a tripod (not forget to mention, it’s one of the most preferred DSLR video accessories), I’d never hold an opposing views to the fact that a tripod is an important accessory which not only helps one capture smooth, but shake-free video.

Essentially any tripod, even the pan/tilt with a medium size unit you’re using for stills, can be deemed into service as a video tripod. But if you intend to deal with smooth pans as well as shoot professional quality videos that not only engage your audience, but focus their attention on the content, what you need is a tripod that’s serves you better at every step. In simple words, it should be optimized for video.

A committed video shooter at any level? Or, have any intention of getting into the profession of videography in the coming days? Making your tripod a video tripod with kind of fluid head will be the best thing you can do. 

Final Words

It would not be wrong to state the fact that a tripod is the greatest photo accessory ever brought into action by humans. But do you have the one optimized for shooting video? 

Any It’s essential for any 3-legged used for video to have separable lockable pan as well as tilt controls. That way you’ll be able to lock the tilt at whatever angle you wish. Then you can pan your DSLR in a horizontal way with sound smoothness for the sake of following the action.

What DSLR Accessories Do You Need for Shooting Quality Video?

 Bought a new DSLR? It’s the first step you take in your video journey. Well, shooting video with a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera can produce some amazing results. But don’t forget superior quality video does not shoot on its own. 

Even achieving brilliant results using a DSLR does not seem as simple as pressing a ‘record’ button. There are some vital things that play an essential role when it comes to learning the art of manually focusing on the subjects you intend to use (like professional videographers).

However, there are some issues that you need to take care of, such as audio recording and stabilization, if you want to make your production shine well. I’ll tell you what the beauty of investing in a DSLR is. These mirrorless cameras can be used straight out of the box. It’s time you penetrate into the world of DSLR video accessories so that they can help you tackle your power and take great shots.

These accessories lenses, tripods, filters and a host of other accessories that are truly a must have.

Here are some essential DSLR accessories you need to shoot highest quality video:

High-Quality Camera Lenses

Bought your DSLR camera body, or a mirrorless camera? What are you thinking of? Which video accessory will you spend your dollars on? If you’re a first timer, it’s important for you to keep in mind that buying a lens (the first main accessory) is what you should do.

Well, depending on your need you can consider buying two or three.

A camera body is of no use without a lens. It cannot do anything useful. If there’s no lens, he camera body seems more like a sensor and recorder. The lens is that imperative video accessory that creates the image.

There are two main types of lens that you should know about for DSLR camera body, including:

Zoom lenses

Prime lenses

It goes without saying that you want some good glass if you’re really looking to the top-notch quality video out of your DSLR. Basically, faster lenses are the ones that allow you to shoot clean as well as clear video in lower light conditions. The kind of lens you need largely depends on your subject matter.

Neutral Density Filter

Shutter speed can take a tricky turn when it comes to shooting motion. And it’s true that you’re restricted on the slow end by the frame rate at which you are shooting. And just when your shutter speed gets extremely fast, the footage starts looking shaky. You won’t appreciate the unnatural look that it gives, will you? Keeping this in mind, using a neutral density filter will be the best bet.

Does a neutral density filter (one of the most important DSLR video accessories) serve the same purpose as it’d in a still photography scenario? Absolutely! It allows you to use a broad aperture in bright situations. 

However, it also lets you slow down the speed of your shutter under correspondingly bright lights just to keep things looking smooth. This device, also called ND filter, helps one produce fluid motion shots. It allows users to acquire a shallow depth of field without having to use a high shutter speed. 

Looking for the best ND filter? 

Then you must determine what kind of scene you’re shooting. Even choosing the lighting condition is also crucial for shooting right. For example, you may consider the idea of using a 3-stop filter under very bright sunlight.

Image Credit: photovideo.com

Tripods

When it comes to high quality video, a tripod plays a very crucial role. You cannot overlook this accessory if you want to record great videos. The purpose of a tripod is to hold the camera still for the prevention of shakes. These shakes can easily cause damage to a video.

Look for a tripod that’s not only light but stable as well. Even you must stress on buying a lightweight tripod so that you can move it without hassles.

Not planning to record several motion shots?

If that’s the case, get a tripod that comes equipped with a panning head for extra versatility. You must emphasize on getting a sturdy set of sticks. Stability and portability of tripods must be your top priorities.

If you’re looking to some serious work, then a dolly, which is basically a triangular frame with castor-type wheels affixed on the bottom of the tripod makes it convenient for moving the DSLR laterally on smooth surfaces. That way one gets greater shooting flexibility.

Well, investing in other kinds of gear is extremely important, but what will costly lenses as well as filters do if you’re missing the basics? 

Image Credit: cloudfront.net

Screen Loupe

The screen on a DSLR or mirrorless camera is small. Moreover, it doesn’t always display the required details needed by videographers when shooting videos. Using a screen loupe will work to your advantage immensely. It will help you enlarge the image on the screen of their camera for a great look at what they’re recording. 

