Things to Consider Before Buying a DSLR Camera

Whether you're new to the world of photography or you're upgrading your equipment, buying a DSLR camera is a worthy investment. Stands for digital single-lens reflex cameras, these DSLRs are available at the best price, making easier for you to shoot professional photographs. If you are looking for the best camera for photography, then nothing could be better than a DSLR camera.   

These days, every camera has so many features and specifications that it's become difficult to choose the right one. In this post, we'll talk about the things you must consider before buying a DSLR camera.  

1. Size of the Sensor

Probably, the most important thing to consider is the size of the sensor. There is an image sensor inside every DSLR, which helps record the image you are seeing with the help of your viewfinder. Always bear this in mind, the bigger the sensor, the clearer pictures you will get.  Needless to say, larger lenses tend to give you superior picture quality but they are also expensive. It's advisable to choose entry-level DSLRs that will provide you a perfect balance between the price and image quality.  

2. Don't overspend on the camera's body

Lenses of your camera help to add uniqueness and strength to your photography. The body of the camera is the base, but make sure you focus on getting some great lenses. Learn the design first. and then invest in lavish stuff.  

 
3. Decide first

These days, many DSLRs have HD videos now, and it has been observed that many photographers get cameras with a video option even if they aren't sure whether they'll need it or not. This would ultimately add to the cost of the camera. If you want the best camera for photography, make sure you consider the option you want to go with.

  

4. Consider Flash

If you are looking to shoot a lot out of the studio, then it's important for you to consider one having flash. Make sure you these little things into consideration, as they can hamper the quality of your image.  

5.  Megapixel

Needless to say, most people tend to confused when it comes to choosing megapixel. Generally speaking, any DSLR you buy will have more than enough megapixels. If two cameras are differentiated only by the megapixels, then you won't see any difference. However, if you do, it's likely due to sensor quality.

Get the Best Out Of DSLR Manual Focusing

For a nascent photographer, its become impossible to taste the full potential of hi-tech DSLR camera. They have to play around with its different setting to get a basic idea of generating optimum images. Furthermore, when they switch to manual focusing, their objective of snapping crisp images get shattered.

The autofocus is standard setting developed and encoded by the company to cater various focusing conditions. The autofocus offers an advantage of eliminating the need the tedious manual focusing. You target the subject and it automatically focuses on it give you clear image without any hectic interference in the camera setting.

Then why do you need manual focus?

The reasons are many and a first and the foremost factor which provoked the need of manual focus is “macro” shots. While executing macro shots, the depth of field DOF become so shallow most of the time. Its leads to focus peaking condition in which camera was not able to focus on one object. The focus point becomes distracted and photographers end up with getting sub-par image output. The autofocus works like a hell in this situation most of the time.

Another condition is focusing on a subject in a crowd of similar objects. The modern day DSLRs are equipped cutting-edge lenses but the algorithm part is somewhat not well synchronized enough to snaps that intelligent shot. Most of the time camera find it hard to identify the target subjects like blades of grass.

In case of landscape shooting, the autofocus lead to generates a blurry image with focus render on the wrong object. To get the crisp output you have to deal manual setting in which you to alter the key factor like aperture, ISO, white balance, and manual focus peaking to get the perfect shots.

In the low light scenario, autofocus is not able to deliver the good images. However, in this case, camera aperture can play the huge role. Higher the aperture, brighter the shots. Meanwhile, in the low aperture situation, switch to manual mode, crank up the ISO little bit, focus until object becomes sharp and click the photo. Done!

Moreover, if you want a subtle focus transition during the filmmaking than you can opt the wireless follow focus system as an optional accessory. This product has raised the bar of traditional filmmaking practices. This product offers a diverse range of focus transition with is belt drive and gear assembly units. All this hardware is assisted by the wireless trigger which used the control the focus speed. Moreover, you can also alter transition speed with respect to the pressure sensitive wireless trigger.

