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Optimum settings for video: ISO & Aperture…
So I’ve been shooting DSLR video on my T2i for a little while now and I’m generally happy with my settings/results. However I want to see if I can squeeze more quality from my camera/lenses. Here’s my question:
If I’m shooting in a situation where I’m getting perfect exposure with my aperture wide open (say f/1.8 on a f/1.8 lens), ISO at 200 and shutter at 1/50, would it be better or worse to stop down the aperture to f/3.2ish or slower and up my ISO to say 400 or even 800? Lenses are supposed to produce a sharper/better image when stopped down from their widest aperture…right? If so, should I favour the ISO or the aperture for correct exposure?
(Depth of field wouldn’t be an issue in this analogy).
Thanks in advance, Mike
Michael Folorunsho – Videographer & Editor
http://www.mikedoesmedia.com -
3 Replies
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Set f-stop for depth f field you want
Adjust ISO until properly exposed.If getting above the ISO you are comfortable (for me 800-1200) then adjust f-stop
If shooting outdoors, you may need to add filtration to lens to knock it down
Richard M. Harrington, PMP
Author: From Still to Motion, Video Made on a Mac, Photoshop for Video, Understanding Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Studio On the Spot and Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
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” Lenses are supposed to produce a sharper/better image when stopped down from their widest aperture”
Actually it’s the exact opposite. you never want to go f/22 because you’ll lose a huge amount of detail due to the diffraction limit.
In any case, a neutral density filter with a polerizer will enable both a large aperture and high dyanamic range by cutting the glare out and disabling diffraction.
The ISO will add grain so don’t crank it over 800.
If you’re shooting a low fps, the shutter becomes the highest priority. usually double the framerate.
Just as in professional filmmaking, the control over light is what makes you either a professional or an ameteur.
if you’re interested in getting a lot of things in focus, go for the hyperfocal distance
instead of the smallest aperture your camera supports. This will teach you to be a better photographer.here’s more.
https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/diffraction-photography.htmhttps://technicolorsoftware.hostzi.com/
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Nice article, Chris. Thanks for the link.
Jason Jenkins
Flowmotion Media
Video production… with style!
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