How to Shoot Video on a DSLR Camera
Whether you’re trying to get your feet wet, or you’re a photographer being asked to shoot video from a client. We may use higher grade equipment as a professional Boston video production company, but we will say that a DSLR camera is able to 
capture quality video production ideas. DSLR shooting will require some adjustments and special attention, but it certainly is an option for amature videographers trying get a grasp on the art. Luckily, the Internet hosts a multitude of conversations, videos, and forums about to best utilize your DSLR for producing high-quality video, so finding the info to do it well is easily accessible. For us at SVG, below are a few tips that we have found to be the most useful when shooting high quality video production ideas.
What is a DSRL Video Camera?
The first tip is to utilize manual focusing. DSLR’s have auto-focusing features best used for still photography. It may seem that the AF option would be smarter, but when their AF features try and capture moving subjects, they tend to exhibit some form of attention deficit disorder that can greatly hinder the video’s ability to portray a cohesive story. This is why it is recommended to use manual focusing when shooting video with a DSLR. It may take extra effort to be shifting the focus yourself, but it will come out much smoother.
How Do You Use The DSLR Camera?
The next tip is adjusting your shutter speed according to the project or scene. The shutter speed needs to be matched to your frame rate on your camera in order to create natural looking movement. With that said, if you are wanting extra sharp movements to make a scene seem anxious or heightened feel, use higher shutter speeds. To make things seem mellow or sedated, use slower shutter speeds. Adjusting your shutter speed according to the project is a sure way that your camera is recording the scene the way that best illustrates the envisioned mood or atmosphere. A quick google search about your specific DSLR and how to alter its shutter speed options will assist you in learning how to adjust these settings.
DSRL Tips for Beginners
Our last tip has to do with the low quality sound recording abilities of DSLR’s. Without an outside source to record the sound, the video might look good but it won’t sound good. If you’re planning to shoot interviews, a sound recorder is an absolute must have for DSLR video production ideas. To combat this, the best way will be to utilize an attachable professional sound recorder. This is considered a double system because your recording sound and video from two different mechanisms. Be sure that when purchasing a sound recorder, you are also buying the correct attachment pieces, memory cards, and cords. A sound recorder we recommend is the Zoom H4n. You will need cables and cords to sync to your camera to the device , so the kit option with most retailers may be a smarter option.
DSLR Video Tips and Tricks
As a professional Boston video production company, we encourage and are excited to hear about the ways creatives and producers are pushing the boundaries of their equipment and technology. As a few of us have tried to produce our own side projects, access to expensive and state of the art technology isn’t always available. In our experiences, these three tips have been necessary in order to create higher quality productions when using DSLR cameras. Try these few tips next time you are trying to capture your latest video production ideas with a DSLR, and leave any comments below if you found something else to be noted for this type of videography.
Skillman Video Group LLC specializes in video production Boston. Call us anytime at 1-800-784-0140.