We reveal the accessories you’ll need
to take you to the next level of filmmaking using your DSLR’s video
functionality
DSLRs are changing the world of filmmaking.
There has always been a wide gap in terms of image quality between what people
with a big budget can produce, compared with what people with a low to no
budget can make. If you can afford to shoot a movie on a 35mm digital or film
camera, why would you want to settle for something less? But in recent years
independent filmmakers and big studios alike have been turning to DSLRs for
their cinematic needs. Star Wars supremo Geogre Lucas recently used Canon DSLRs
or rather he enlisted the help of DSLR video guru Philip Bloom to use them
while filming his latest blockbuster, Red Tails. And it’s not just Hollywood
that’s developed a craving for DSLRs the final episode of the sixth season of
House was shot entirely using a Canon 5D Mark 2.
How is something that’s traditionally
perceived as a stills camera conquering the video world? Why are filmmakers
using them? Well, image quality for starters, most notably their ability to get
a shallow depth of field. There’s also the fact that many of them can shoot in
high-definition and that they have good, accessible ranges of lenses. Then
there’s the portability and affordability. DSLRs offer a relatively inexpensive
way of shooting high quality video independent filmmakers can look at a kit
budget of a few thousand, rather than tens of thousands.
Canon
5D Mark III
It’s still relatively early days in the
world of DSLR video it only really took off in 2008 with the release of the
Canon 5D Mark 2 and things are evolving quickly. The big guns have heard the
call though and are catering to photographers and videographers alike. Canon
has announced the release of the 5D Mark III (which includes a headphone jack,
meaning you’ll actually be able to monitor audio when you’re filming) and Nikon
have released their full frame sensor HD camera, the D800.
So perhaps it’s time to start thinking
about utilizing the video function on your DSLR more. If you’re ever had a
hankering to shoot a film be it a family party, a wedding, a documentary or an
indie flick then your DSLR will be your most important asset. Secondary to that
are the accessories that will give you film a more professional look. There’s
plenty of affordable kit out there for budding filmmakers to get their hands
on, and we’re going to give you the low-down on what’s there and what it can
do,
Tripods and Monopods
Without doubt, one of the most crucial
pieces of equipment for a DSLR filmmaker is a tripod or a monopod.
Photographers can get away without these at time, but filmmakers need them, as
camera shake is more of a risk while shooting for sustained periods. The
wobbles and shudders are easy to detect and will haunt you dreams for extended
periods of time if you don’t take measures to deal with them. But it’s not just
stability tripods and monopods offer. They’re the starting point for locked off
shots where the camera is pointed in one place for a period of time and panning
shots.
Manfrotto (manfrotto.com) are renowned for
their affordable but quality tripods and the snappily titled Manfrotto 701HDV
547BK ($338 from proav.co.uk) is a good option. The Davis and Sanford Provista
7518 with FM18 head ($189.95 from .com) is also an excellent tripod and
head combo, while Pearstone’s VT-2100 ($69.95 from bhphotovideo.com) is a cheap
and functional alternative for anyone not wanting to lash our loads of cash.
The
Manfrotto 561 BHDV-1
A good tripod will always give you a solid
base, but many DSLR filmmakers are turning to monopods due to the amount of
options they give you while you’re on a shoot. They’re much more mobile than
tripods and give you the chance to get instant stable shots plus you can set
them up in places where tripods are afraid to roam standing on chair for
instance, or in a tight corner. A monopod’s versatility is its calling card;
you can use it in any number of ways, including by simulating a slider by doing
pull-out or push-in shots simply. If you’re looking to invest in a monopod then
the Manfrotto 561 BHDV-1 ($240 from proav.co.uk) is one of the better pieces of
kit out there. It has a fluid head and a fluid cartridge in the base, has three
feet for added stability and extends up to 200cm.
Viewfinders
A good viewfinder will be your best friend
when shooting video on a DSLR. Shooting video on a DSLR means having to use the
LCD screen, something that isn’t great when you’re trying to manually focus and
work with shallow depth of field. The screen is susceptible to glare from the
sun and, if you’re holding the camera away from your body in order to see the
screen, you can get some serious shake in your footage. Adding a viewfinder
will relieve you of these problems. First and foremost you’ll be able to see
what you’re filming clearly. It also works as a point of contact, adding more
stability to your shots.
Z-Finder
Pro 1
A good viewfinder is a worthwhile
investment and Zacuto (zacuto.com) are top of the pack when it comes to
quality. Their Z-Finder Pro ($395) is widely regarded as the daddy of all
viewfinders and it’s easy to understand why. There are 2.5x and 3x versions,
both with anti-fog protection so no fogging up when you’re changing from cold
to hot locations. It’s easy to fir to your camera and it’s considerate of you
too – you can comfortably wear glasses while using the Z-Finder Pro, but it
also utilizes a diopter, so you can match the focus to your eyes. Although it
seems quite pricey, it is simply one of the best viewfinders out there and once
you use it you’ll wonder why you didn’t bring it into your life sooner – it
will literally open your eyes to the joys of DSLR video. Plus, there’s a warm
feeling of reassurance that comes with buying any product that boasts a
lifetime guarantee.
There are alternatives to the Z-Finder Pro
though. Zacuto also have the Z-Finder Jr ($265), while the Letus Hawk ($349
from letusdirect.com) is also a solid viewfinder.
