5 Must-Have DSLR Accessories for Top-Quality Shots

Nowadays, having a DSLR has become a trend and the fact of the matter is it is one of the best ways that you can get top-quality shots. Even a cheap  DSLR can help you get beautiful shots if you are well aware of the basic photograph tricks. But, that doesn't mean buying a DSLR is enough.  A professional photograph understands the importance of accessories required for a perfect click.  

If you are new to this field or you're an experienced one, you must these DSLR accessories that can enhance your photography level to the fullest.  

1. UV Protection Filters 

 

One of the important things you should have on your bucket list is nothing but UV protection filters. A filter helps save your camera lens from any accidental damage. And the best part is that the filter helps a lot in providing utmost protection protects against dust, scratches on the front of the lens. Make sure you choose a good quality filter that will not affect the quality of the image.  

2. Consider Lens

There is no denying the fact that photographers love to click pictures of architectures and landscapes. While some work on wildlife or sports. That's the reason, the right camera lens is quite necessary to capture sharp and attractive photographs. However, there are many lenses available on the market, but choosing the right one as per your needs is not easy. If you are looking for top-quality shots, a prime lens could help you better. Otherwise, for daily shots, you can go with an 18-55 mm lens.  

3. Tripods

While taking photos in daylight or at the night, a tripod is something you must have as it helps to avoid shaky images and helps you capture the landscape. Needless to say, tripods help save your treasured night shots, hence, it is important for you to pick a good quality tripod that can save your DSLR equipment. Always keep in mind that while buying a tripod, place the camera on it and check whether it can handle the weight or not.  

 

4. Don't Forget Remote Shutter Release

Another important thing you must have as it helps to save camera shake. It has been observed that slow shutter speed can cause vibration which leads to blurred images. With the help of a remote shutter, you just need to tap the button and it will automatically trigger the shutter.  

5. Lens Cleaning Accessories

If your lens has dirt on it, then there are chances that you will get dusky images, regardless of shooting in daylight. Wiping off the lens with cloth might lead to scratches which you don't want even in your worst nightmare. That's the reasons, you should have lens cleaning accessories that can provide you with amazing cleaning like never before.

How to Get Top-Quality Shots With a DSLR

Whether you are a professional DSLR user or a novice, shooting film with DSLR camera is fun. Everybody wants to shoot top-quality videos, but the question that strikes the doors of our minds is "How"?. In this post, we'll talk about the tips that will help you get top-quality shots.  

1. Consider ISO

One of the important things you need to consider is ISO. It helps determine how sensitive a camera is to the light. As a rule of thumb, the higher the  ISO, the brighter your image will be. If you are shooting without having adequate light, consider using a higher ISO.  However, if you are shooting in daylight, then keep your ISO number low. The best thing is that you can raise and lower the ISO as per your needs.  

2. Don't Forget Aperture

Another thing to consider is Aperture. It helps to handle the light reaching the image sensor. Always keep this in mind, the smaller the number is, the more open the aperture will be. Talking about a scenario, if you are shooting outside, then you need to close the aperture to a large number.  

3. The speed of the Shutter

The shutter speed helps to evaluate the time the camera sensor is exposed to light. Keep this in mind, the longer the shutter is open, the more light will hit the sensor. With a faster shutter speed, you can freeze motion, resulting in producing a crisper image. Hence, it's important for you to find the aperture you want to choose, and then adjust your ISO as per your needs.  

4. Color  Temperature and White Balance

To get top-quality shoot, try matching the white balance preset to the light color you are shooting with. For instance, if you are shooting in daylight, then go for the sun icon. On the contrary, if you are shooting under fluorescent lights, use the bulb icon.  

5. Consider Different Lenses

It is important for you to consider two different lenses. Having a fixed lens will allow you to produce a better picture, which means you will get sharper images, good focusing speed, and most importantly, you will be more artistic. 
Coming to the zoom lens, it is quite suitable for on-the-fly shooting. It will help you get a multitude of perspectives from a single location.  

6. Choose Frame Sizes and Rate

With a DSLR, you will have an extensive range of frame rates and sizes. However, having 1920*1080 is considered as an ideal option. This will allow you to capture top-quality shots and they will look great when displayed on a large monitor.