Is that all it can do? It can even minimize glare on the display when one’s shooting under bright sunlight. There are some users who give importance to shooting videos by holding the camera up to their eyes. They can do this by purchasing a loupe with an eyepiece.

Shooting in the sunlight? Glare can cause a big problem, but don’t you fret? A loop will take care of that for you. Over and above, a loop with an eye-piece allows you to shoot with the camera held-up to the eye, just like you’d with a still camera. Many shooters find this convenient. You never know they may find this a bit calming.

Image Credit: bhphotovideo.com

Shoulder Rig

A shoulder rig is one of the most important DSLR video accessories for advanced shooters. You cannot always keep your DSLR on a tripod and a full-fledged Steadicam often seems exaggerated. 

Using a shoulder rig will serve its purpose as it cam come in extremely handy. It provides stability and also gives the camera a way to rest on one’s shoulder. These accessories can give you more options for attaching devices like mixers and microphones.

Final Words

With some rapid advancements made in technology, DSLR video is getting better and better. 

And this showed the right path to many photographers to embark on their journey leading to the world of videography. They don’t even think twice when it comes to becoming a part-time videographer. Using the best DSLR accessories for shooting high quality video will be the most feasible decision you’ll make.

5 Reasons Why Turning Off your Autofocus is the Right Thing to Do

When I began using a camera autofocus was something that seemed beyond science fiction. In the sense, it would never work in real life. Besides anything and everything else, how would it know what you really wanted to focus on?

Now in this day age and age fiction has come fact and quite well that every camera has AF as standard. It just works and works extremely well. If you’re living with a perception that it will always work in a perfect way, you are mistaken. This is because it can pick up the unwanted thing which may not work in its favor. It may even fail to find what it should actually be focusing on, which can cause the lens to hunt back and forth. At times it won’t even let you throw the shutter.

Let’s examine five situations that will let you know when turning off your autofocus is really worth: 

1. When there is not sufficient light

Contrast is low when there is low light, and AF extensively counts on light as well as contrast to hook onto things. Your camera may have an AF assist lamp built in. Even if you leave it switched on, it will not work in certain situations.

2. When there is not sufficient contrast

In case your AF metering spot is on something like a plain colored wall it will become tough for the camera to focus, even if the light is bright. You can go on re-framing your shot in a temporary way so the spot falls on something with detail. 

Just have the shutter pressed half down for the AF activation followed by keeping the shutter button half-pressed to lock the focus. Time to go back to your actual composition.

3. Shooting wildlife

No doubt most wild animals have a great hearing power. No matter how excellent your autofocus is, it is bound to make a noise. So, you must switch the autofocus off to capture those amazing wildlife shots.

4. Landscapes

When it comes to shooting landscapes you generally want those things in focus from the beginning to distant mountains. This indicates that closing the aperture down to enhance the depth field and focusing a third way into the scene. Have the AF switched off. Leaving it on will refocus when the shutter is pressed.

5. Shooting through glass

Many people prefer taking a photograph through glass which does not seem to be a good idea. It’s best to avoid as much as you can. But at times it is inevitable, for instance, if you’re in a plane, or taking a photo of fish in an aquarium. AF may leave marks on the glass, so it’s better to switch it off.

5 Reasons Why you Want to Hire a Professional Focus Puller?

Do you really think every project will need a 1st AC? If you were to ask me, I’d beg to differ with the question because in reality, documentaries and corporate events often survive without having to allow a dedicated focus puller do their job.

However, there are certain situations in which hiring a focus puller or 1st Assistant Camera won’t be fruitful, unless you really one to execute something vital in nature. You can just give a go ahead with a skeleton crew. Well, there would be times when you may entrust the required obligations of a focus puller to some in the production department or even an intern.

Allow me to share five reasons when you’ll feel the need to have an experienced focus puller during a shoot.

1.Have a Tough Schedule

Time to get real! When don’t you have a tough schedule?

You’d agree that a tough schedule has always played a crucial role in filmmaking so it can make your film seem beyond its allocated budget. So, don’t you think it means pushing pennies to the limit? Certainly!

When you have a tough schedule to tackle, it demands more from the cast and crew to devote their time and effort in an effective way. Of course, all this is required while maintaining professionalism and preventing the standards from downsizing. This is exactly where the role of an experienced and skilled focus puller comes in. As an expert in this area, they move heaven and earth to be first ready to face the situation without you having to notice.

A pro will be aware of nitty gritty pertaining to the job they’re hired for and will make complicated troubleshooting chores vanish without a trace. Moreover, the camera gets back to its functioning before you even know it. 

2. Hiring a Professional Camera

Hiring the latest camera? Being the most professional camera you’ve had your eyes on, you may keep off and on when it comes to getting the camera in action. And this is where a multi-talented focus puller will step in and display their finest skills you lack.

A focus puller will have undergone the right training and well-informed about new camera systems quickly and with ease. Other than having developed an ability to pick up desired controls on the fly, they’re aware of what’s imperative to learn, including sensor settings as well as exposure control.

You cannot deny that an experienced First Assistant Camera will be on top of professional camera systems compared to anyone else on the film set. And this is too important when it comes to dealing with equipment that cost an arm and a leg.

