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Need advice on taking video with my 5DM4
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Feb 17, 2019 11:00:59   #
Linda S.
 
Hello! I have never taken videos with any of my cameras. In a few weeks time, I will be going to Dancing with the Ballet Stars in Charlotte, North Carolina. My niece, gymnast/dancer doctor, will be performing. It's Black Tie. I say that because that leads me to believe that I will be sitting in a dark audience with the all the lights on the stage. I will be using my Canon 5DM4.All my lenses are Canon. My equipment is 16 - 35mm f1.4, 100 mm f1.28, 24 - 105mm f1.4, 70-200mm f1.28, 180mm f1.35, and 50mm f1.8. Last summer when I went to Alaska, people here were very helpful in suggesting which lens to take and how to set up my camera. I'm asking for that again. I've never done video before. Thank you.

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Feb 17, 2019 11:12:17   #
TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC
 
Linda S. wrote:
Hello! I have never taken videos with any of my cameras. In a few weeks time, I will be going to Dancing with the Ballet Stars in Charlotte, North Carolina. My niece, gymnast/dancer doctor, will be performing. It's Black Tie. I say that because that leads me to believe that I will be sitting in a dark audience with the all the lights on the stage. I will be using my Canon 5DM4.All my lenses are Canon. My equipment is 16 - 35mm f1.4, 100 mm f1.28, 24 - 105mm f1.4, 70-200mm f1.28, 180mm f1.35, and 50mm f1.8. Last summer when I went to Alaska, people here were very helpful in suggesting which lens to take and how to set up my camera. I'm asking for that again. I've never done video before. Thank you.
Hello! I have never taken videos with any of my ca... (show quote)


Depends on how far you are sitting from the stage and how much weight you’re willing to carry. The 70-200 f2.8 is probably the most versatile choice unless you’re on the front row, but as you know, it’s big, white and heavy. Alternately, you could take the 180 f3.5 or rent a 135 f2L and a Canon 1.4EX extender. That would give you two choices (mount the 135 and put the extender in your pocket if needed) that would be smaller, lighter, and potentially faster.

Edit: based on Jeep Daddy’s on-point comments, maybe take a small dedicated video camera instead. Small, light unobtrusive, with a wide zoom range and constant focus.

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Feb 17, 2019 11:13:03   #
jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ
 
Linda S. wrote:
Hello! I have never taken videos with any of my cameras. In a few weeks time, I will be going to Dancing with the Ballet Stars in Charlotte, North Carolina. My niece, gymnast/dancer doctor, will be performing. It's Black Tie. I say that because that leads me to believe that I will be sitting in a dark audience with the all the lights on the stage. I will be using my Canon 5DM4.All my lenses are Canon. My equipment is 16 - 35mm f1.4, 100 mm f1.28, 24 - 105mm f1.4, 70-200mm f1.28, 180mm f1.35, and 50mm f1.8. Last summer when I went to Alaska, people here were very helpful in suggesting which lens to take and how to set up my camera. I'm asking for that again. I've never done video before. Thank you.
Hello! I have never taken videos with any of my ca... (show quote)


I'm betting that they will not allow that sort of thing there. I'd check with them first. The last concert that I went to there was no video taping or picture taking allowed. The last sporting event that I went to won't allow any lenses longer than 6" in length. No camera bags, clear plastic bags for stuff only. No opened water bottles etc.. They are very strict now days thanks to terrorists.

That said, if shooting video just set your exposure as you would if shooting a still image, focus the camera, put it in video mode and press the record button. Hold the camera very still. In a dark venue you'll need a pretty high ISO most likely. There are other rules of thumb when shooting video, but if this is your first time to shoot video it would only confuse you to tell you about them.

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Feb 17, 2019 12:23:57   #
BebuLamar
 
Linda S. wrote:
Hello! I have never taken videos with any of my cameras. In a few weeks time, I will be going to Dancing with the Ballet Stars in Charlotte, North Carolina. My niece, gymnast/dancer doctor, will be performing. It's Black Tie. I say that because that leads me to believe that I will be sitting in a dark audience with the all the lights on the stage. I will be using my Canon 5DM4.All my lenses are Canon. My equipment is 16 - 35mm f1.4, 100 mm f1.28, 24 - 105mm f1.4, 70-200mm f1.28, 180mm f1.35, and 50mm f1.8. Last summer when I went to Alaska, people here were very helpful in suggesting which lens to take and how to set up my camera. I'm asking for that again. I've never done video before. Thank you.
Hello! I have never taken videos with any of my ca... (show quote)


I am sorry but you have a few weeks so why don't you start making some videos now to see what works best?