6 Good Reasons to Buy a DSLR Camera

Whether you are looking for the best camera for videography or photography,  DSLR is something you should consider. Stands for Digital Single-lens Reflex camera, DSLR is much more than an ordinary camera as it can produce high-quality video and photo you've wished for. However, it's important for you to be well aware of  the basic rules of photography that will help you produce a good output.

Now, you must be wondering why should you need one? Following are the six good reasons you should buy a DSLR camera.

1. Quality

One of the important reasons to consider DSLR  is that it gives you the ultimate picture quality. A photograph taken on a DSLR and at any resolution always turns out better than the one taken on an ordinary compact camera. Having a high resolution, dynamic range, and color depth, the photos you take will look rich in color and contrast. 

2. Better Focus

It has been observed that shoot and print cameras fail to focus properly or sometimes take time to set the right focus on the subject. However, this isn't in the case of DSLR.  A digital SLR helps set focus quickly. And the best part is that you can even override manual focusing and set the focus quickly whilst rotating the focus ring on the lens barrel. This helps enable you quick control over focus.
 
3. Highly Versatile

If you are using a point and shoot camera, then you must have to know that there is a fixed type lens. You cannot change the lens of a point. However, on a DSLR you may use a different type of lenses for different purposes and most importantly, they will give you different forms of images. If you use a macro lens, then it can produce life-size images with stunning details.
 
4. Better Shooting in Low-Light

Some people have a misconception that photos couldn't look good in low-light conditions. But, the DSLR's large sensor helps to produce top-quality picture even in [poor lighting conditions.

5. Professional Appearance

If you have a DSLR in hands and you shoot for clients, then there are chances that people will trust you more. However, make sure you must be good at working with DSLRs.  

6. Better Viewing Experience

When it comes to viewing, nothing could match the performance of DSLR. However, a compact camera can give you exact framing but the view will not as crisp as of DSLR viewfinder. With DSLR, you can check how much background area is blur in the image.

How to Become a Good Follow Focus Puller

Are you facing difficulties using follow focus? Well, you're not alone. There are lots of people facing troubles as the act is easy but the mental pressure is quite huge. if you're a novice or an experienced, becoming a skilled expert requires much labor.

There is no denying the fact that a follow focus system is important because DSLR cameras don't have auto-focus capabilities. Now, the question arises, why do you need a follow focus system. Here's the complete guide.  

Why Do you Need a Follow Focus for your DSLR   

In simpler terms, the aspects of focus are quite complex and delicate. While filming, using your hands to make adjustments can be a perilous task to do and it can even lead to decrease the video production value of your video. And the reason behind is that because these cameras are lightweight and they wouldn't manage your subtle movements. This would ultimately result in the jumpy footage. 

These complications may be avoided when you are filming for a little audience as they are more of forgiving such technical errors. Talking about the scenario, if you are making videos of longer length, commercials or any other films, it is important for you to use a  follow focus DSLR to make sure that each shot should be crisp as possible. Attaining a follow focus puller helps you to achieve the best possible results you've always wished for.  

Steps to Become a Good Follow Focus Puller  

Following are the steps you can follow to become a good follow focus puller.  

1. Predict Distances

 

One of the easiest ways to become a better focus puller is to become accurate at guessing distances. Or in other words, you can say that you should become a human measuring tape. Make sure you start doing it by going into a room with a measuring device and sit in the corner. Take an object and note down the best guess for its distance and then write an estimation from where you were sitting. 
Once you've become good at this, you can choose an object and move on with the process of guessing and checking with an in-depth calculator. 

2. Start Paying Attention to the Public 

Make sure you go out to a public place like a park, a mall, and start paying attention to how people act around certain spaces. In addition, it is important for You to visit a variety of atmospheres where people will act differently. Talking about the settings, there are a plethora of settings like restaurants.  

3. Pretend the Motions 

To do this, just sit in a room and act like you are holding a follow focus DSLR. After that, look at the doorway and assume a character is walking in and sitting down in the room. Make sure you adjust follow focus if necessary. Furthermore, it emphasizes the motion of focus pulling and will get your mind to the direction in which you must pull to go a certain way.

