Audio Specs for Available Cameras

Nikon D5100

48000 Hz - 16 bit

Nikon P510

48000 Hz - compressed

Sony HDR-AS 100V

48000 Hz - compressed

Canon Powershot SX230 HS

48000 Hz - 16 bit

Canon 5D Mark II

48000 Hz - 16 bit

Notes on D5100 Video Shooting

Nikon D5100 Review: Full Review - Video:


 All quotes here from link above.

FOCUS:

"...four AF-area modes for use during movie capture: Face-priority AF, Wide-area AF, Normal-area AF, and the aforementioned Subject-Tracking AF."

"As we've noted in other SLR reviews, the good news with focusing for video is that you can get surprisingly good depth of field in video mode by stopping the lens down, thanks to the relatively low resolution of the video image. With a pixel resolution of only 2.1 megapixels in the Nikon D5100's highest-resolution 1,080p "Full HD" mode, 0.9 megapixels in 720p HD mode, and just 0.3 megapixels in the standard-definition mode, images that would be unacceptably blurred as 16 megapixel still shots look perfectly fine as video frames. This not only provides greater depth of field at any given aperture, but is also more forgiving of diffraction limiting at very small lens apertures. Diffraction at small apertures means you'd usually want to avoid f/16 or f/22 for still images, but again, the results generally look perfectly fine at video resolutions. Bottom line, with the Nikon D5100's lens set to f/16 or f/22 (assuming you're shooting under fairly bright conditions), you'll be surprised by how little focus adjustment is needed during a typical video recording."

EXPOSURE:

• "With the Mode dial set to any position except A or M, the main exposure variables -- shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity -- all remain under automatic control when recording movies with the Nikon D5100. "
  
• "in the A or M positions, however, you can shoot movies in Aperture-priority mode, with the proviso that you must dial in your desired aperture prior to entering Live View mode, unless you're shooting with a PC-E lens. "
  
• "Regardless of the metering mode selected, movies will always be recorded using Matrix metering, with the Center-weighted and Spot options available only for still image capture."
  
• "You can, however, adjust exposure compensation, and use the Autoexposure Lock button to lock the metered exposure, even after movie capture has already started. "
  
• "You can apply Nikon's Picture Controls as well as specify the color space for movies, as long as they are selected before recording begins. This is useful if you'd like to for instance record in monochrome, or with more saturated colors, etc."

EXTERNAL MIC:

• "Like most interchangeable lens cameras capable of AF during video, the D5100 has a tendency to pick up autofocus drive noise quite clearly in the audio track of its movie clips. This can at least be mitigated somewhat by use of an external microphone, and by adjusting the D5100's three-step manual gain control, however. "
  
• "...three sensitivity levels to choose from (Low, Medium and High), along with Auto gain, and Off settings. The settings apply to the built-in microphone as well as to an external mic. "

How to Film with Autofocus, Rack Focus and Manual Focus from Nikon

How to Film with Autofocus, Rack Focus and Manual Focus from Nikon:





'via Blog this'

Some HD-SLR Video Gear Links

Rigs and Accessories - DSLR Video Shooter:


Vidpro MR-400 Motorized Focus & Zoom Rig VIMR400 B&H Photo: "The Vidpro MR-400 Motorized Focus & Zoom Rig features a battery-powered focus and zoom belt drive system, a height-adjustable baseplate, 3-door mattebox, and 5 lb counterweight. Integrated thumb switches on the handles control the drive belts at variable speeds dependant on the pressure you apply. A second set of identical switches is located on a rear-mounted component and enables comfortable control when you have the rig mounted on a tripod. The baseplate and shoulder pad both have 1/4" tripod-mount threads underneath."

Essential HD Video Accessories for DSLRs from Adorama Learning Center: "Convergence is a marvelous thing. The ability to combine the elements of high-tech electronics and software in unprecedented new ways his resulted in such marvels as the iPhone, the Blackberry, 8-megapixel cell phones, and yes, digital SLRs that can shoot HD movies of breathtaking quality. When I asked a PhD physicist and software developer why Nikon, Canon and now Panasonic decided to include HD movie capability in their latest DSLRs, he responded laconically, “Because they can.” Yes, you can shoot HD movies with your HD-enabled DSLR alone without using any accessories whatsoever other than a lens and a high-capacity memory card, but if your aim is to produce professional looking movies and movie clips, the following accessories will certainly help."

Intro to Shooting on DSLR - Stage 32

Intro to Shooting on DSLR - Stage 32: "Many here on Stage 32 like the idea of producing and shooting your own movies, and often you may have a very limited or no budget available. You will therefore often need to compromise and work around obstacles and challenges.

In this webinar I examine both the benefits of shooting on DSLR's and I also take a look at some of the challenges they often throw up for the filmmaker. Shooting a movie on a DSLR often requires different additional accessories and lenses to turn it from a stills camera into a camera capable of consistently recording high quality moving images. I take a look at some well-known movies where a DSLR has been used, and examine how they have been used there."



'via Blog this'