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.

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.