Things to Consider While Buying a DSLR Digital Camera

Whether you're a novice or an experienced or upgrading yourself in the field of photography, buying a DSLR digital camera isn't a cakewalk. These days, people are taking their picture clicking ambition levels to the fullest and that's the reason, they look for a digital camera that can work wonders for them.  

Talking about the meaning, DSLR stands for a digital single reflex camera that allows viewers to look through a lens and see what will show up in the final image. The best thing about these cameras is that they are available at cheaper rates, making easier for professional photographers to shoot top-quality images.

  

However, choosing the best one is still a concern for many. Don't need to worry, in this post, we'll talk about the choosing the best DSLR digital camera. 

 
1.Size of your Sensor:
Needless to say, it is one of the most important features that you should consider first while buying a DSLR camera. In every DLSR, there's an image sensor that helps to record the image and send it to your memory card. Always keep this in mind, the bigger the sensor, the more information it can capture. 
However, there are a number of sizes available, but there is a simple fact, the bigger, the better.  

2.Resolution:
Another crucial factor that contributes a lot in making your photos clearer, most people think that mega pixels help to measure the quality of the camera. In an honest way, these days, DSLR comes with more than enough mega pixels. If two cameras are differentiated only by the number of mega pixels then you won't be able to see any difference. If you do see a difference, it’s likely due more to lens or sensor quality than the resolution. 

3.Video:
Before buying a DSLR, make sure you take a look at the options available. For instance, there are some entry-level cameras that can record up to 1080p videos while others can't. If you don't have a plan for how many videos you will record, then a camera with a better video might be useful in the future.  

4.Editing  Features:
There are many quick editing abilities that help you edit photos right from the screen on the back by automatically making adjustments, applying filters or changing the exposure settings. Make sure that the DSLR  you choose, you be equipped with a variety of modes, including Action, Night, Portrait or Landscape.  

5.Appearance: 
Almost all DSLRs look good in appearance, however, there are still some considerations that you should keep in mind. Like, there are some cameras having LCD screens that are much better than the ones included on cheaper models. It has been observed that now, these cameras come with a touchscreen that is easier to navigate and offers a comfortable user experience.

How to Maintain a Focus on Moving Subject While Filming It Alone?

Keeping your focus on the moving subject and making adjustments with the lens to capture the subject with the best attributes is one of the most challenging tasks. And it can even worse situation if you are short on staff and shooting the film along with the moving subject. To make your task bit easier, this blog has shared few tips on how to maintain your focus on moving subject.

With the great advent of technology and innovation, many cameras come with autofocus in-build feature. This advanced feature can make your life easier and help you shoot the film like a pro if you know how to maintain your focus on the moving object. Until or unless you don’t know how to use this smart feature, you can’t reap the benefit.

Shifting your focus from the nearby object to faraway object within the same shot can be a daunting task for you, but with the smart follow focus techniques and setting up a system, you can easily shoot what you actually want to present to your audience. Shoot your video like a pro, a good composition, perfect lighting and colour are some of the essential things to get a clear and crisp image.

So if you're a beginner, here's how you can maintain the focus on the moving object:


1. Set the Focus
The most common technique to use follow focus is to use your hands smartly. Put your one hand on the camera and another on the focus ring to make instant adjustment throughout the shot. This is the most useful technique but sometimes beginners don't get the results due to lack of knowledge that when and how to keep their camera steady and pulling focus. With the little bit of practice and patience, this technique can give you the decent results.


2. Maintain the Distance
Another technique to keep your shot in focus while filming a moving object is to maintain a good distance between the camera and the subject throughout the shoot. Before you begin the shoot, determine the length and set the distance between the camera and subject to adjust the focus accordingly. You can ask your subject that while moving around the camera, they should maintain a certain distance to get the best shooting results.


3. Shoot At a Higher Aperture
If you're constantly shooting the moving objects then it is worth investing in the camera that comes with the inbuilt autofocus system. Not only these cameras can provide you better results but also allow you to target a subject and have the camera followed them around as they have superb motion tracking feature as well. If you can't afford to invest in these high-end cameras, then go for the best technique to use higher aperture get the object clicked in the best posture.

