Best introductory course for video on DSLR

norrisphysio

norrisphysio

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I use a panasonic G6 and am looking at upgrading later in the year to a GH4. Both of these cameras while being great for stills and also good for video - a feature which I have never used! Any ideas on good intro courses - preferably hands on single day or similar. I am in the Northwest.
 
What do you want to shoot? There are 3 things that will ruin your video:
  1. Bad lighting
  2. Bad audio
  3. Lack of "coverage" - you need cutaways to cover cuts in the main video, establishing shots showing where you are,

You'll need a non-linear editor package. I use lightworks: http://photographerobscura.wordpress.com/2014/01/03/lightworks-fast-storyboard-edit/

The BBC College of Production is free and has lots of videos about sound, rules which are used in video etc.

Start watching short videos, see what they do, how they put things together. Then try to emulate them.
 
"How to shoot" video is one thing, making a decent one is what's important...

Go hunting on vimeo and look at the type of shots that make good viewing and how editors cut them together to show a story etc.
 
The biggest problem I have come across to date is wind noise,its a real pain in the backside blowing across a mic. Even with an extrnl mike with wind noise suppression and a sponge muffler and a furry " Dead Rat" wind is still a problem.
if you went for and extrnl mic the choice is huge from directional to stereo and needs research to decide which is best for your needs. I went for a Sennheiser MKE400 directional mic ( £200 approx) with a dead rat if windy to fit over it. I wanted good sound reproduction nothing tinny or crackles,something to watch out for. Also bought an extn lead for it again worth a thought or two.

To give an idea of actual size here it is on my nikon d800


So on your panasonic if it has a mic import socket the Sennheiser mic wouldn't look out of place. Sorry if out of focus
On my camcorder

 
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If you're getting wind noise, you may be better of with a well hidden lavalier.

Is your dead cat a Rycote? I've never had an issue.
 
norrisphysio said:
Thanks Phil. Like your SB fitness clip on Vimeo. My aim is really to create clips of this standard for my business!
Click to expand...

What will your clips be of? That will help with suggestions.

Do you need synch sound? Or will it just be voice over, music and effects? If you are recording sound as well, record some atmospheric track. Nowhere is silent and you need this to paper over any gaps in the edit.

Watch shows, analyse what they shoot and how it's edited together. On the College of Production site I linked to, there's some videos on a topic called crossing the line and one called shooting for the edit. Both are must watches for novices as they'll prevent you pulling your hair out later.

There's also ones on lighting and sound.
 
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