3.Working with Film

Speaking of advanced cameras makes it sound pretty obvious that you’ll want to hire a pro focus puller, if you’re working with film.

Needless to say you don’t want to waste a great deal of money when you’re working with film, but you surely can in one situation. Which one is it? It’s when there’s any drawback of film over digital, and that’s when you lose a lot of money.

Don’t you forget pulling focus is a tricky game that can leave you flustered? Even loading magazines can be detrimental for some stock and not to mention, the working parts of a professional used for filmmaking depend consistently on regular maintenance and care.

Unless you have impressive experience under your belt working with film on your own, don’t trust anyone around. Get along with someone who’s worked with several various film cameras and knows the big picture.

4.Film is Packed with Camera Movement

In pre-production you have great talks at length with the director in respect to excellent and camera movements extensive camera movements. Not only do they express their level of excitement, they’re eager about wanting to do everything so they can hit the bulls’ eye.

The director of photography (DP) admires the idea, but starts bringing up cranes, dollys, jibs, and other relevant camera movement systems that seem pretty much as complicated to maneuver as the shots they intend to shoot.

Planning on great amounts of camera movement? If that’s what you intend to carry out, hiring a pro AC will be the right thing to do. 

A professional focus puller will be aware of the right way to build a camera which is to be fixed on rigs. Is that it? Not at all! They’ll ensure that it’s attached firmly and securely. Moreover, they’ll be qualified enough to pull focus on the thing.

5.Shots in Focus

Last but certainly not least, hiring a professional 1st AC when you want your shots in focus is of paramount importance. As a prime duty as well as responsibility, focus pullers - also called 1st Assistant Camera - are the extremely trained at pulling focus between subjects in a scene.

Even though it may seem like a job that can be achieved in the blink of an eye (because it really is), it does not mean that anyone can get on the follow focus and crank out a 30 foot dolly.

I’m really bewildered by the fact that the amount of productions that are reluctant to hire and pay for a pro AC when a majority of their footage can end up ineffective simply because it seemed out of focus.

If you want to become an expert at pulling focus, you should actually do it. And this is the experience which you can get when you hire a talented follow focus puller. These are the people who’re aware of tricks of pulling focus, the common mistakes one makes when pulling focus and much more.

Final Thoughts

A focus puller, also known as the First Assistant Camera or 1st AC, plays a very important role on a film set. They’re responsible for keeping the camera in focus. However, there are certain situations when hiring a professional focus puller is necessary.

Where Do You Make Marks On: The Lens or Follow Focus?

What if I told you pulling focus was certainly no cakewalk? It’s hard….really hard! But don’t you worry? There are some skills that you ought to have being a focus puller that will help you keep your eyes on your talent. A quick focus pulling tip would work it out for you. Many people out there may be living with a perception that pulling focus is tough. I agree that it’s tough but to a certain extent. Unless you come equipped with the needed skills, pulling focus would take you on a ride you’d find it hard to get off from.

Anyway! When it comes to pulling focus, clear and quick visual access to your marks plays a very crucial role. If the marks don’t seem right, or they’re off even by a little bit, you’ll find yourself with a take loaded with soft footage before you even know it. And believe when I say that’s the last thing you’d ever wish for.

Well, marks are an imperative entity every camera assistant talks about, and why won’t they? Marking closeups. Marking on dollys. But where to put those marks is seldom discussed.

Let’s talk about Marking on the Lens…

How to make marks directly on the lens itself? Use a grease pencil. As simple as that! Or, you can choose to make marks using a thin strip of tape which is placed around the barrel.

You can opt for either way, but the main idea is to have your marks placed next to the etched distance markings.

So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of this method?

Benefits:

1.Consistency in Marks

Irrespective of the number of times you unmount or re-mount a lens, the mark will be there. Truth be told, it’s great when you’re measuring distance and add your own irregular markings.

2.Less Confusing

It may be possible for a long focus pull to include one, two, or even three successive rotations of the follow focus wheel which cause the marks you make on it having no context.

3.Perfect Accuracy

Beyond question the most accurate, unless the lens housing doesnt work as expected, in which case you have several various issues to take care of. A more definite mark makes pulling focus a smooth job to carry out. This is because when you marks on the lens at 8ft 5”, you’d know every time you pull to that distance it’ll be precisely right.

Drawbacks:

1. Tough to See

Small lenses, for example, Zeiss Superspeeds, are driven by their tendency of getting overwhelmed by gear around them. All these accessories lined up in front of the DSLR can make it tough for one to see the marks on the lenses.

2.Lack of Color Variation

Well, another objection I seem to have when it comes to using grease pencils is the comparative lack of color variation. With colors you can have these pencils allocated to relate with diverse conditions, subjects, or characters. When you practice, yellow and white are the only colors that have proven advantageous. Well, red is the one that’s faded in low light scenarios.

3.Accuracy is a Problem on Short Throw

There’s another major complaint that I have to admit i.e., grease pencils get dull and they get tough for the precision. With a focus pull where the pull does not cover a lot of rooms on the lens, two marks placed next to each other can give the appearance of big mark as a whole.

