How To Shoot Cinematic Video With DSLR Cameras – 10+ Best Tips
Until recently for me, shooting video with a camera was mostly done with either my iPhone 13 pro or my Sony A7iii.
But, recently I was gifted a Canon EOS Rebel T8i and decided to put my smartphone and mirrorless camera off to the side and start playing with my new DSLR camera. After a few months of practice, I had no idea how much gorgeous video I was missing when shooting with a compact camera!
When compared to footage taken on a GoPro, compact camera, camcorder, or phone, you may create a completely distinct aesthetic with a film-like quality that appears incredibly professional.
Although basic photography fundamentals apply when using your DSLR to record video, there are some particular settings and methods you must employ when switching to the video function.
Continue reading to discover how to capture cinematic video with DSLR cameras if you want to start producing standout vacation videos.
THE EQUIPMENT
How To Shoot Cinematic Video With DSLR Cameras
You must first make sure you have a few key items of equipment. If you’re a serious photographer, you probably already have some of these; if not, it’s time to get some new equipment.
- DSLR with video capability (obviously)
- Pairing lenses for your camera. Particularly helpful is a lens with a wide aperture (f1.4, for instance).
- A Tripod
- An adjustable ND filter
- A fast memory card (SanDisk Extreme Pro 170mb/s for example)
- Extra batteries (shooting video uses up far more battery power than photographs)
- Editing software for turning your footage into your completed travel video like Adobe Premiere Pro.
CAMERA SETTINGS
Shutter and Frame Rate
When shooting video, it’s crucial to make sure that your shutter speed and frame rate are compatible. And you need to film at 1/50 with a frame rate of 24fps to get that dramatic look with just the proper amount of motion blur (frames per second).
You can alter your camera’s frame rate settings in the menu; on my Canon EOS Rebel T8i, they are located in the “Movie Rec. Size” section (make sure the dial is switched to Video mode to access this tab). Full HD is 1920 x 1080.
Read More – Focal Length: 10 Important In-Depth Tips for Using and Understanding Camera Lenses
Picture Format
Additionally, set your “Picture Style” settings to “Neutral.” By setting the contrast, sharpness, and saturation to 0, you will have much more flexibility when editing your movie to achieve the desired aesthetic.
When filming something with patterns, lines, or other details, moire, the wavy lines effect that sometimes happen, can be lessened by reducing the sharpness (for example brick walls on a building, or someone wearing a striped T-shirt).
Black and White Balance
Last but not least, we’ve discovered via experience how crucial it is to set your white balance (WB).
While auto white balance (AWB) is fine for photography, color grading and color balancing video in post-production may be a real pain. It can be challenging, to put it mildly, to try to match clips that have considerably differing white balances.
Use a grey card whenever you’re shooting a new scene if your camera has a setting for custom white balance to ensure the white balance is accurate.
Select the best white balance setting for the scenario if your camera lacks this feature, and use it to capture all subsequent recordings.
Read More – Beginners Guide to WHITE BALANCE: 5 Important Tips On How to nail it and why!
START SHOOTING
You can start shooting your videos once you’ve set your camera to these settings. However, there is a little more to it than simply setting the dial to video and pressing the record button.
Make sure the camera dial is initially in Manual (M) mode. You’ll need to know how to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO on your camera using the manual options. Check the instructions handbook if you’re unsure!
EXPOSURE
Remember how I said that regardless of the setting you’re filming in, you must maintain a shutter speed of 1/50? Because of this, getting the proper exposure for your image could be a little challenging.
The video you capture outside in bright light will be considerably too overexposed. It will be underexposed if you are photographing in poor light. What then is the answer? This is when a variable ND filter and the lens you choose to use become important.
Bright Light
When shooting in bright light, you can either use a variable ND filter to filter out the light or narrow your aperture (make it larger, such as f/16, f/20, etc.) to let less light in.
If you don’t already have a filter, the fastest and cheapest option might be to dial up your f-number, but the biggest disadvantage is that you’ll lose your narrow depth of field (DOF). What distinguishes your video from those taken on GoPro, camcorders, or other devices is the shallow DOF (more on this below).
In that case, a variable ND filter is what you should use.
In essence, it’s a lens filter that you screw on to reduce the amount of light coming through.
