DSLR Basics

Thank you all so much for the links. I have a lot of reading to do.

It is just really confusing since I need to figure out which type of DSLR to choose. All I am looking for is a DSLR that I can easily use and has the following features.

1. Slow motion

2. Fast and slow moving dolly shots.

3. Accepts a Rode Video mic.

I will probably post other things in the near future.
 
Foster Kane said:
All I am looking for is a DSLR that I can easily use and has the following features.

1. Slow motion

2. Fast and slow moving dolly shots.

3. Accepts a Rode Video mic.
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1) "Slow motion" is not a feature you'll find listed on any HDSLR. You will find some that offer 60p recording, and that 60fps video can be conformed to 30p or 24p for slow-mo playback. You'll likely find 60p available only in HD 720, which means you sacrifice some resolution if you want to use it with 1080p footage.

2) "Fast and slow moving dolly shots" is not a camera feature: not on DSLR cameras, not on any camera. This requires the use of a dolly, which is an entirely separate purchase and will work with any camera you mount to it. Want a fast dolly shot? Move the dolly faster. Want a slow dolly shot? Move it slower.

3) Most of these DSLRs have a 1/8" mic input, which is what you need to use a RODE VideoMic. But be warned, many of these cameras have AGC (automatic gain control) that cannot be turned off, and that makes the audio unusable. The cameras that can turn AGC off, or the ones that defeat it with a firmware hack, still have terrible audio circuitry which results in very poor audio recording.

You might also want to check out F-Stop Academy. They have several video training resources for DSLR, including (and especially) stuff for beginners. You'll also find some of their stuff on Philip Bloom's website. Some is free, some you'll need to purchase.
 
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C2V said:
1) "Slow motion" is not a feature you'll find listed on any HDSLR. You will find some that offer 60p recording, and that 60fps video can be conformed to 30p or 24p for slow-mo playback. You'll likely find 60p available only in HD 720, which means you sacrifice some resolution if you want to use it with 1080p footage.

2) "Fast and slow moving dolly shots" is not a camera feature: not on DSLR cameras, not on any camera. This requires the use of a dolly, which is an entirely separate purchase and will work with any camera you mount to it. Want a fast dolly shot? Move the dolly faster. Want a slow dolly shot? Move it slower.

3) Most of these DSLRs have a 1/8" mic input, which is what you need to use a RODE VideoMic. But be warned, many of these cameras have AGC (automatic gain control) that cannot be turned off, and that makes the audio unusable. The cameras that can turn AGC off, or the ones that defeat it with a firmware hack, still have terrible audio circuitry which results in very poor audio recording.

You might also want to check out F-Stop Academy. They have several video training resources for DSLR, including (and especially) stuff for beginners. You'll also find some of their stuff on Philip Bloom's website. Some is free, some you'll need to purchase.
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Thank you for the response and information.

In regards to the dolly shots, I know that you need a separate piece of equipment for that. But Ihave heard that with the DSLR, the dolley shot makes it go out of focus or something to that effect.

I think with was a Cannon 7D where the footage that was in slow motion so I guess that is what you were talking about with playback.

In terms of audio control, I read on one of the threads of this forum that the T3 has manual audio.

As you can see I have a lot to learn. I appreciate your input. It has been very helpful.
 
519PrjQxw1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg


http://www.amazon.com/Still-Motion-...2115/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297397176&sr=8-1
 
Y'know, we really need a sticky for "From Still to Motion" and when we're ready to flame a newbie for a basic question, we can point 'em there.

I'm not being an ass - my daughter saw that & gave it to me for xmas - while there wasn't one single thing in it that I didn't already know, I was very very impressed with the style, the info, and the way they showed what "all that stuff on a movie set" does, why it's there, and how to use it. Remarkably well done photography book.

That and a basic book on general exposure & framing techniques would be the best start for anyone interested in this realm. It's a friendly, engaging and impressive book.
 
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Michael Carter said:
Y'know, we really need a sticky for "From Still to Motion" and when we're ready to flame a newbie for a basic question, we can point 'em there.

I'm not being an ass - my daughter saw that & gave it to me for xmas - while there wasn't one single thing in it that I didn't already know, I was very very impressed with the style, the info, and the way they showed what "all that stuff on a movie set" does, why it's there, and how to use it. Remarkably well done photography book.

That and a basic book on general exposure & framing techniques would be the best start for anyone interested in this realm. It's a friendly, engaging and impressive book.
Click to expand...

I appreciate the feedback. It was a lot of work but in the end we are proud of it..

Thanks!
 
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