I’d say that marking on the lens is fantastic if you’re able to see it. In fact, it’s the most precise way to mark and.

Now moving to “Marking on the Follow Focus”

A white dry-erase disc can be found the around the wheel of a follow focus which can be written on with special pens. This disc can certainly be removed from the follow focus. If you want, you could have them pre-marked and go on swapping right ones.

Benefits:

1. Great Visibility

It’s a lot more easier to see than the lens, because the follow focus sticks out from the camera.

2. Effortless and Minor Clutter

While some people will involve themselves in an argument with regard to having the etched distance markings on the lens seems more like an advantage, it results in mess now and then and prevents you from seeing your true mark. It keeps you distracted.

Well, that split second distraction seems enough to miss your mark, but with a clean focus disc, you’ll want to have is one mark.

3.More Colors

Since the color of the disc is white, you can use a number of colors than on the lens. This works to your advantage if there are 3 characters in a scene which hit numerous marks and you want to use a color for each character.

Drawbacks:

1. Enhanced Play and Low Precision

“Play” occurs when the follow focus will turn without having to move the focus ring on the lens. It determines how the follow focus is built and how it’s attached to the lens. 

2.Slow Reaction Times

It surely takes extra time when it comes to taking a glance over the follow focus, while staring down the camera side. This extra time is what it takes for the subject to move off the mark you’ve compensated for. 

3.Changes

Every time you change a lens, you have no other option but to remark the follow focus. This really gets annoying if you seem to swap lenses continuously at the last minute.

Which One Will You Settle For?

There were times when I had to choose marking on the lens, and others where I’ve preferred to mark only on the follow focus.

Do you favor the precision and speed of marking on the lens? Or, do you prefer the simplicity and visibility of the follow focus disc? When you reach for a mark, do you grab a grease pencil or dry-erase pen?

Top 6 Accessories for Shooting High Quality DSLR Video

With rapid advancements made in technology, DSLR video is getting better and better with every passing day. That allows photographers to grab the opportunity to become part-time videographers.

Want to produce clear, stable videos?

Here is a list of 6 must have DSLR video accessories that are not only portable but also contribute to the quality of the video:

1.Lenses

What’s the main accessory you need to buy for your DSLR or mirrorless camera? It’s the lens. Of course, you want the best glass to be able to get the best quality video out of your DSLR. Taking a photo in natural light can give you some amazing results, especially when there isn’t much light.

There are several standard “kit” zoom lenses that come packaged with the DSLR camera, so you need to look for an alternative that can serve you better. The lens is one of the most important accessories for DSLRs that create the image.

2.Tripod

A tripod is the most important accessory for recording high-quality videos. The purpose of this device is to hold the camera still for preventing shakes that can easily spoil a video. You must look for a tripod which is not only light and stable but portable as well. Its weight should allow you to transport it from one spot to another.

Even if you don’t intend to record plenty of motion shots, you should go for a tripod with a panning head for extra flexibility. This video accessory for DSLR is vital when it comes to taking photos in low light. It helps even when tack-sharp focus is wanted. 

Well, there are several configurations you can try, but keep in mind that carbon fiber tripods are very sturdy and lightweight as well.

3.Dust Blower

One of the must have DSLR video accessories is dust blower. It’s a known fact that dust is attracted to lenses as well as filters like a magnet. Even it attracts to the sensor of your camera. Thus, having a dust removal device will help you take quality photos.

4.Microphone

Even though a DSLR has the ability to record stunning videos, its built-in microphone seems suitable for amateur recordings. To be able to obtain clear audio, you ought to use a third-party microphone or an audio recorder.

A shotgun microphone is the one that attaches to the camera and records audio directly into it. The lavalier microphone, on the other hand, which is sometimes called a lapel microphone, attaches directly to the person’s clothing. Well, it’s ideal for interviews, but may not seem the right choice for every user. You can also go for a standalone audio recorder. 

You can have this device placed anywhere close to where the action is, and shoot your video from wherever you like. But don’t you forget to sync the audio recording with the video later on?

5.Neutral Density Filter

A neutral density filter, or ND filter, is a vital accessory that helps one produce fluid motion shots. Shutter speed can be a tricky and complex thing when it comes to shooting motion. It allows users to use slow shutter speed when recording under conditions with bright light. 

When shutter speed gets too fast, the footage looks shaky as well as unnatural. This is where the role of a neutral density filter comes in. It helps keep the speed in check.

6.Screen Loupe

The screen on a DSLR camera is pretty small. It doesn’t always display the details that videographers are looking for when it comes to shooting videos. Using a screen loupe (one of the most important DSLR video accessories) will allow photographers to enlarge the image on their DSLR camera for a great look at what they’re recording.

Glare can cause you big problems if you’re shooting in the sunlight. A loop will deal with that for you so you can shoot videos without hassles.

Follow Focus - 3 Things You Must Know About

What is a follow focus?

Follow focus is an art....it really is!