When shooting at 1/50, you can turn it to adjust how much light is being filtered out until you have the right exposure. Imagine doing that by placing sunglasses over your lens. Make sure your ISO is set to the lowest feasible setting, such as ISO 100.
How To Shoot Cinematic Video With DSLR Cameras – You’ll need a variable ND filter like this in order to shoot in bright light.
Low Light Conditions
The reverse issue arises when recording in low-light conditions since with a shutter speed of 1/50, not enough light enters your lens. It is not possible to just reduce the speed like you would if you were shooting a picture.
Although you can increase your ISO to some level, it’s recommended to keep it around ISO 800 or lower because noise is much more obvious on video.
This implies that the lens you choose will determine how well you can record video in low light. The aperture on your lens must be as wide as possible if you want to allow in as much light as possible. The ideal lens has a small f-number, such as f/1.4.
My Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 lens is one of my favorites. It can achieve a deliciously dreamy DOF and captures lovely shots. In low-light conditions, I can capture flawlessly exposed video while my 18-135mm f/3.5 lens is rendered absolutely worthless.
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FOCUS
Never use autofocus when shooting with your camera; always use manual focus. The resulting movie will be chaotic, and the motor noise will be apparent in your video.
Your camera will hunt around trying to auto-focus your scene. Making the adjustment to manual focus can take some getting used to if you typically use autofocus, but it’s not difficult.
To examine the detail on the live view LCD screen, zoom in for the simplest approach to make sure your footage is sharp (on my Canon I touch the magnifying glass symbol). Zoom out of the image on the screen after turning your focus ring until it appears sharp.
You can also quickly flick your dial to photo mode and auto-focus the scene, then switch to manual focus and set your dial back to video mode. As long as you don’t touch the focus ring, your focus will remain the same as the auto-focus setting.
Additionally, you may easily transition from video mode to photo mode, auto-focus the scene, then fast switch to manual focus and return to video mode. Your focus will stay set to auto-focus as long as you don’t touch the focus ring.
How To Shoot Cinematic Video With DSLR Cameras KEY POINTS
- Switch to M mode
- Use a variable ND Filter in bright light
- Use a wide aperture (eg. f/1.4) in low light
- Don’t shoot higher than ISO 800
- Always use manual focus
TECHNIQUES FOR FILMING
How To Shoot Cinematic Video With DSLR Cameras
There are a few methods you may employ to produce cinematic footage with DSLR cameras.
DEPTH OF FIELD
Making sure you fully utilize your ability to produce shallow depth of field (DOF) footage is the most obvious strategy.
This is distinguished by a foreground that is sharp and a deliberately fuzzy backdrop (also known as bokeh).
Wider apertures (lower f-numbers, such as f/1.4, f/2.0, etc.) provide more background blur or DOF. This is a quality that is only possible on a film camera; you can’t get it with a GoPro, phone, camcorder, etc.
The viewer’s attention is immediately pulled to the subject of your photograph, and nothing else in the frame detracts from it.
Try out various apertures to find the one you like best. I adore taking nighttime photos with bright lights in the background blurred to create a scene with amazing bokeh.
DIVERTING FOCUS
You might also experiment with focusing differently while filming. This is frequently referred to as “rack focus,” because it enables you to sharpen the foreground, middle, or background while leaving the rest of the scene out of focus. For instance, you might start by concentrating on a person in the foreground before moving on to those in the background.
To do this without shaking the camera, you’ll need to rely on your own (very) gentle touch, unless you want to purchase some pricey and heavy equipment. Maintain your practice, and maintaining the proper focus will come naturally.
STEADY AND SLOW
DSLR cameras are far more suited to some types of photos than others. It’s ideal to utilize a tripod to get the most out of your footage and capture that film-like quality.
As a result, you’ll be taking photos from a set location, so carefully select your subject and frame your composition. DSLRs are ideal for still images or gradual panning; not for fast motion, movement, or walking while holding the camera.
TRIPOD
There is a tonne of expensive gear available to assist you in getting “moving” photos without any camera wobble, but if you’re just getting started or, like us, are traveling with all of your filming equipment in your backpack, you’ll need to get by with the bare minimum.
