Alphabravo2020 wrote:
I attempted a bit of video at a recent show and was not successful. I am going to try again at a shoot tomorrow and would love any shared experiences.
I had rented a Nikon 58mm f1.4G to shoot a stage performance. Hand-held. Decent subject/background separation distance but ambient light.
Looking at the metadata from a short clip reports the following regarding AF and exposure:
Auto Focus : On
Focus Mode : AF-F
AF Area Mode : Contrast-detect (wide area)
Phase Detect AF : Off
Primary AF Point : (none)
AF Points Used : (none)
AF Image Width : 8256
AF Image Height : 4640
AF Area X Position : 4128
AF Area Y Position : 2320
AF Area Width : 870
AF Area Height : 735
Shutter Speed : 1/125
Frame Rate : 59.94
ISO : 1008
ISO Expansion : Off
ISO2 : 1008
ISO Expansion 2 : Off
Aperture : 1.4
Attempting self diagnosis, I will say that the video definitely did not like handholding. I can see the camera lose focus each time there is a camera movement. Also I suppose that noise from the rather elevated ISO made it difficult on the phase detect AF system. Also I'd say that the wide aperture made for a soft focus and difficulty in finding the focal plane, once lost.
This time I am going to use the Tamron 45mm which I think will be more idiot proof. Solo subject moving toward and away. Still handholding but more light (full daylight) for hopefully less noise, and narrow the aperture for deeper field.
The final component is the AF setting which I have been studying but not entirely understanding.
TIA
I attempted a bit of video at a recent show and wa... (
show quote)
Hello,
If you have posted your video someplace, it would be nice to see what your subject matter was, the environment you were shooting at and the lighting.
It sounds like you were filming a show (music or theater performance?) which I would assume you may have been in the audience.
I’m not an expert by any means, but a couple suggestions that might improve focus or shaky footage.
A tripod would be ideal, but not always practical. I’ve resorted to using a monopod (doesn’t stop side/side movements) which helps up/down movements and prevents arm muscle fatigue or a mini flexible leg tripod if there is an empty seat in front of me. Otherwise a tripod whenever feasible.
Use VR and/or IBIS when available, given your shutter speed.
Switch to manual focus if autofocus is hunting all of the time and/or shooting at f1.4. If this is a show and the performers are somewhat static, it’s better to use manual focus unless you have vision issues yourself. Some camera have a focus assist (zebra) or allow you to zoom in to check focus in those instances. Manual focus isn’t hard, but like anything else, it takes a bit of practice to develop the muscle memory.
Your ISO looks fine. That shouldn’t cause any problems (at least it hasn’t for me). Unless you need the 60 fps for possible slow-motion in post processing, you can drop to 24 or 25 fps and drop shutter speed to 1/50. That will allow you to lower your ISO or increase your aperture.
Regarding DSLR vs mirrorless for video, I think the Nikon Z series is better suited for video if you intend to shoot more video in the future. Cell phones are essentially mirrorless cameras and are excellent options.
I bought a Nikon Z6 primarily for video purposes, though I still shoot a lot of photos. I also use my iPhone 7 and my D3400 for video as well. Autofocus is pretty good in all cases, but it depends on subject, lighting, obstructions, aperture. Shaky footage is almost always due to handholding/operator movement, kicking the tripod, wind, etc
My YouTube channel is MyVideo Buffet
Read video descriptions for equipment used, if interested
Good luck, Stephen