Shooting video – tips when starting out
I have been shooting video steadily for about 5 years. I thought since the video DSLR’s are becoming so popular that some of my knowledge up front might be helpful.
I first started out with a Panasonic DVX100, everyone knew this as the first camera that indie filmmakers could afford that had the “cinema look”. It was great, you could shoot in 24p! Next, I started renting cameras on a per project basis, the reason for this was because I started looking at each project from a different angle. If it was documentary style, we would rent a camera that had a very “flat” image and had the option to shoot in 30fps. If it needed slow motion, make sure to rent a camera that would overcrank. (article on overcranking). So, before you go out and buy a camera, make sure that it’s appropriate for where it will be applied.
I now am starting to shoot a lot on Video DSLR’s. They have a great shallow depth of field, the storage is super cheap, and they have a ton of accessories! You can easily get a complete decked out rig for under $3500, which is great compared to what a HVX or anything similar to it’s class goes for!
The best thing we have now to help us out with video is searching on Google! Also check out these other sites, www.reduser.net, www.dvxuser.com, and Phillip Bloom’s website.
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