Thanks to the DSLR (and now mirrorless) revolution, video shooting has become extremely accessible to more and more individuals, especially the still photographer. Cameras today are emphasizing a combination of photography and video capabilities that produce images that are perfectly suitable for a gallery or movie theater. With many still photographers looking to dip their toes in the motion pool, we have put together the follow list of tools that can help greatly improve video quality.
Just starting out
First things first: if you are truly just beginning to experiment with the video features of your camera, there are a couple of critical tools that can make a dramatic difference in your final product.
ND filter
One of the first rules of filmmaking many shooters learn is the 180-degree shutter. At its simplest, this rule dictates that you should set a shutter speed double that of the frame rate to achieve motion aesthetics that closely resemble the look of film. For example, if you have the camera set to 24 fps, your shutter should be 1/48 of a second (or as close as possible to that). Photographers may recognize the issue here if you are shooting in a bright location and want to use a large aperture for shallow depth of field. In this case, the only truly effective tool is the ND Filter, which can reduce exposure to permit a combination of fast aperture and relatively slow shutter speed.
If speed is the concern, many indie productions have adopted the Variable ND Filter, which allows users to quickly increase or decrease density as your shooting conditions change. They can also solve a problem for still photographers who lack lenses with smooth, de-clicked aperture rings who want to do a fade or need to adjust exposure during a take.
On-camera microphone
With still images, quality is perhaps the only concern, but in video you have to make sure to capture quality audio alongside the images. Bad audio can absolutely ruin the most pristine footage, and the simplest way to improve it is to get an external microphone. There is a selection of shoe-mounted wired microphones that can help you get the job done, and you should be able to immediately notice an upgrade, compared to the camera’s built-in mics.
Tripod with fluid head
You may have been able to get away without using a tripod for most of your stills, but one of the best ways to bring your video production up a notch is to get a sturdy tripod with a fluid head. Or, if you already have a good set of legs, just pick up a video head for it. The reason for filmmaking-specific heads is that they have a damped pan/tilt mechanism, which usually allows adjustments to drag. This means you can do smooth pans and tilts during a shot without any stuttering.
If you don’t already have a tripod, or just want to pick up a video-specific one, one of the most important differences, in my opinion, is a leveling base of some sort. This allows you to quickly level your head without needing to mess with the legs. These can be picked up separately, as well, if you would like to add one to your existing system.
LCD loupe or hood
To make sure you have everything in focus or just to prevent glare from ruining your day, an LCD hood or loupe is a simple addition to your bag. The loupe helps shooters work with the relatively small and low-resolution screens present on DSLRs and mirrorless cameras by magnifying the image. They also block ambient light from hitting the display, preventing glare that otherwise makes it difficult to see when working in bright locations. Basic hoods are also available if you don’t want or need magnification for your specific setup.
LED light
When you move to video, your strobes and speedlights aren’t too much of a help anymore. You need a reliable constant light source to light up your subject for video, and the easiest way to do that today is with an LED Light. Available in all shapes and sizes, it is very easy to find one that fits your needs and budget and can be a lifesaver in a dark scene.
For more advanced or adventurous photographers
If you already have some video experience, or just want to up your game quickly and seriously, here are a few more additions you can make to your kit.
Sliders
A nice still and steady tripod shot looks great, but add some slick motion to that and you can seriously elevate your footage. Sliders have become increasingly popular for this reason, and allow for smooth linear motion. These can also sometimes be motorized for repeating moves for long interviews and shoots, as well as for precise control over time lapses. Available in a range of sizes, materials, and styles, it should be easy to find one that suits your particular needs.
Stabilizers
The next step from a slider if you prefer the handheld aesthetic is the gimbal or stabilizer. These systems can effortlessly make handheld movements look smooth and fluid and remove any shaking or jitters introduced by your arms. For a truly impressive look, a motorized gimbal will almost completely remove any shake and can even be programmed to handle advanced moves with ease.
Audio recorder and XLR microphone
We already mentioned the importance of sound, but if you want the best audio possible, you should set up a dual system with a dedicated audio recorder to handle the heavy lifting. These also provide professional XLR connections for handling high-end microphones of all types. Having a dual-system setup also allows you to add a sound tech more easily to your crew to handle this workload.
Another huge bonus to this setup is the ability to record audio independently of the video. This means that ambience and effects can be recorded without using precious space on your camera’s memory card. Multiple channels on certain recorders means that having a second mic connected as a backup is easily doable, as well, and if you have someone on set with the know-how, you can easily send a mix directly into your camera for a high-quality scratch track to sync with later or for dailies.
Monitors/recorders and EVFs
One final tool you may find yourself looking for is an external monitor. These can dramatically improve your shooting experience by providing tools such as peaking, false colors, and LUTs to make sure the footage you capture is perfect. Models with a recording feature also upgrade your overall video quality by providing high-end codecs with minimal compression that are edit-ready.
An alternative to the bulky monitor is the EVF, which provides a more compact, though just as powerful solution to monitoring. EVFs are also ideal for shoulder-mounted and ENG rigs, which may require a more closed-off monitor, depending on the shooting conditions.
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