Thursday 31 August 2017

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.

Wednesday 9 August 2017

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.