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Feb 17, 2019 13:18:45   #
alby Loc: very eastern pa.
 
several years ago i went to a concert of my granddaughters. sat about 75feet from stage. never used video before. zoomed in to where i wanted and pushed the start button. room was nearly dark. stage lights the only lighting....hand held.... came out excellent. audio also was very good.... put it on my 50" tv. wow. i only have a lowly Nikon P510... i am sure you will do fine with your 5D, though a little practice wouldn't hurt.

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Feb 17, 2019 22:25:54   #
Linda S.
 
TriX wrote:


Edit: based on Jeep Daddy’s on-point comments, maybe take a small dedicated video camera instead. Small, light unobtrusive, with a wide zoom range and constant focus.


Thank you TriX, I will check for a small video camera at Borrow Lenses.

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Feb 17, 2019 22:33:59   #
Linda S.
 
jeep_daddy wrote:


That said, if shooting video just set your exposure as you would if shooting a still image, focus the camera, put it in video mode and press the record button. Hold the camera very still. In a dark venue you'll need a pretty high ISO most likely. There are other rules of thumb when shooting video, but if this is your first time to shoot video it would only confuse you to tell you about them.


Will knowing the other rules of thumb help ensure I take a good video? YIKES!! Just did a quick search on Google!! The suggestion to rent a small video camera makes so much more sense!!!

https://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2013/10/12-tips-photographers-curious-about-dslr-video#page-4

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Feb 17, 2019 22:36:45   #
Linda S.
 
BebuLamar wrote:
I am sorry but you have a few weeks so why don't you start making some videos now to see what works best?


I must be missing something for I am unsure as to how to create a similar environment to the dan CD e event. I am going to rent a small video camera. Makes the most sense to me!

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Feb 17, 2019 22:38:47   #
Linda S.
 
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. TriX, thank you for the video rental idea. Definitely the way to go!

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Feb 17, 2019 23:14:43   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
I've used my Canon G1X III to record concerts with very good results.
As for the 5D IV, you will need a very large and fast CF card to record 4K video with that camera. It's 4K video files are very, very large. If you can use the 5D IV, I strongly recommend recording 2K (1080) at 60 fps. You shoot in live view. You will most likely be better off shooting in auto mode. To start shooting, press the red button on the back of the camera. To stop, press the red button again.

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Feb 17, 2019 23:25:28   #
TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC
 
Linda S. wrote:
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. TriX, thank you for the video rental idea. Definitely the way to go!


You are welcome. I can hold my Panasonic HD video recorder in the palm of my hand, weighs about half a pound and it would easily fit in a purse and would probably pass security. I haven’t done video with my 5D4 yet, but I did do some with the 5D3, and it was a PIA. Zooming, which is trivial with a video camera (and most have huge zoom ranges - like 12:1) is very problematical. First, the videocamera has power zoom, so it’s very smooth, and it’s something that you may do regularly. Second, I haven’t checked the 5D4, but the 5D3 does not continually autofocus when you zoom, so you have to stop the video, zoom and then refocus before starting again. And most video cameras have flip out screens for easy viewing at different angles (which the 5D4 doesn’t). You’re making the right decision.

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Feb 18, 2019 08:55:50   #
mrtaxi Loc: Old Westbury NY, Fort Lauderdale, FL
 
I have the same camera and shoot video with it. Hand Holding the camera steady for video any length if time is out of the question. You will need a video tripod with fluid head. Next is focus, unless you have a stm lens autofocus is not going to work and it’s way better to manual focus. To focus properly you need a off camera monitor- I mount this to the camera. Next is sound. The cameras internal preamp sucks like all DSLR ‘s and it will be required for a recorder. The camera mic is also wrong for this job you will need a shotgun style mic that picks up the sound way in front of you. Adjusting the sound levels that they are high enough enough without clipping - requires headphones - best to have an assistant on the sound. Off camera sound recorder means in settings turn off the camera sound recorder. It will need to be sync’d up to the video in post. Lens - can’t change lens during video without too long a stop and zooming will need new focus - doing this right is tricky. The best system is to use a wheel focus that connects to th3 outside of the lens with a belt. They always have a white plastic ring that one can mark up for the close up focus and the medium and wide. Some have adjustable stop locations to pre set before the production starts. You really need to know in advance hoe far back your going to be for this event and the lighting. I am assuming this is on a stage with great lighting while you will be in dark. Bring a tiny flashlight to see your camera settings during filming! I suggest shooting video in manual mode, do some testing on the ISO with the lighting to nail it. Get permission from the event manager in writing. The camera will shut off after 29 minutes as required by the rules because it was not imported as a video camera. Batteries - you will need a power pack or the battery that runs on 110 outlet if you’ll be close to work which is unlikely. In video you go through batteries pretty quick. Unless you have done this already unless you’re planning to practice just buy or rent a video camera.