A follow focus is a focus control device that’s used in filmmaking or shooting video. In other words, it’s a set of parts that work hand in hand allowing you to focus more accurately and effortlessly for video work. The main function of this focus control mechanism is to allow focus to follow the action.

The technique of changing focus is called a focus pull or rack focus. Well, a follow focus is not required usually when shooting, but having on a DSLR lets the operator become more accurate and skilled.

Let’s discuss three important things you ought to know about the follow focus:

1. Do You Always Need a Follow Focus? Not Necessarily!

I can sense it’s quite hard to believe, but it’s true. Anyone getting into making movies with their DSLR camera have a perception that the follow focus is the main accessory they need. But this statement does not always hold true.

Shooting handheld most of the time might make you spend a considerable amount of money on some kind of support rig. When you go for a rig with a single handle, your left hand is free to hold the lens and operate focus. This seems a comfortable position to shoot from and it provides you a direct connection to the focus ring.

2. Lens Gears are Excellent than Belts

The gears are part of the internal mechanism of most follow focuses. On the other hand, lens gears are part of the output stage, where a follow focus uses your lens.

A majority of follow focuses use a 32-pitch output gear that connects with gear teeth on the lens. Cinema lenses have these teeth framed in to the focus ring. Lenses which are appropriate to use for stills photography don’t have teeth molded in to the focus ring. Thus, it’s necessary for you to consider the installation of some type of lens gear onto the lens.

3. Do You Want to Plan Out Your Shots?

If we were to ask you when you need a follow focus, what would you say? A follow focus works to your advantage whenever when you can plan out your shots. As simple as that! If you have the ability to determine your focus points beforehand, you’ll be able to draw marks on the follow focus for each point. And that allows you to focus to those points right through the shot.

Final Words

If you want to master the skill of follow focus, there are some important things that you must know about.

Visit http://innovativefilmmakingtool.blogspot.in/2016/04/all-you-need-to-know-about-follow-focus.html  for details. 

3 Useful Tips to Seize the Timing of Your Next Rack Focus

Asked to carry out a rack focus? Well, the pressure could not be higher. Although it’s important for you to lead the way when it comes to focus, you need to ensure you seize it. Adding to it, you also want to carry out the rack focus considering the right style and accurate speed.

What is Rack Focus or Pulling Focus Technique?

Rack focus or focus pull is one of the great techniques employed often by cinematographers in Hollywood. This is the technique where a subject in a scene (foreground or background) remains in focus. Then the focus progressively changes to another subject in a scene. This technique lets the cinematographer lay a strong and theatrical emphasis on one subject followed by changing the emphasis to another. It’s often considered for those scenes where there’s a dramatic dialog exchange between characters.

Well, I got up close and personal with an expert who explained what rack focusing was all about.

What do you usually hear when people talk about pulling focus? They mention that it’s both an art and a science. When we talk about the art part, it’s the “touch” one puts into pulling focus. Also, it’s got to do with how fast you do it, and how long it lasts.

The science part, on the other hand, is about measuring distances, calculating them on the fly, and being very accurate when it comes to measurements. And that plays a very significant role in terms of rack focusing.

Simply put, rack focus is when there are two subjects in a frame and the focal plane’s shift from one to the other when a shot is in process. When you do that, you’re shifting the focus of the audience as well between the two subjects. It goes without saying that rack focus is a very powerful tool. If truth be told, it happens to be one of the most effective tools that every filmmaker just cannot do without. Speed is a very crucial part of performing a rack focus in the right way.

When it comes to determining the speed of a rack focus, there are three important things to consider, including:

1.Action in a scene,
2.Camera Movement, and
3.Tone of the Scene.

Let’s examine all these scenes one by one for better understanding of rack focus.

Action in a Scene

So the first essential thing to take into account is how action affects the speed of a rack focus.

Do you remember it was about a tennis player going into a baseball batting cage in order to better shots for Andy Roddick’s serve at the Australian Open? I specifically talked about how the tennis player goes into the batting cage and the door shots. And then I had to rack focus from the face of the actor to the door of the cage.

When I took my first few takes, I liteally goofed up. I almost found myself in a state of shock knowing I did not hit my marks. The job was not accomplished then I was so looking forward to. The director, in spite of knowing we were running out of schedule, got ready to move on, and I intervened there and then.

I said, “Josh give me one more take and I assure you there shall be no disappointments.”

I owed a big one to him for having granted me one more take which I did it without fail.

One important thing to take notice of is how the rack focus almost seems invisible. Why is it invisible? Simply because it’s covered by the action. The actor steps in his face is in focus. This is because motion haze you otherwise won’t be able to take notice of that it is out of focus. And by the time it shuts, it is in focus and there you go.

Camera Movement

Now the second most important thing that influences the speed of rack focus is the camera movement.

This shot has gained immense popularity. And it can have either a dolly or steadicam or jib or a crane or some type of camera movement device move a shot along. On spur of moment, something new gets exposed into the frame.

Now there’s a mailbox. You can easily read the name on it. As the dolly is on the move it’s disclosed that there is a man who is walking up to the front door. And that’s how we develop a connection between the man, and supposedly, what’s his name or the mailbox. And if this is not the man we’re looking at, then we’ll find out who “J. Fox” is.

