rsguiting_usmc Loc: Texas

Hello. Can someone link me to a post that may already be on here about run and gun settings for a DSLR video shoot? Audio is not going to be an issue as there will be music tracks overlaying the video. I've been asked by an auto body shop to come and shoot some clips at their place and make a 30-45 second motivational video for them. I will be moving around the shop taking various shots so I just need to know what my settings should stay at consistently. I plan to shoot at 60fps so I can slow it down in post but wanted see how far I can get away with setting my ISO before it starts to get grainy. I want to open my aperture all the way and the only prime lens I have are a f1.8 nifty-fifty 50mm, f4 16-35mm wide lens, f2.8 70-210mm zoom lens. The wide lens as of now is going to be the best option to shoot in the body shop as there is not much room to move around for a zoom lens or to capture everything with the nifty-fifty. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks so much.

Powergroove75 Loc: Coeur d'Alene, ID

Simple rule of thumb is:
If running 60fps set your shutter to as close to double as possible. So for 60fps video shutter should be at 1/125. 1/60 for 30fps. 1/50 for 24fps 4k.

Dont change it. Use ISO to help with brightness. But don't go too high... Light the scene if it's too dark.

So if you're inside the shop I'd make sure it's well lit first. Running 60fps set shutter to 1/125 and adjust ISO.

For super smooth stuff (assuming you don't have a gimbal) you can trick the eye and shoot some stuff at 120fps (1/250 shutter) and literally make fast movements with the camera. They'll look smooth and silky when slowed down.

This was all shot at 120fps and edited into a B-roll test video.
https://youtu.be/orO6Cm-FFgE

Powergroove75 Loc: Coeur d'Alene, ID

I also try shooting at around F8.0 unless I'm trying to blur stuff out.

rsguiting_usmc Loc: Texas

Thanks PowerGroove!

Winslowe

You should get some good advice by posting in the Video section: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-110-1.html

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Depending on which Canon and which zoom lens (all my Canon zooms are varifocal lenses), don’t expect the image to stay in focus as you zoom. You’ll likely need to pause, zoom and allow the camera to re focus. Also as auto body shops are notoriously dusty in certain areas, a clear protective filter and a rocket blower for periodic cleaning would be a good idea to carry along.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Take a test run with a quality camera phone if you have one. Might be all you need.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Yep, that or a dedicated video camera, which is smaller/lighter, has power zoom for smooth zooming and parafocal lenses that stay in focus as you zoom.

Powergroove75 Loc: Coeur d'Alene, ID

Personally... I wouldn't even bother with zoom. If you want a closeup, move closer to the subject. Movie productions don't use zooms... They use dollies and physically push the camera closer.

Lock the auto focus onto the subject and slowly move closer. It should stay focused fine.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Depends on the Canon body. For example, according to the manual (and experience), the 5D3 won’t AF while recording video. Other models may, or may not.

rsguiting_usmc Loc: Texas

Thanks everyone for all your input. You guys brought up great points. It's noted and will keep them in mind.