Essential settings

Here are some tried and tested settings for successful video shooting

■ Manual mode for both exposure and focus (the exception to this is handheld subjective camera shooting in busy, light-changing situations, such as walking through rooms). ■ Video settings depend to some extent on what the end use is, but for highest quality shoot 1920x1080 at 30 fps. ■ Unless you’re using a wide-angle lens at a small aperture, always measure the focus, and don’t rely on your eye’s judgment. Shallow-focus filming with a wide aperture is a video favourite, but both the viewfinder and LCD screen are too small for focusing accurately by eye. Ideally, use the Live View zoom to set the focus before filming. ■ Picture Controls should be Standard or Neutral, with contrast at minimum, sharpness either off or low, and saturation low. Shoot flat, and adjust contrast and saturation in post. ■ Shutter speed should be double the frame rate, so 1/60 sec or more. ■ The ISO can be set to whatever you like, but remember that above about 1600 you’re likely to be more aware of noise than you would in a still photograph. ■ For a safe, reliable shot, use a tripod; or at least keep the camera steady. ■ Let the video run for a few seconds before the action and after, to avoid getting any irritating camera shake from touching the controls.