Canon 80D Video Advice: I’ve been shooting pics of girls gymnastics competitions for years. I want to try doing videos at the next one but have zero experience. I’ve looked at some...

Amadeus Loc: New York

I’ve been shooting pics of girls gymnastics competitions for years. I want to try doing videos at the next one but have zero experience. I’ve looked at some YouTube videos but not sure which way to go. Manual, Auto or somewhere in between. Not looking for a cinematography masterpiece. Just a decent video result. I’ll probably be using my 18-135 zoom. Any tips or advice is appreciated.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I highly recommend a monopod, if not a tripod. I use a tripod when I can.

Amadeus Loc: New York

PHRubin wrote:

I highly recommend a monopod, if not a tripod. I use a tripod when I can.

I was at this same venue last year. At Harvard university I believe. Upstairs balcony, not a lot of room but a monopod could work.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

If it’s like all the other Canons I’ve used, it won’t AF while zooming, so if you need to zoom, stop recording, zoom,
and then resume. Also there is a max limit on recording time without stopping and restarting - 29:59 minutes. Make sure the IS is on and use a tripod (preferred) or monopod.

Amadeus Loc: New York

TriX wrote:

If it’s like all the other Canons I’ve used, it won’t AF while zooming, so if you need to zoom, stop recording, zoom,
and then resume. Also there is a max limit on recording time without stopping and restarting - 29:59 minutes. Make sure the IS is on and use a tripod (preferred) or monopod.

Boy I just tried that and wasn’t aware about focus when zooming. I just tried it and you’re right. I use BBF and found if I let go of the button and press it again it will refocus though after zooming. So I shouldn’t have to stop and start recording. Thank you for that. It’s a great piece of info.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Amadeus wrote:

Boy I just tried that and wasn’t aware about focus when zooming. I just tried it and you’re right. I use BBF and found if I let go of the button and press it again it will refocus though after zooming. So I shouldn’t have to stop and start recording. Thank you for that. It’s a great piece of info.

You’re welcome - learned it the hard way.