And that’s how the speed of this type of rack focus is determined by the reveal.

Tone of the Scene

Now here comes the final thing - the tone which is going to affect your rack focus. It could be the tone of the story, the tone of the scene, or even of a shot in particular.

Does the scene seem tense? Maybe a quick rack focus is excellent.

Does it happen to be dull? In this case a slow, efficient rack focus might seem more suitable.

If you ask me, I won’t be in a position to offer you any advice on which one is the right choice. This is because it is so coincidental. In fact, it plays so laboriously into the specific object that you are on at the moment.

Well, all I can offer you is - if you do not know naturally - it’s wise to seek an opinion from the DP. I have never come across a situation where I have not known (naturally) how fast to carry out a rack focus. Watching rehearsals without a pause makes me get a feeling through the dialogue what exactly the scene is about. Or, I ask the DP. If you’re a movie buff, you get a feeling of what seems more applicable.

Too quick or too slow? Don’t fret! The DP will perhaps tell you about it.

Conclusion

No doubt pulling focus is undoubtedly the most important duty of the 1st Assistant Camera. A shot can be appealingly illuminated, flawlessly framed, and feature some Oscar-worthy acting, but if it is not in focus, it’ll probably find its way to the cutting room floor. You don’t want this to happen, do you?

Top 7 Must Have Accessories for your First DSLR

Thinking about getting a new DSLR? Or, just got one? Been using for a long time? You would be surprised to take a plunge into the wealth of DSLR video accessories. These accessories will help you transform your profession i.e., photography in the best way you could possibly think of.

Well, we are not saying that you will not be able to exploit cutting-edge accessories straight out of the box. If you want your DSLR to work in your favor at every step of the way, you will need to make a sound investment not only in lenses in a mint condition but several other photo accessories as well.

Here we’ve put together a list of 7 accessories you ought to have for your DSLR camera:

1.Tripod

A tripod plays a very crucial role when it comes to capturing a good shot. This accessory provides one a method of holding the camera at precisely the right angle and keeping it still. That way the images produced will be pin-sharp and loaded with detail.

Make sure you hold yourself back if you come across a cheap, shaky tripod. It’s evident that you want something robust that will keep your camera still in a breeze. Ensure that the tripod should not falter like a jelly every time you touch it or the DSLR.

Instead look for a tripod that expands to close the level of your eyes, still allowing you to take a shot close to the ground. Know that clip locks on the legs are deemed to be good for rapid formation. But twist locks consume less room so they’re considered somewhat good when it comes to transporting the tripod.

2.Camera Lenses

A lot of people live with a perception that having a fancy camera allows one to take fancy photos. But this statement does not hold true. This is because it is more about the lenses than the camera body itself. And most often it’s about the person behind the camera, but the fact remains true that having a good camera is having triumphed over the battle.

Keep in mind that there are two types of lenses: Prime and Fixed. These lenses have one depth of field - they do not zoom in, nor do they zoom out. Zoom lenses can zoom in and out through diverse depths. Many people out there greatly emphasize on using the 50mm f/1.8 lens. Not only is this lens versatile, it’s reasonably priced when compared to other lenses.

3.Spare Batteries

The fact remains true that there’s been a breakthrough in the camera battery technology. When you’re busy shooting outdoors or traveling, odds are you’d be running low on battery, especially if you’re shooting in a cold environment. 

You don’t want to run out of juice when shooting something great, do you? So make sure you carry one spare battery for your DSLR while traveling or even you’re going for an outdoor shoot. Using a flash? Then carry spare AA batteries as well. You’ll get at most 1.5 hours of shooting from a single battery, so grabbing one extra is the best bet.

4.A Good Camera Bag

Bought your DSLR? Now don’t let time slip you by and get a good camera bag for your camera. You will need the right bag so you can keep your investment safe and sound as well as transport it between location without hassles. But when it comes to choosing the best camera bag, you’ll find yourself in an overwhelming situation. It may get awfully tough for you to make the right decision. So you should look for the bag with more room allowing you to accommodate everything you need.

Most often people end up buying a camera bag with limited space that does not allow them to place their gear. They replace the bag often. You can consider a backpack if you want, or you can choose from a sling bag and shoulder bag depending on your needs.

5.Remote Shutter Release

A remote shutter release (one of the most important DSLR video accessories) for your camera along with the tripod is a must. Your DSLR can easily shake on a long lens setup no matter you’re using a robust tripod. When you work with slow shutter speeds, even bit of variation can make your image hazy.

A remote shutter release will allow you to fire your DSLR even without having to touch it. There are plenty of entry level cameras that have infrared remotes. They are extremely lightweight and compact. What’s more? They are wire

6.Filters

Neutral density filters are gaining immense popularity because allow you to take long exposure shots in daylight to dim water or cloud movement in landscapes. Adding to it, they also come in handy when you want to shoot with an extremely wide aperture in bright light.

