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Figure 5.17 Videographers must learn to use different cameras and be ready to use different systems.

Right tools for the job. In the past few years, manufacturers have developed

a wide range of high-quality and inexpensive tools for producing video. iPhones can now shoot broadcast- and cinema-quality video. Years ago, this would have required cameras costing in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Video producers have many gear options to choose from, but you must con- sider three important factors when putting together your gear kit: budget, shooting locations and conditions, and visual and editorial goals. There is no single camera or tool kit that is perfect for every situation.

Maximizing your budget. On every shoot, at the very minimum, you will need a camera, a lens, a shotgun microphone, a lavalier microphone,

a tripod, and accessories such as extra batteries and media such as SD cards. If you are on a limited budget, you must prioritize your gear list.

I recommend that you always spend most of your budget on lenses and microphones. New cameras are released often, and camera bodies age and lose value quickly. You can use the same lens your entire career. This is also true of high-quality microphones. In fact, vintage lenses and microphones can continue to hold or increase their value for decades. Remember, it is the lens that makes the image in your footage and it is the microphone that produces the vibrations that get recorded on your camera.

Shooting locations and conditions. Where you shoot and your shooting conditions should also dictate what gear you use. Will you have to

be discreet? This will require using a smaller camera such as a DSLR.

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Figure 5.18 We used the 5D Mark II and L-Series Canon lenses for deepsouth.

Will you have to upload footage immediately from the field? This will require a smartphone with an Internet connection. Will this

be for broadcast? You may have to shoot on a camera that uses a specific codec. Will you be traveling? If so, you may have to pack very minimally. You may have to bring a camera but not a lighting kit, as checking your equipment may incur substantial airline fees. Will you

be in hostile environments that require a lot of fast shooting that draws very little attention? You may have to use a small, prosumer video camera with automatic settings. These are all important factors when deciding on your gear kit.

Visual goals. What do you want your film or video to look like? Do you want it to look cinematic? If so, you will need a camera with a big sensor and lenses with wide apertures. Do you want your footage to look more like TV news? Then you may need to shoot at 30 frames per second on a smaller sensor camera. Do you want footage from the point-of-view of your character? If so, you may need to use a GoPro or other action camera. Determine the look and feel that you want to achieve with your footage before you decide on the gear to use.

Picking the right camera. As mentioned earlier, camera manufacturers update and release video cameras regularly. Technological improvements are constantly

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being made to the camera’s sensor, codecs, and overall construction. Between the time this book is written and published, several new cameras will have already appeared on the market.

The following is a comparison of various styles of video cameras (not specific models) and the benefits and drawbacks of using each one.

Large sensor video camera. Large sensor cameras have been specifically designed to capture high-quality video and audio in a form factor that is ergonomic and comfortable for various shooting situations. Their large sensors produce clean images in low light and cinematic-quality footage with extremely shallow depth-of-field.

Pros: Large sensor video cameras typically feature professional video features such as zebras, peaking, ND filters, a high-quality video codec, professional audio inputs and meters, and a high-quality LCD screen or viewfinder for monitoring footage. These cameras look very robust and professional, and this may help you to appear more authoritative while shooting in the field. Lenses are interchangeable on these cameras, allowing the shooter to have greater creative control.

Cons: These cameras are generally the most expensive ones on the market. They can be sold as body-only, and you may be required to buy additional accessories such as lenses and shotgun microphones.

Figure 5.19 A behind-the-scenes shot of me shooting on the Canon C100, a Super 35mm sensor camera.

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They are larger than other cameras and can be intimidating to some sources. In situations where you require discretion, the professional look of these cameras may work to a disadvantage.

Hybrid photo/video camera. Several years ago, documentarians began to shoot video on DSLR cameras that had been designed primarily to shoot still photos. Today, nearly all still cameras feature advanced video features and have become powerful filmmaking tools.

Pros: Hybrid photo/video cameras can be a very attractive option for documentarians and videographers. They are a fraction of the cost of large sensor video cameras, but still feature large sensors and great low light performance. They are compact and are great for situations when you need to travel lightly or be discreet. Like the large sensor video cameras, lenses are interchangeable on these cameras. Additionally, hybrid cameras take high-quality still images, a valuable feature that often gets ignored.

Cons: The ergonomics of hybrid cameras are better suited for still photography than for shooting video. With some exceptions, hybrid photo/video cameras lack professional-quality microphone inputs, audio controls, ND filters, and zebras. You will also have to purchase

a separate microphone because the on-camera microphones are generally of very low-quality.

Figure 5.20 DSLRs are a popular option for capturing high-quality video.

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Small sensor consumer camera. Small sensor consumer cameras are popular with amateur videographers who want more advanced video recording features than are available on their smartphones. These cameras are compact and were designed for quick-and-easy videography. While lacking many professional features, these cameras can also be powerful tools for video producers.

Pros: Consumer cameras are relatively cheap, but they can shoot very high-quality video. Their compact size makes them easy to mount in cars and other locations for unique shots. Because they are amateur in appearance, these cameras will draw much less attention to the shooter, especially in environments hostile to the media. In some situations, a more professional video camera or DSLR may be prohibited altogether.

Cons: These cameras use small sensors, which results in poor low light performance and a very long depth-of-field. They often lack professional-quality audio inputs and controls. Lenses are not typically interchangeable, and this can limit the creative control of the shooter.

Sports/action cameras. Cameras such as the GoPro were originally designed to capture point-of-view video of extreme sports. They have become popular second and third cameras on high-action shoots and productions that require multiple camera angles.

Figure 5.21 Low-cost camcorders are great for situations that require discretion.

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Figure 5.22 GoPro and other action cameras can be mounted in tight spaces, on cars, and on drones for aerial videography.

Pros: Sports and action cameras are compact, can be mounted anywhere, and are water-resistant and durable. There are very few features on these cameras beyond a start/stop record button. These cameras shoot very long depth-of-field images. This ensures that your footage will be in focus, even if you are not monitoring each camera.

Cons: These cameras operate in almost all-automatic mode. You just have to hit record. This reduces the creative control you have on your images. Also, cameras like the GoPro Hero have a very distinctive ultra-wide angle or fisheye look that may not be suitable for your production.

Smartphones. The iPhone and other smartphones are used to shoot more photos and videos than any other cameras in the world. Their ubiquity and ease of use have made them very popular for both amateurs and professional videographers.

Pros: There is a popular saying in photography and videography: “The best camera is the one that is on you.” This explains why the iPhone and other smartphones have become the most used camera in the history of photography. They are always present and available, and shoot high- quality footage. Most importantly, they are Web-enabled, allowing for immediate uploads to video and photo sharing sites and servers.

Cons: Smartphones were designed as quick-and-easy video recording tools. There are no manual buttons or controls on the camera, and