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.