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Home → Videography → How to Use a DSLR to Shoot High Quality Videos

How to Use a DSLR to Shoot High Quality Videos

By Thomas Stirr 35 Comments
Last Updated On December 27, 2018

«»

Table of Contents

  • Overview and DSLR Considerations
  • Camera Settings and General Issues
  • Focusing, Lenses and Lighting
  • Sensor Format and Sound
  • Stabilization and Movement
  • Other Considerations and Summary
  • Reader Comments
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35 Comments
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Maruf Awal
Maruf Awal
June 19, 2018 12:03 pm

This was a one of the most in depth articles about shooting video with DSLR I’ve read so far. I loved the layout with each section having its own page and the drop down. so much content Thanks Thomas ! I am pretty new to shooting video with DSLR and I plan on starting a YouTube series soon in regards to menswear. I think I found the stabilization section most informative and how you explained Aperture helped me think of how I want to focus on the models and their outfits just enough while also take in some great urban back drops I have in mind. I did purchase an online course though that was a little easier to digest since the content creator used videos explicitly. Looking forward to learning more here keep up the good work!

Maruf

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Reply
Thomas Stirr
Thomas Stirr
Reply to  Maruf Awal
June 20, 2018 3:51 am

I’m glad you found the article helpful Maruf! I do write periodic articles here on Photography Life, usually one or two a month, but if you would like to see more of my work you may also want to check our my website: www.tomstirrphotography.com
Tom

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Alex Decker
Alex Decker
January 30, 2018 8:22 am

Do you want to shoot DSLR video like a pro?

Have you ignored video because you don’t know exactly how to setup your camera, audio, lighting, or video shoots?

This video shows you how to easily shoot, direct, produce, and edit videos on your own without a crew or any extra help: www.bestquicktips.com/dslrvideo/

It also shows you how to create breathtaking videos, even if you have an entry level camera and no expensive equipment.

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George
George
July 17, 2017 4:16 am

Thanks for this. I shot my first DSLR video last weekend. I wish I would have read your guide before the shoot. I did a post-mortem last night and most of the areas where I need to improve were covered in your article. For example, I shot using the auto focus, which caused some unsightly focusing and introduced the sound of the lens’ motor to my video. I would have never thought to make sure the cord for my shotgun mic was not touching the camera either.

Overall after reading your articles, I realized my framework for good video is too thin. I’m expanding it to include some additional factors that I’m sure are going to improve the quality of my next shoot significantly. For that I’m grateful.

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Thomas Stirr
Thomas Stirr
Reply to  George
July 17, 2017 5:51 am

Thanks for the comment George – I’m glad the article was helpful for you!
Tom

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Dave
Dave
June 30, 2017 4:52 pm

I was experimenting with video today and noticed that if the Wind Noise Reduction menu setting is OFF, the camera only records sound in the right channel. I noticed this on the audio meters and confirmed it by using headphones. When I turned that menu setting to ON, the camera recorded stereo sound. Is this normal or do I have a problem with my D750? I usually use a RODE microphone but today was using the built in microphone.

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Thomas Stirr
Thomas Stirr
Reply to  Dave
July 1, 2017 3:29 am

Hi Dave,
It has been 2 years since I sold my D800 and full frame lenses so I haven’t shot video with a DSLR for quite a while. I don’t remember if this was a common issue with Nikon DSLRs or not. I sent a technical question through to Nikon, asking them if your situation is normal or not. If, and when, I get an answer I will post it here for you.
Tom

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Thomas Stirr
Thomas Stirr
Author
Reply to  Dave
July 4, 2017 7:53 am

Hi Dave,

Nikon Canada has advised the following: “The built-in microphone is stereo and should be so regardless of the noise reduction option.
If you believe the camera is not recording in stereo, please use the link below to send the camera for inspection so we can look into this for you:
repair.nikon.ca/en/ProductEntry”

Tom

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Micheal
Micheal
May 19, 2017 3:28 am

Thank you for the article, it was so informative and helpful!

