[Slade Mitchell]

As for these “picture styles” is it a good idea to install those even though I haven’t done it before? Or is it better to just shoot in Neutral, and take out contrast and saturation manually?

[Slade Mitchell]

Hey all! I fixed it! Try not to laugh at me too hard… please…

But I have been watching all these videos about people saying to turn the contrast all the way, down, so I did, not realizing that Nikon’s contrast starts at 0, so I was technically adding contrast by moving the slider all the way to the left as per the videos I was watching (on Canons). More over, I used the Neutral setting, and a 1/50 shutter to make it all better. The results are as follows:

NOTE – I understand the lighting is crap, that is intentional to make it more comparable to the initial video which was shot in the woods as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGGE0p0-j8g&feature=youtu.be

[Slade Mitchell]

Rob-

Thanks for the very in depth reply! All these things have been noted, and I definitely thank you very much for all the details. If you have a job opening, I would love to operate one of those cameras! 😉

I picked up an ND filter, and decided to keep my D3100 for now. I figured you’re right, it’s better to start with something, rather than wanting to change around cameras already. It’s a great camera now that I have fixed the issue, now I just have to learn how to use it better. Especially trying to focus, and record steady at the same time… that’s tough.

Thanks again!
Slade

[Slade Mitchell]

Ken–

Thanks for the reply! I also shoot a lot of corporate video for a living, and interviews. I got the D3100 to upgrade from a Panasonic “point and shoot.”

I will test out your settings when the sun is up tomorrow, and show them to see what you think (How I can make the picture better, etc).

Thanks again!

[Slade Mitchell]

I will test these out, and get back to you. I’ve been looking into T3is recently because I think I made the wrong choice in going with Nikon for a video focus, what do you think of the video capability with your D800, Ken?? Would you change to Canon if you could, or does Nikon do everything just as well. (In your opinion, of course.)

[Slade Mitchell]

Yeah, it seems I picked the wrong brand. 🙁

I would love to upgrade to a T3i or T2i, but I used every last dime on the D3100… I guess I could sell it and get a Canon… Hmm.

Well, it’s something to think about I guess. Thanks for the help man, I really do appreciate you sticking with me here…

[Slade Mitchell]

Steve-

Sorry to pester you one more time, just wanted to make sure I get the right equipment the first time around, and you definitely know what you’re talking about! haha.

I wasn’t looking to spend nearly as much as some more popular Vari NDs cost, but I think I may have found one that I am willing to fork over the cash for. Would this be a good choice?

https://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-Multi-Coated-Variable-Neutral-Density/dp/B004GYXRK6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382661464&sr=8-2&keywords=polaroid+variable+nd+filter

If not, what do you recommend? I would like to stay under $60 if at all possible, but I did see a few going for $100… CRAZY!

Anyway, what Vari ND do you suggest, and would that do the job if I got it?

Thanks again for the assistance today!

~Slade

[Slade Mitchell]

Steve-

You and your blog have some great information! Makes me wish I went with Canon instead. 🙁 (Debated it over and over before I decided Nikon) Big shame there, but it’s still a DSLR, and it’s effeminately better than my Panasonic Point and Shoot I had before! Hehe.

I’m going to pickup an ND filter for sure now, and definitely a Vari ND at that. As for audio, I have been doing videos for a little while, so I do have some decent audio equipment, but just recently upgraded the more expensive half! 😉 Either way, thanks for all the help, you can count on me reading many pages of that blog of yours! Haha.

Take it easy!
~Slade

[Slade Mitchell]

Steve –

A simple fix won it for me! Even though the lighting was quite poor, I stepped out again with a shutter of 1/50 like you said as well as some custom settings on the back end, and WHAM, clearer image. At least enough to use color grading! 😀

Thank you so much, I obviously still have A LOT to learn. Real quick, is there any reason I should change the Shutter Speed in video form, or should it always stay 1/50 when I am shooting 24fps?

What other things do you think I should try? Anyway, thanks again Steve you’re a life saver!

[Slade Mitchell]

Yeah, I was looking into ND Filters just now as I thought that might fix the issue a little. I will search for those settings now. Thank you!