Basic DSLR Video Skills
Figure 1 Introduction to DSLR Video Skills from Africa Media Online on Vimeo
Note: This is not a basic course, so please ensure that you have covered the basic video skills before starting this course.
A novel and exciting way to capture video, DSLRs have caused a revolution in the video world. Video with a unique aesthetic can be produced using a DSLR but it is not without its problems. The very shallow depth of field achieved by a DSLR causes problems with focusing whilst shooting with DSLRs. A whole array of add-ons have been designed to try to overcome the focusing problem. The DSLR course aims to try to introduce some unique features of DSLR video and how to use these visual effects to improve your video productions.
Basic DSLR Skills covers:
Setting up your camera
Video portrait
Focus swtich
Natural wipe
Time lapse and slow motion
Optional add-ons
Setting up your camera
figure 2 Setting Up Your Camera from Africa Media Online on Vimeo
This lesson covers the settings to ensure you produce high quality video from your DSLR. Moden DSLR's have reduced and simplified many of the complicated video formats and aspect ratios. All DSLR's shoot in High Definition (HD) at a variety of frame rates (60, 30, 25 and 24 frames per second)
Video portrait
figure 3 Video Portrait from Africa Media Online on Vimeo
A video portrait is a great way to make the most of the high quality video the modern DSLR's are capable of. Take advantage of your photography background to create a video portrait can provide a unique look to your videos especially when you a profiling a person for a story
Focus swtich
figure 4 Focus Switch from Africa Media Online on Vimeo
In this lesson we look at the focus switch a cinematic technique that involves switching focus from foreground to the far-ground. To get the best results make sure you have two unique subjects to focus on one in the foreground and one in the background.
Natural wipe
figure 5 Natural Wipe from Africa Media Online on Vimeo
In this lesson we look at wipes and specifically natural wipes. When working in video you are usually working with a theme or a structure to a story. A wipe is a way of signalling to the viewer that this section, theme or chapter is finishing.
Time lapse and slow motion
figure 6 Time Lapse and Slow Motion from Africa Media Online on Vimeo
It is possible with DSLR's to give the effect of slowing time down or speeding it up. The most common use of this is time lapse. In this lesson we look at how we can manipulate the perception of time using your DSLR.
Optional add-ons
figure 7 DSLR Add ons from Africa Media Online on Vimeo
This lesson looks at the range of optional addons available on the market for DSLR cameras and what you might need to overcome some of the problems shooing video on DSLR's.
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