I’m quite handy with still photography but video was always a mistery for me. I plan to start a YouTube channel reviewing wristwatches and I needed some tips how to set up shutter speed for video. I’ll be doing some macro video shooting but I don’t have a proper macro lens. For still photography I use extension tubes and it works quite well. However, I wonder if it will do in video as well.
I’m still in the process of gathering equipment. I already got a light tent and some lamps but I’m not sure if its going to be enough as I’ll have to go very high with aperture to counter shallow depth of field. I would like to aim at least F15, fHD, 30fps, 1/60 shutter speed, and ISO800. I’m not sure if it’s doable on a tight budget tough.

Micheal

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Thomas Stirr
Thomas Stirr
Reply to  Micheal
May 19, 2017 4:11 am

Hi Michael,
I now shoot exclusively with the Nikon 1 system which does not offer a dedicated macro lens either…so I also use extension tubes for my close-up work. All you can do is use the gear you are assembling to do some tests with it to find out if you can get the required depth-of-field and a good exposure. Using different focal length lenses with your extension tubes will be something that may help with desired depth-of-field.
Tom

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Jim Montanus
Jim Montanus
December 27, 2016 11:16 pm

All the questions I had about shooting video with my D800 answered in one concise, extremely well-written article. Thank you!

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Thomas Stirr
Thomas Stirr
Author
Reply to  Jim Montanus
December 28, 2016 2:47 am

Thanks Jim – I’m glad you found the article helpful!
Tom

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Marty
Marty
April 19, 2016 7:29 am

I`m a pro tog and moving into video and I disagree with the dude Van , Ive seen photographers become exceptional videographers and complete amateurs become award winning photographers. Its up to you and your focus on learning. Photography is easy to learn these days as is videography and it puts some people out. Great article.

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Thomas Stirr
Thomas Stirr
Reply to  Marty
July 17, 2017 5:48 am

Thanks Marty…I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Tom

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Alex
Alex
November 27, 2015 12:48 pm

RAID 1 is horrible for such a setup. RAID 5 is your best option.

Here is why:

If one of the hard drives fail in RAID 1 you’re fucked. Because the data is split between the drives, in raid 5 you lose a hard drive but you get to keep all your files, and the other drive is used to backup the other drive. So If HD A fails, HD B will take its place till you replace HD A, then HD B will clone itself into HD A once you replace it. and vice versa.

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Alex
Alex
Reply to  Alex
November 27, 2015 12:50 pm

I take that back, I am going to bed. Raid 0 is horrible, raid 1 is fine, raid 5 is nowhere close to what I’ve explained.

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Merg
Merg
August 28, 2014 4:25 pm

Thank you so much for this article. Learning photography has been relatively easy because of the plethora of books, web sites, groups, Facebook pages, etc etc. But so little with videography. If you can point to additional reference points and/or do some follow up articles, I would be eternally grateful.

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Thomas Stirr
Thomas Stirr
Reply to  Merg
August 28, 2014 7:12 pm

Hi Merg,

I do have some other articles planned….just need to clear the decks long enough to write them. I’m hoping to have more out towards the end of the year.

Tom

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Merg
Merg
Reply to  Thomas Stirr
August 29, 2014 1:55 am

That would be great, Tom. As an example, I am trying to look at lighting for interviews. So it is good to understand which of the 4 types of lights work best when. Then which lights are best for which situation, such as interviews, product shots, movies, industrial/commercials videos, etc. So many lights with varying costs. Even just trying to work out which continuous light to put on a DSLR is a nightmare. So many options,

The audio of course is another big thing. I have bought a Zoom H4N to do interviews, but try and get lavs to work with them. I would love to see some clarity over which audio equipment to use when and then which ones to get. E.g. If you are doing interviews, you will need “x audio” recorder and 2 “y lavs”.

I am putting a bit on you, but there is just so little out there compared with photography.

Thanks., Merg

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Eran
Eran
February 14, 2014 9:02 pm

Thomas,

Thank you for a truly comprehensive intro to a field I always feared of.
Your article is well built in a way that is both non intimidating but in the same time very detailed and to the point.
I find it extremely useful.

Hope to see additional publications by you.

Eran

0
Reply
Thomas Stirr
Thomas Stirr
Reply to  Eran
February 14, 2014 9:11 pm

Hello Eran,

Thank you very much for your comment. I’m very pleased that you found the article helpful.

Best,
Tom

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