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Feb 18, 2019 09:08:39   #
BradJP Loc: Omaha, NE
 
I just recently began shooting video extensively with my 5D Mark IV and here is what I recommend.
Shoot Manual mode, Shutter Speed 1/60, then set Aperture, then adjust ISO for proper exposure without blowing-out the Highlights.
For focusing, I use the Face Recognition focus setting and it works well for tracking.
To avoid camera shake, if possible use a support such as a tripod. I use a "Sirui SUP204SR Aluminum-Alloy Photo/Video Monopod" that works well for close quarters shooting. If not, one way to help minimize camera shake is to use a lens with 3+Stops Image Stabilization.
Keep in mind that the video will stop after 29min 59sec of shooting, due to regulations. You can just resume recording, or stop-and-start before the time limit.
I tried 4K, but it's just not worth it to me. Files are humongous, there is a Crop Factor to consider, and besides the Full HD quality is sufficient.
For Sound, you can use a shotgun microphone. I bought a used Rode Videomic Pro, but there are cheaper ones on Amazon that work ok. I also use a Zoom H4n Pro hand-held recorder for concerts and other performances.
Battery life can be an issue, so I use the BG-E20 grip with 2 batteries.
For video editing, I use Cyberlink PowerDirector that allows for adjustments similar to Camera Raw, and works well for darker environments with spotlights.

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Feb 18, 2019 18:35:19   #
Linda S.
 
mrtaxi wrote:
I have the same camera and shoot video with it. Hand Holding the camera steady for video any length if time is out of the question. You will need a video tripod with fluid head. Next is focus, unless you have a stm lens autofocus is not going to work and it’s way better to manual focus. To focus properly you need a off camera monitor- I mount this to the camera. Next is sound. The cameras internal preamp sucks like all DSLR ‘s and it will be required for a recorder. The camera mic is also wrong for this job you will need a shotgun style mic that picks up the sound way in front of you. Adjusting the sound levels that they are high enough enough without clipping - requires headphones - best to have an assistant on the sound. Off camera sound recorder means in settings turn off the camera sound recorder. It will need to be sync’d up to the video in post. Lens - can’t change lens during video without too long a stop and zooming will need new focus - doing this right is tricky. The best system is to use a wheel focus that connects to th3 outside of the lens with a belt. They always have a white plastic ring that one can mark up for the close up focus and the medium and wide. Some have adjustable stop locations to pre set before the production starts. You really need to know in advance hoe far back your going to be for this event and the lighting. I am assuming this is on a stage with great lighting while you will be in dark. Bring a tiny flashlight to see your camera settings during filming! I suggest shooting video in manual mode, do some testing on the ISO with the lighting to nail it. Get permission from the event manager in writing. The camera will shut off after 29 minutes as required by the rules because it was not imported as a video camera. Batteries - you will need a power pack or the battery that runs on 110 outlet if you’ll be close to work which is unlikely. In video you go through batteries pretty quick. Unless you have done this already unless you’re planning to practice just buy or rent a video camera.
I have the same camera and shoot video with it. H... (show quote)


O.M.G!! I had no idea...way too much to learn and rent or buy!! Definitely not a path I want to take. I really do appreciate your comments...Thank you MrTaxi!

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Feb 18, 2019 18:38:57   #
Linda S.
 
BradJP wrote:
I just recently began shooting video extensively with my 5D Mark IV and here is what I recommend.
Shoot Manual mode, Shutter Speed 1/60, then set Aperture, then adjust ISO for proper exposure without blowing-out the Highlights.
For focusing, I use the Face Recognition focus setting and it works well for tracking.
To avoid camera shake, if possible use a support such as a tripod. I use a "Sirui SUP204SR Aluminum-Alloy Photo/Video Monopod" that works well for close quarters shooting. If not, one way to help minimize camera shake is to use a lens with 3+Stops Image Stabilization.
Keep in mind that the video will stop after 29min 59sec of shooting, due to regulations. You can just resume recording, or stop-and-start before the time limit.
I tried 4K, but it's just not worth it to me. Files are humongous, there is a Crop Factor to consider, and besides the Full HD quality is sufficient.
For Sound, you can use a shotgun microphone. I bought a used Rode Videomic Pro, but there are cheaper ones on Amazon that work ok. I also use a Zoom H4n Pro hand-held recorder for concerts and other performances.
Battery life can be an issue, so I use the BG-E20 grip with 2 batteries.
For video editing, I use Cyberlink PowerDirector that allows for adjustments similar to Camera Raw, and works well for darker environments with spotlights.
I just recently began shooting video extensively w... (show quote)


BradJP, thank you for sharing your expertise! I don't have the time nor the inclination to organize such a setup. In my inexperience and ignorance, I thought all I had to do was to make some changes with the camera and I would be good to go! I am 70 years old and would need another lifetime to come to speed!!

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