When it comes to shooting the film like a pro, everyone can’t afford to buy such a high-end camera, so in that case, you can use these tips to use follow focus in the best way.

Why Do You Need a Follow Focus Puller on a Film Set?

In this article, we’ll shed some light on the importance of a follow focus puller on a film set.

The First Assistant Camera, also known as focus puller, 1st AC, Assistant Camera , or B Camera, is an integral part of the camera department. During a film shoot, these exceptionally talented people shoulder their responsibility to keep the camera in focus. 

I’m fond of my camera assistant…I really am! This is what you’ll hear from the Director of Photography (DOP) - someone who overlooks the camera department, lighting department, electrical, and grips. These people are deemed to be the chief of the camera crew.

Do you really need a follow focus puller during a film shoot?

Well, you don’t seem to be the only one who expresses his great concern about exploiting the finest skills possessed by the 1st AC. I’m fully aware of the fact that being a professional follow focus puller can be the toughest job on the crew. This job is the one that comes literally loaded with endless responsibilities than you could possibly think. There’s a lot of stuff these people do on a film set. In short, I’d consider an experienced focus puller to be the backbone of the camera crew.

Being one of the challenging jobs on the crew (even though I consider it to be the only hardest job), the Camera Assistant has the responsibility of taking care of not only human bit mechanical counterparts as well. If you ask me, these personnel need to be not just one, but innumerable steps ahead of the game. Not only should they have the capability to predict the diverse needs of the camera crew, they should be able to offer necessary solutions whenever asked upon.

A focus puller should always “Come Prepared”.

If you were to define the job of the 1st AC, you’d probably fall short of words. These highly trained technicians extend necessary support to camera operators when it comes to setting up gear. Wait….there’s more coming your way! They even keep the sensitive equipment in the best shape.

What are duties of a follow focus puller?

The follow focus puller has to make sure that the picture remains sharp, because doing so is their prime responsibility. They work in close accordance with the camera operator (who’s under the direction of the DOP) for measuring the distance between the lens and the actual subject. They work their way out when it comes to maintaining proper focal distance during movements of the camera.

The first AC has to collaborate with the camera operator and the dolly grip for tracking shots and crane movements to make sure the focus is consistent. This would definitely need a focus puller to have a keen eye and a sound judgment of distance.

Focus pullers are accountable for both focusing and refocusing the camera lens as subjects move within the frame of each shot. Well, they avoid looking through the lens to perform this activity but consider pulling focus according to intricate marks which are placed on the set, floor and other vital things when a rehearsal is in progress.

Their job does not end with what’s all mentioned above. They take care of camera equipment, including lenses, filters and matt boxes. They assemble the camera as well as its accessories for capturing contrasting shots.

Do you know camera assistant make it to the set or in the studio before it’s time for the Director, Director of Photography and Camera Operator to arrive on a film set? When these people reach they make sure that the camera and all lenses are prepared for the shoot to be held during the day

What if the Director or DP wants to give a try to a specific lens? The follow focus puller will assemble the camera so that it becomes easy for them to look through the eyepiece to evaluate the given shot.

When the shooting day comes to an end, the Camera Assistant will not only clean the equipment but have the same packed up for the next day. In case there’s a problem with the rushes (a scratch on a film), they will initiate talking terms with the film lab so that any faults can be taken care of with the camera.

The First Assistant Camera is tasked with judging the distance between the camera and a subject. They even manipulate the lens physically on the camera so that they can keep the required subject in focus. Even though it may sound easy, doing so is one of the difficult jobs on a film set. The job is full of pressure. Need we say more?

The Director of Photography (DOP) or the Camera Operator usually asks for the follow focus puller. Their work hours are long and their work can be physically challenging as they have to deal with a plethora of things on a film set.

Experienced and talented focus pullers have an endless number of tricks for pulling focus in hard situations or when precise measurement seems next to impossible. 

What skills are necessary for the camera assistant?

The camera assistant or the follow focus puller you’re likely to hire for the said job must be trained in the proper setup and camera equipment. Not only that, they should have a sound knowledge of film handling and diverse photography techniques. It’s important for a good camera assistant to comprehend concepts of color, light, and exposure as well. 

