In this episode from the Blank Slate video series, the 3rd Audiovisual Squadron describes the advantages and disadvantages of using a DSLR to shoot video, including the artistic effects of shutter speeds.
Before there was a public affairs consolidation, there was gear consolidation. Manufacturers saw an opportunity to leverage the technology in their cameras to have them do more for a better price point. Technology that was once out of reach for independent producers was now within their grasp. The first camera to really do this well was the Cannon 5D Mark II. But since then, Sony, Panasonic and Nikon have seized the opportunity. And chances are you have one of these cameras in your shop. Whether a DSLR or a mirrorless, there are pros and cons to shooting video with a camera designed primarily for photos. Let's break it down.
Pros
- Size - These cameras are easy to carry and especially helpful when you have a one-man band; just don't forget your stabilizer.
- Detachable lenses - These offer you more creative choices and flexibility in how you compose your shot. Most DSLRs can be adapted to use a wide range of lenses.
- Large sensors - These help you get a shallow depth of field. Now your viewers can concentrate on the primary point of focus in your story without distractions from your background; just be sure you get that shot in focus.
Cons
- Audio - The biggest sacrifice you'll make when using a DSLR is sound. They usually have poor preamps, which can result in noise. The maximum quality of the recording is less than that of a video camera. You'd be better off recording your interviews and other sounds on a recording device and syncing them in post production.
- Limited codec - Many DSLRs record video using an 8-bit in h.264 codec. It's a great codec for viewing because it's super compressed and can help keep video files small for uploading and viewing online. It's not great when you want to take footage into your editor and work on it. It can bog down slower machines, and the amount of information you have to push when color correcting is limited.
- Record time - Most of these cameras only record 29 minutes per clip. That may seem like plenty, but if you're recording a change of command or interview, you could end up having your camera stop right when you need it most.
Shutter Speed
If you're a photographer and you're about to start shooting, video can seem like a tall order. Rest assured, the skills you already possess, like composition and the use of natural light, are going to serve you well. Just consider shutter speed; it is no longer a tool to control light – it's an artistic choice to help determine the fluidity of motion. High shutter speeds can make objects look deformed and unnatural, while slow shutter speeds can distort and ghost your subject's movements. This could be a cool effect, but if you want your motion to look natural, a quick rule of thumb is to keep your shutter speed and double your frame rate.
So let that DSLR or mirrorless wonder reach its dreams of being a video superstar. To learn more techniques about shooting video on DSLR, scour the web, check with your supervisor and refer to your career development courses.