3 Strategies For Recording Long-Form DSLR Productions
It is doable, however it’s definitely not very easy to record cinematic, long-form productions with DSLR digital digital cameras.
It was who invented the digital single-lens reflex camera) about his decision, I can pretty much guarantee he would not mention long-form video recording as one of his main goals if we could go back in time and speak with Joe DSLR (or whoever.
DSLRs (and lots of other mirrorless and digital camera models) are marvels of movie capture technology, but they’re not supposed to record for very long durations at a stretch. For some long-form requirements, you’ll want to seek out cheaper camcorder choices or a couple of higher-end choices.
But, for all those seeking to make use of their trusty prosumers ( such as a Canon 5D or comparable) to record content that is long-form below are a few methods to deceive ol’ Joe DSLR into assisting you to do the trick.
1. Maximize Tracking Capabilities
If you’re acquainted with Canon DSLRs, you might assume that the maximum recording capabilities for the digital camera are 30 minutes (or 25 mins and 59 moments) if you glance at your manual. Nevertheless, it is and it isn’t true in a few means. Yes, that is the maximum time included in the digital camera, however, if you simply turn your digital digital camera on and strike record, you’ll realize that your digital camera does two things differently — and probably maxes away its recording at around 12 mins.
You will find a few grounds for this. The biggest barrier is that many Canon DSLRs can simply record 4gb files at any given time. (Newer cameras won’t end recording at this time — they’ll just create a fresh file.) This might be let’s assume that your digital camera sensor does overheat n’t. Other factors like card rate and battery life come right into play aswell. What exactly does that mean for making the most of your abilities?
To seriously push your digital digital camera since far you can do a few things as it can go. One is reduce your recording quality the maximum amount of as you can easily (even on to SD). This may save your self probably the most in terms of card composing speed, memory, and battery pack life. You may also utilize items that are add-on battery packages, and even directly power your camera with an AC adapter. It will also get without stating that you ought to be with the quickest card feasible.
2. Hack It with Magic Lantern
When you’ve maximized your camera abilities using the integral computer software, you can easily further hack it simply by using add-on programs. (Note: utilizing Magic Lantern as well as other firmware that is third-party particular camera warranties, so utilize at your very own danger!) Magic Lantern is a popular open-source computer software that one can load to your camera’s firmware to gain more control. It is probably most widely known as a hack that is go-to get higher recording quality from your Canon DSLRs for RAW footage. Because of the exact same token, it may also allow you to reduce your recording quality by decreasing H264 bitrate and framerates.
View the 7D Magic Lantern hack movie above, or read more about their add-ons here.
3. Use More Than One Digital Camera
Even with making the most of your camera’s abilities with integral features and Magic Lantern hacks, you still might not obtain the full, continuous shooting abilities you will need. If you’re trying to shoot a long time of nonstop footage and would really like that DSLR quality, your bet that is best at the finish of a single day could be to utilize multiple camera. With a solid two-camera setup you can perhaps work along with your camera’s capabilities and shoot in 10-minute bursts. While one camera shoots, you can easily allow the other one cool off and replace things such as batteries and cards.
The trick that is biggest is finding a setup where in fact the digital digital cameras are near sufficient together to help make the footage match. You’ll additionally obtain the result that is best from this setup if you utilize two associated with very same digital cameras with the exact same lenses. But, yourself extra work in post if you must mix and match, try to be consistent in terms of sensor sizes, lumen lens lengths, ISO, and white balance to save.
For lots more manufacturing tricks and tips, take a look at many of these resources below.