Video capable DSLR cameras are becoming increasingly popular among videographers. Many buyers of VDSLR cameras are non-professionals who simply want an affordable way to shoot high quality video. VDSLR’s, when wielded correctly, can simulate a film-look that is akin to what much higher cost cameras produce for professionally made TV shows and movies. This filmic effect is highly regarded among buyers of VDSLR cameras, as they often want to escape the ‘home video’ look that most camcorders produce.

The Importance of Sensor Size

Perhaps the most important feature that separates VDSLR cameras from camcorders is their relatively large sensor size. The image sensor, which lies at the heart of every digital camera, can be thought of as the eye of the camera. Having a much larger sensor allows VDSLR’s to draw in more light for their recordings. This means that while shooting in low-light situations, which is practically any indoor location, the camera will record more detail, with less noise and with truer colors. In my experience, viewers simply describe VDSLR video as looking more beautiful, although they can’t always technically explain why that is.

It should be noted that sensor size is unrelated to a camera’s megapixel capacity, which is why a cell phone with a 12MP camera will still take very poor photos compared to a 12MP DSLR, especially in lowlight. If you are buying a VDSL from a reputable brand, you can largely ignore its megapixel rating.

High Quality Interchangeable Lenses

Another important feature that separates Video DSLR cameras from camcorders is their ability to change lenses. Most camcorders are fitted with a mediocre zoom lens. This is a convenient arrangement for shooting home videos, but doesn’t allow for a variety of looks that are only accessible by using an interchangeable lens camera. Whether you are seeking a prime, macro or telephoto look, VDSLR’s give the greatest amount of options to shoot a scene, that is, assuming you can afford all those lenses! Even if you can’t splurge on more lenses, most VDSLR’s ship with a decent kit lens.

Using Manual Controls

Getting a film-like look from a VDSLR requires setting the camera in manual mode and adjusting its settings.

Frames Per Second

Most camcorders shoot at 30 FPS. Similarly, the evening news, weather channel and daytime television is shot at a similar specification (often 60 interlaced fields per second, which are combined to form 30 FPS). This standard gives movement captured by the camera a smooth look, but isn’t how Hollywood movies and most TV series are shot. Higher end productions typically use film cameras, or very expensive digital cameras to capture video at 24 FPS. This frame rate produces a subtle choppiness or strobing effect. Although it might seem odd, this lower frame rate video is what most people associate with professionally produced footage.

Shutter Speed

The shutter speed controls the length of time that the image sensor is exposed to light. When shooting 24 FPS video, the shutter is opened 24 times a second; however, it can be set to stay open for the entire duration of the frame (1/24 Hz), or opened and closed for a shorter length of time ( e.g. 1/1000 Hz).

Using a slow shutter speed increases motion blur, but will allow the camera to capture video in darker scenes. In comparison, using a high shutter speed will make movement look choppy, but is an effect that’s often used in action scenes to produce a more chaotic look. Typically, movies are shot in 1/48hz, and it is important to use a similar value if you want your video to retain film-like motion blur.

Depth of Field

Using a shallow depth of field allows you to isolate a subject, thus drawing the viewer’s attention towards it. This is why a shallow depth of field is often used by filmmakers. Watch any TV series or movie: when the camera zooms in on an actor or object, more often than not, the background will be blurred out. Producing a shallow depth of field relies on several factors, including a camera with a large sensor size and a fast lens. This is why this effect is difficult or impossible to perform on a regular camcorder.

How to Shoot Hollywood Style Video

To shoot video with a VDSL and have it look more Hollywood, some common sense shooting habits must be observed:

Getting a Stable Shot

Firstly, professionals rarely shoot without having their camera attached to some kind of stabilizing device. Assuming you don’t own such gear, it is impotant to always hold the camera in a way that produces the least amount of shaking. Some users hold a weight in their hand (like a water bottle) while also gripping the camera. This decreases the amount of involuntary shaking by their hands, producing a more stable picture.

Lighting

Lighting is another important factor that separates the amateurs from the pro’s. Although you can’t always control the available lighting, it’s usually best to move indoor scenes to where there is a maximum amount of light. This means avoiding dark rooms and opening curtains for daylight when possible.

Regarding outside shots, it’s often important to watch the amount of dynamic range that a scene demands. For instance, if half your scene is filled with a dark tunnel that you’re trying to peer into, it’s likely that the rest of the shot will feature blown highlights. Watching the camera’s histogram and exposure meter can often tell if your camera and lens is capable of capturing a particular scene.

Panning

Control over the camera while panning is another important technique to master. Take a look at most Hollywood productions and you will notice that most camera movements are slow and deliberate. Fast panning of wide-angle shot will often exaggerate the strobing effect. This can be quite uncomfortable for viewers! Instead, try to pan slowly, or simply use the technique infrequently. Most high-end productions use an abundance of static shots, and this is what viewers expect from a quality produced film. In contrast, most non-professionals will pan around wildly while filming, trying to capture all the action at once. This often results in footage that can be nauseating to watch.

Conclusion

If you are considering buying a new video camera, and are interested in giving your shots a high quality look that will be appreciated by your viewers, then you should consider buying a VDSLR. Currently, most of the major camera manufacturers produce video capable DSLR cameras. Notably, Canon, Nikon and Panasonic have led the path in innovating this class of cameras. Try checking out Vimeo for sample footage taken from the cameras that you are interested in buying.