The International Associate of Theatrical Stage Employees or IATSE in short provides training programs on a selective basis. Classes or experience in still photography can be useful.

It’s important for a professional focus puller to:

Have outstanding knowledge of cameras, lenses and other necessary equipment

Have excellent eyesight

Pay accurate attention to detail

Have quickness as well as speed

Keep abreast of latest techniques and equipment

Meticulously measure distances

Be able to work together

Be tactful and responsive when working with camera crew and other artists

Have the right knowledge of photo-chemical and digital film processing

Know about health and safety legislation and policies

What are the top 10 must have tools for every focus puller?

Well, there are some tools that are very crucial and used almost 100% of the time on a film set. A camera assistant will have a hard time to complete his work without the use of these efficient tools.

Screwdrivers

Wrench

Scissors

Pliers

Flashlight

Camera Tape

Lens Tissue

Lens Cleaning Fluid

Dry Erase Marker

Measuring Tape (Soft, Hard, or Laser)

Pen

Pencil

Grease Pencil or Marking Pen

Hex Keys/Allen Wrenches

Velcro

Compressed Air or Blower

Sharpies

It’s very important for a follow focus puller to get his own toolkit. This is because you’ll find it hard to get started as a 1st AC. You’re expected to have the right gear so that you can get the most out of it on a film set. This may seem expansive in the beginning but it’s good to have your own gear instead of borrowing someone else’s. Don’t you forget having your own toolkit will leave a positive impression on your superiors?

Besides, a camera assistant has to learn as much as he can not only about camera gear but lighting as well. 1st ACs have to know their stuff and be aware of the up-to-the-minute gear available on the market. They should even know technical updates as well (if any). A professional focus puller would never want to lose the confidence of camera departments in him.

Final Thoughts

A follow focus puller is not only in charge of the maintenance but take good care of each camera. The Camera Assistant, during pre-production, will visit rental houses just for the sake of testing the necessary gear and ensuring everything is right on schedule. Being a first assistant camera is not a job that can be achieved in the blink of an eye. 

Boost your Camera Skill with these Simple Tricks

Getting best shots out of the DSLR in tricky lighting condition is a tedious task. As you have noticed that in autofocus mode camera hunts for focus point to make subject sharper, but they failed to do so most of the time. In this article, we will discuss the different array of focusing trick which can enhance your current level of photography. 

Image Credit: switchbacktravel.com

The first trick is switching to manual mode, as we know that autofocus does a fairly good job in good lighting condition but in low light, it just falls apart. Nonetheless, you can opt the modes like program mode, shutter mode, aperture mode, or full manual mode .All these mode let you choose the desired focus point. 

Moreover, for detailed and sharp focus point you just need to activate the focus grid and lock the rendering focus point. Some advanced DSLR are now packed with joystick focus controller which let a user target the focus point in a much more conducive way.

The second method is a focus and recompose, this trick comes very handy in offset object focusing. For instance, if you want to target the centre focus point by the offsetting the object this method can do wonder for you. Here you just need to put the focus point on the subject. Thereafter, hold the shutter button a halfway to lock the focus. Then recompose the camera position slightly and click the button.  

However, this method failed in the portrayed mode scenario in which DOF become relatively thin. Well, in that case, do not try to swivel the camera too much instead move it along the body. This is because you cannot get the focus right until the camera sensor becomes parallel to the subject. This will provide you smooth transition of motion with less focus rendering.

Let's talk about the third method i.e. Edge contrast. This trick caters the poor focusing in low contrast condition. If you are the using DSLR for a while then you have definitely noticed that camera always struggled to focus in auto mode while capturing low light shots. While pointing your camera towards the wall or sky it fails to lock the focus most of the time. 

This is because the camera looks for the bright and dark area and then offers the focus lock, but due to the lack of sufficient contrast it focus points renders annoyingly. In that case, you just have to swivel the camera little bit with the center focus on all the time. 

Meanwhile, the accessories like follow focus system can be used to acquire subtle focusing. With this gadget in your armoury, you can focus on different lighting condition quite easily. The wireless variant of this system comes really handy in professional videography as it allows you to focus the subject via simple trigger action.  

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.

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?

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.

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.