Steps to get subtle manual focus

1.On the lens side, switch from auto mode to manual mode.
2.Precisely turn the focus ring until the target subject sharpens.
3.For the close-up shot, zoom towards the object and switch the camera to viewfinder mode.
4.Focuses until the subject become absolutely sharp
5.Tap the click button

Follow Focus: A Great Technique When Using a Camcorder

While there are several different techniques that play an essential role when using a camcorder, follow focus is undoubtedly one of the most crucial. Even though it seems to be an interesting technique, you’d additional equipment when it comes to using follow focus.

So, what is a follow focus?

A follow focus is a set of parts that work together for helping one focus more accurately and conveniently for video work. In other words, it’s a focus control mechanism which is used in making films using a camera specifically designed for films.

Here are five important tips you must consider when using a camcorder:

1. Choosing the Right Follow Focus Kit - Want to implement follow focus techniques? Then you’ll have to consider investing in an extra kit. These kits are the ones that fit onto your camcorder. Not only that, they let you make an adjustment to the focus without having to touch the lens.

Using consumer level camcorders? Then it becomes crucial for you to make use of a model with a 35mm lens adapter. This kit even focuses the lens accurately for you. Can it get any better than this?

As there are a number of kits available at your disposal, you must choose the one which is in sync with your video camera. Make sure you choose a smooth kit. It should be able to move plainly and without any resistance.

The best thing about these kits is that make it easy for your to focus the camera without actually touching it.

2. Setting Up the Camera - The next step is to set up your camera. It’s important for you keep it as stable as possible, if you want to shoot a superior quality video. Using a tripod for achieving a quality video will be the most feasible decision you’ll make.

Has the camera been set up? Now you can begin reading the instructions that will guide you step by step how to use the kit.

3. Setting Up the Follow Focus - Any idea when you need to fit the follow focus kit? It’s obvious to state that the method of performing this activity will depend on the type and model of camera you choose. And there are converter rings which can be screwed onto the camcorder. 

Make sure lenses are kept away from the lenses. To do so, it’ll be good if you use a can of compressed air. By doing so, you’ll be able to blow out dust. Dust can easily get accumulated over time which can cause harm to your video quality.

4. Read the Instructions - All follow focus kits work in somewhat different way. So it’s important for you to read the instructions. By doing so, you’ll come to know how to use the device in the right way.

5. Focusing the Camera - When everything’s done, it’s now time to focus the video camera with the help of a large knob placed on the side of the camera. You won’t even have to touch the camera which could result in shaky videos.

No doubt follow focus is an interesting technique, this device is a mechanical system connecting onto the lens and can even control the same. There are a number of devices that seem appropriate for most camcorders such as mini DV and other cameras (consumer level).

However, these devices (follow focus) offer an adapter. They can be used for more extensive control over the focus of your DSLR without having to touch it. While these devices are not important, they make a lot easier for recording certain videos without knocking the camera when focusing.

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.

All You Need to Know About the Follow Focus System

One of the biggest challenges for product makers is to invent the best follow focus. While autofocus technology is improving day by day at all times, it still has to be executed in such a fashion that it works to your advantage. It works best with a single entity, but if one has got many people moving all around the frame it can lead to a tricky situation, even with an AF lock button.

What is a follow focus system?

A set of parts working together which help you focus more accurately for video work is what a follow focus system all about. The major function of this system is to allow focus so that the action can be followed. The method of following this action with the help of a follow focus system is known as pulling focus. This person plays a crucial role in the camera department and is also the First Assistant Cameraman.

What are the parts of a follow focus system?

The most known part of the follow focus system is the white disc and knob that the individuals turn. But there’s a lot more to it. And the only way you can get to know about the advantages and disadvantages is by showing a keen observation in the parts of a follow focus system.

Here are some of the typical parts of the best follow focus system:

• Rail clamp or bracket
• Gear
• Arm
• Focus knob
• White disc
• Lens gear ring

How would you determine if you need a follow focus system?

Well, below are some questions you need to ask yourself.

• Are you shooting 4K and above?
• Are you using low-quality semi-plastic lenses with badly constructed focusing rings?
• Is there a lot of movement by the camera?
• Is your production missing an external monitor with fine resolution?

These questions will let you decide if you really are in need of a follow focus system.

Marking on the follow focus has proven beneficial in every sense of the word. It allows better visibility of marks and it gives the ability to use more colors. And it’s also simple and produces less chaos.