At the same time, graduated neutral density filters let you balance the exposure of a bright sky with a foggy foreground. Polarising filters are useful allowing one to compress reflections and enhance saturation and contrast as well.

7.Lens and Sensor Cleaners

It goes without saying that you need keep your DSLR video accessories dirt free. A blower is beneficial for blowing tiny bits and dirt particles from your camera body and lens as well, before you give it a wipe using a soft lens cloth.

It’s sensible to make an investment in a sensor cleaning kit because, although DSLRs and compact system cameras have in-built cleaning tools, sticky pollen can find its way onto a sensor and it can rake some shifting.

Conclusion

While there’s no escaping the fact that some of the video accessories for your DSLR can cost you an arm and a leg, you can easily build up the system as you take a step forward. That way you’ll be able to plan out what seems significant and what you will need to begin with.

Getting Focus Marks: Which Measuring Tool Will Work in Your Favor?

If a camera assistant wants to keep a shot in focus, getting distance marks plays a very crucial role. That is the reason why people exploit plenty of different tools to accomplish the required task at hand. Ask a pro who’s meticulously involved in measuring the distance with dynamism why they have a soft tape, a hard tape, and a laser measuring device, and you will get your answer. As mentioned above, these tools serve the same purpose, but a pro will use them all in different ways.

So, when are you likely to use the soft tape and not the laser one? And what is the advantage to using these tapes? Let’s find out.

Soft Tape

Twisted in a spool, a soft tape is made of fiberglass. This tape measure is referred to as soft tape because of the reason that it seems adaptable and hangs loose. In fact, this tape seems the actual tool of the old school camera assistant or focus puller. In general, this tool is deemed to be the best for getting accurate measurements.

In order to use the soft tape, there’s a hook of some type on the camera at the film plane that the soft tape is attached to. You walk out with the reel until you measure the desired distance. Because you walk along with the tape measure to pull it tight, it can give you very precise measurements you look forward to.

Make sure you use soft tape when required. This tool must be used in certain situations when there’s very little depth-of-field. Also, it’s also seems to be a perfect choice for those situation in which you need to get numerous marks. However, there are times when the soft tape does not seem right. No matter it can go up to 50 feet, it takes its own time to wind it back into the reel.

Hard Tape

Hard tape is undoubtedly the good old steel tape measure. This is probably the tool that everyone’s aware of how to use. This is because they have those memories lending a helping hand to Dad when it came to measuring stuff as a little child.

Keep in mind that the cheap tapes are not strong so you must avoid buying a flimsy tool. It will not do you any good. Moreover, the locking mechanism breaks down and they won’t even go that far as you expect. A hard tape is an ideal choice when working fast. It’ll allow you to stand by your camera and to pull it out and have it placed near the eye of an actor.

Once in a while actors, the trained ones are kind enough to grab the end of this tool and hold it up to their eyes to provide one much needed assistance. This tape always works to one’s advantage to use in a situation where you need a precise mark in no time. Be careful not to hit anybody with this tool. Don’t you forget you’re holding it against the film plane mark on the camera?

Laser Tape Measure

Wondering why we said hard tape is a perfect option for rapid, precise measurements? Did we talk about the laser tape? Well, it is complex. Laser tapes are those tools which are fast and very precise. But there’s a whole point in question of shooting a laser around the set. This is because it can be diverting attention for the actors. Also, it’s not a cakewalk to shine a laser at their forehead without the risk of shining the laser in their eyes.

Using a laser tape is suitable in those situations where you have a great amount of depth-of-field. Having said that, this tool is very precise if you have a keen interest in measuring accurately on the subject.

If you’re thinking that laser tape measures are effective only for rapid, dirty close marks, think again. If truth be told, these tools really work well in those situations that require a long distance or a remote location.

For example, if you are on the shore of a lake and shooting two characters on a boat which is 100 feet away from the shore. It will be impossible for the soft tape as well as the hard tape to reach there, but using the right laser tape measure will work to your advantage. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about hitting actors at their eyes, instead go for their chest. The few inches at that distance will be within agreeable focus with the depth-of-field.

Final Thoughts

Soft tape is the most precise measurement that can effortlessly be obtained because of the way it’s used. A focus puller or an AC has to pull out and measure. That’s not all! This tool is also able to acquire multiple marks. But don’t forget that using this tool can be clumsy when it comes to measuring anything preceding 15 feet.

Talking about the hard tape, it suddenly seems so clear why this tape is precise. But it remains faster when compared to soft tape. One can use this tape from beside the camera.

Laser tape is the best choice for rapid approximate close distance measurements, but this tool is right for long distance measurements. Ensure that this tape is used considering the preventative measures when shining at a person so as to avoid hitting their eyes.

“There are three tools that measure distance, including soft tape, hard tape, and laser tape. Even though they serve the common purpose i.e., getting distance marks, they do so in ways that are nothing like each other. Some seem more appropriate for certain situations than others. When you’re a good camera assistant or follow focus puller, it’s like being loaded with the right tools and knowing when to use them.”

How to Control Remote Lens Using a Silencer Gimbal?