Purchase the best tripod you can afford. I didn’t like either of the tripods I possessed, so I decided to buy a new one last year after doing A LOT of research, and I’m so happy I did. For my global backpacking trip, I needed one that was lightweight and small, but it also needed to be solid and tall so that I wouldn’t have to constantly stoop.
Yay! No back ache! I chose the Peak Design Travel Tripod because it has a cutting-edge design and is one of the most portable tripods I’ve ever discovered, making it perfect for travel. It’s also quite light and easy to carry around in a backpack.
My camera can be swiftly moved into any position thanks to the ballhead, and I’ve discovered that by loosening the pan adjustment knob and moving my finger gently and evenly across it, I can produce a smooth pan that is good enough.
When using your DSLR camera to record video, it’s vital to avoid panning too quickly because doing so will probably cause a wobbling effect that will spoil your shot. It is slow and steady.
Other Techniques
Video taken handed will clearly show camera wobble. If you can’t use a tripod, consider resting the camera on a flat surface or securing the strap around your neck while extending the camera as far as it will go.
Pull the strap taut to help prevent camera wobble.
Alternatively, if handheld footage is the kind of look you’re going for, go for it! Just keep in mind that fast pans and jerky movements don’t work well. discuss gimbal here.
How To Shoot Cinematic Video With DSLR Cameras KEY POINTS
- Embrace shallow depth of field
- Experiment with shifting focus while filming
- Always use a tripod (unless you’re going for a particular handheld style)
- Pan/move the camera slowly and steadily
Related Article: 5 Big Mistakes You Could Be Making as a Travel Videographer
Zhiyun CRANE 2S Camera Gimbal – Combo Kit
FlexMount System: greatly simplifies the setup process while at the same time securing your camera with a double safety mechanism. Vertical Shooting: Comes standard with a vertical quick-release mount and a safety knob for high-quality vertical shooting.
Limitless Possibilities: Equipped with a slot for installing image transmission transmitter and 4 mounting points on the gimbal for creative adaptation.
Precise Focus Control: Upgraded built-in focus control wheel and servo focus motors that feature ultra-low delay and high precision, CRANE 2S will never miss any decisive shots.
FINAL ADVICE FOR USING DSLR CAMERAS TO SHOOT CINEMATIC VIDEO
WHEN FILMING, AVOID ZOOMING YOUR LENS
Your exposure will fluctuate if your lens has a variable aperture, which will be quite obvious in your movie and make you look unprofessional.
It might be challenging to achieve a smooth zoom because even the slightest camera shake can be apparent in the finished video.
FILM QUICK CLIPS
Instead of using lengthy clips that need you to later select specific segments, limit your videos to about 15-20 seconds. Longer exposure times increase the likelihood of sensor overheating and the appearance of hot pixels.
STEER CLEAR OF FILMING SCENES WITH BRIGHT LIGHTS OR BULBS
They’ll probably make your footage look bad by introducing hot pixels. When taking still photos, I’ve never seen this issue, however, when recording video at night, I’ve experienced plenty of obnoxious green pixelated streaks across my film.
Read More – Low Light Video – 7 Best Tips For Shooting Video In Low Light
CAPTURE “BUFFER” FOOTAGE
Always include a buffer of a few extra seconds at the beginning and finish of your clips.
LISTEN OUT FOR BACKGROUND NOISE
If you plan to use the audio in your final video, be mindful of the sounds surrounding you.
Pay attention to anything that may not seem to be particularly visible in real life but can drown out or distract from the main audio in your film, such as passing buses, automobiles, distant roadworks, noisy birds, etc.
If audio is a key component of your videos, consider investing in an external mic (we have and adore the Rode VideoMic Pro).
Read More – Ultimate Guide to the Best RODE Microphones For Content Creation
ONE MORE THING: CLEAN YOUR LENSES!
While dirt and blemishes may be reasonably readily removed from still photos during the editing process, using Premiere Pro to do it is a time-consuming procedure. Before you press record, take the time to inspect your lens.
When learning how to shoot cinematic video with DSLR cameras, it can take some time to find what works for you. You’ll be producing unique videos in no time if you take the time to experiment with various methods and polish your style.
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About the author: Trent (IMDB | Youtube) has spent 10+ years working on an assortment of film and television projects. He writes about his experiences to help (and amuse) others. If he’s not working, he’s either traveling, reading or writing about travel/film, or planning travel/film projects.
