T2i...now what?

A

AlexMacP

Active member
At risk of sounding like a total nub ... now that I have got my new T2i, what should I get to help me shoot video properly?

I know that the first thing I need is a video tripod. But what else? I have lots of lenses because I am a still photographer. (my still rig is a 1DsMkIII)

Thanks in advance
 
What will you be shooting?

Lighting
Follow focus depending on what u do
External audio like a zoom H4n

shotgun mic

Shoulder mount or some other type of stabilzation

Extra batteries
Several CF cards
AC power
Maybe a zaza slider

But it really depends on what you will be shooting.
 
I am already taking a video lighting course at a local film school. I am taking a directing course next term. I am able to rent the lighting from the school for peanuts.

I am planning on shooting short fashion clips for advertising. No sound sync required.
 
ND filters if you want shoot with open apertures to get short DOF in daylight. Remember that for video the shutter speed should be at 1/60 (NTSC) --- 1/50 (PAL) or you'll end up with footage lacking motion blur yielding a strobish stuttery look.
 
Remember you video lighting course may be a little out of date

Much TV and video is terribly lit - because lighting was needed to get an image to show at all

Theses cameras work well when you have a good understanding of natural light

to me lighting is a lot of hassle - only relevant to very serious projects and specific looks

S
 
AlexMacP said:
At risk of sounding like a total nub ... now that I have got my new T2i, what should I get to help me shoot video properly?

I know that the first thing I need is a video tripod. But what else? I have lots of lenses because I am a still photographer. (my still rig is a 1DsMkIII)

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

Get a jib, even one made from bamboo, you'll never look back.
 
f64manray said:
I was going to say a viewfinder like the LCDVF but the new aspect ratio of the T2i won't allow for it.
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You're full of it. I just saw an article that showed the Zfinder attached to the T2i, though I'm not sure how that could be as I thought the LCD was a different shape.
 
Get what you can afford, but remember, you don't NEED all that crap to start doing some nice looking videos. Story + Acting/Subject is king, as long as you just remember to take off the lens cap, white balance, and use a tripod/sandbag/desk/whatever so you don't get shaky cam.
 
Martti Ekstrand said:
Remember that for video the shutter speed should be at 1/60 (NTSC) --- 1/50 (PAL) or you'll end up with footage lacking motion blur yielding a strobish stuttery look.
Click to expand...

This is another rule that is misleading because not every shot is best with 1/60. I did a promotional video for a helicopter manufacturer and the spinning blades really came alive up high like 1/500 or higher. Also things like water in a stream and waterfall can look much better at high shutter. In general it is a good, rule but in high action motion blur is just that a blur.
 
morgan_moore said:
to me lighting is a lot of hassle - only relevant to very serious projects and specific looks
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I can't believe you said that...I also can't believe how much I agree. I have two battery powered LEDs (Torch50) and if they aren't all the lighting I need when combined with available light, I should find another place to shoot or use something other than my 7D.
 
mhood said:
I can't believe you said that...I also can't believe how much I agree. I have two battery powered LEDs (Torch50) and if they aren't all the lighting I need when combined with available light, I should find another place to shoot or use something other than my 7D.
Click to expand...

I agree to an extent. These new cameras allow for shooting in a lot less light than we were able to get away with before.

But there's a whole lot more to lighting than just making sure we can see the subject. You still need to shape and design the lighting to convey mood, environment, etc.
 
I realize I'm simplistic but I'm not shooting for the silver screen...I'm doing talking corporate heads in their offices who are always pressed for time and the last thing I need is some obsessive LD wanting to "shape the mood". ;-)
 
Gear is great...if you know how to use it. Lighting is a huge part and is often overlooked when people are just getting started. Something as simple as a controlled key light and backlight can greatly improve your image. Sound is obviously important so looking into a Zoom H4n and a decent shotgun mic (like say the Rode NTG2) would be a good investment. In movies, the camera is almost always moving. In fact if the camera is still, it's usually for affect. Investing in a good shoulder rig and tripod would be good. You can also look at building a DIY silder, dolly, jib, etc. to get more variety of shots. There's tons of videos online about building stuff like that (including mine :))

But first get comfortable with your new camera. Learn the benefits of different focal lengths for different looks. When to shoot shallow DOF and when not to. Proper blocking, angles, composition, etc. are more important than any gear you can purchase.
 
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