Ever thought why you need lens control?

For all one knows, the easiest way to wreak havoc on any scene is by losing focus. When you lose focus, it jumps the audience, breaks the trust and makes you look like a layperson. You need to make sure you everything you can to prevent from pulling poor focus. It literally damages a shot. Nobody seems delighted and the film you worked on turns out to be nothing but garbage.

So why not think about doing yourself and your 1st AC a big favor? Make a purchase of remote lens control system that will truly get the desired job accomplished.

Here at 24shots we have the silencer gimbal which we’ll throw light on as we proceed further.

Some imperative features for a remote lens control system you need to know:

Precision - Every time the focus puller puts the control wheel in motion to a witness mark (no matter pulling focus in or throwing focus out), make sure it matches the mark on the lens every time.

Consistency - Well, this can be pretty tough to forecast. This is because  electronics of all types, caliber and quality break down from time to time. And this seems the perfect reason why most 1st AC’s (1st Assistant Camera) express their loyalty to one brand of remote lens control system.

They consistently remain with what has benefited them and their associates in the most reliable manner in the times gone by:

Speed - While some lenses have smooth focus and iris rings, others have sticky lenses, especially the older ones. It’s important for you to know that the motor of your system should have enough torque as well as power to be able to move every lens in the set in real time as though you were turning the lens ring with your hand on the lens itself manually.

Size/Weight - In the gimbal world, every bit of weight on your rig makes a difference, especially on those long one shot shoots that are required by numerous directors.

Range - Is the signal lost between the transmitter (tx) and receiver (rx) of your system? If so, then the system is futile. Avoid counting on what your system’s spec sheet states, as the manufacturer has perhaps listed a best case scheme range which you may never get to experience.

Look for a volunteer who can assist you in range testing your system prior to your shoot in all the diverse plots you may get up close and personal with on your shoot.

Do try testing in a jam-packed downtown area where cell phone towers and radio signals fill the air. How about testing near water where signals unevenly bounce back? Do give a shot testing through different types of walls - cement, sheet rock, brick and so on.

What to Know About Silencer Gimbal?

Have a silencer pro? Want to upgrade to the Pro-Gimbal kit?

If you answer is ‘yes’ to both questions above, then this is right choice for you.

A “gimbal” is an incredible tool but it restricts the efficiency if there’s no method to focus or zoom. It’s time you release the Gimbal benefits with the Silencer Trigger controlled follow focus.

Here’s a list of items included with Gimbal upgrade kit:

Gear Drive
Shoe Mount
Pro 19mm Short Motor Rail
Extra 6” Rail
19 - 15mm rail carrier
19mm tensioner pulley mount
XL belt pack
2’ extension cable

This “Silencer Gimbal Upgrade Kit” is available for $275.00 with 24shots.

Focusing on your own with the Silencer AIR was never so easy. This new lens control system is literally wireless and connects to the 24shots app to boost ground as well as aerial photography. The silencer is the only trigger controlled follow focus that means you can keep both hands on the rig to acquire the best stable shot.

Looking for the Best Follow Focus for Your DSLR?

Many filmmakers have greatly been expressing their concern for buying the best follow focus system for their DSLR camera.

Why should you choose a follow focus system?

There’s no doubt about the fact that a follow focus system plays a vital role because auto focus capabilities cannot be found in DSLR cameras. Even if a DSLR camera had these capabilities pertaining to auto focus, they would not do any good to a videographer because auto focus is seldom used in the world where professional film-making is involved.

What is a follow focus?

A follow focus is a focus control device that’s stringently used in film-making using film cameras and in the production of television with professional video cameras. This mechanism is designed to reduce discomfort, but it may not be necessary all the time. It’s a set of parts that work together so it can allow one to focus more accurately and conveniently for video work. It’s main function is to allow focus so it can pursue the action.

If we were to talk about the “follow focus” system in other sense, it would not contribute to the basic performance of a camera. Instead, it will help the operator become more focused and competent.

The technique of pursuing the action using the best follow focus is called “racking focus.” It is also known as pulling focus, and the person who’s skilled at pulling focus is called the focus puller. Know that this person plays an important role in the camera department, and is generally the First Assistant Cameraman.

The fact remains true that the functional design as well as mathematics of focus are complicated and delicate. When a person uses his hands for making adjustments on the camera body while filming, they should know that this habit can be detrimental to follow. 

No doubt it will lead to the cutback of the perceived production value of your video. This is due to the fact that the camera is extremely lightweight that they are not able to soak the shock of delicate movements. And the result you get is shaky footage, soft focus and harsh focus transitions. You never know when you might get a combination of all three.

In the same way, because you cannot use the focus assist feature on your DSLR camera while filming, your competence to “eye” the focus of each shot will probably be somewhat off. Well, this may work to your advantage if you happen to shoot a documentary film. 

Why? This is because audiences generally ignore such technical faults. However, for those filmmakers with a keen interest in short films, music videos, feature length films as well as commercials it’s necessary for you to measure out each scene. Using a focus puller to make sure that each scene is fresh and in focus is what you should consider.