Getting Started With DSLR Video

August 24, 2010

in 550D,5D,7D,Gear,Resources,T2i

8 Simple steps for getting started with DSLR video.

Alex Maximov recently messaged me with this question:

“I am getting into DSLR stuff and I am thinking of buying Rebel t2i camera.
What would be your advice for me as a beginning cinematographer?…”

I have been receiving a lot of emails from people asking where to start with learning DSLR video. This guide is my answer to those interested in getting started. This is also the process that got me started.

Should You switch to DSLRs?

Before you fully commit to shooting video with DSLRs, you should ask yourself why. Is it because you want more manual control, Lens selection, or because DSLR are hot? If you answer with the latter you are in for a painful, disappointing reality. While DSLRs seem to be the bee’s knees, you will quickly find them to demand a whole other level of discipline you aren’t ready, or want to engage in.

But if you are interested in more manual control and options to refine your footage, have a learners attitude, and are willing to work with the cons of shooting DSLR, your ready to jump in.

1. Choosing a DSLR

While this question seems like a daunting, it is rather simple. How will you use it. Before you begin to spend weeks studying the specs consider your current situation. Are you a student, hobbyist, or someone looking to switch fields? Than seriously consider a Canon T2i or Nikon D3100 (when it comes out). If you are a video professional, full time filmmaker/photographer, than the Canon 7D or 5D will be a more reasonable choice for you. Also consider if you will be making money with it or not. A lot of people I talk too say they are waiting until X camera comes out or until they can afford Y camera, but in reality they could have bought a T2i landed some jobs and been on their way.

The Point is don’t get hung up on the camera. I have worked a lot with the Canon T2i and consider it to be totally proficient for most situations. You can’t go wrong with this sub-$1000 camera. Get what you need not what you want and start shooting.

2. Learn the Camera

Of course buying a camera won’t make you a pro, so the next step is learning these cameras. Before I bought any lenses I purchased Philip Bloom’s Learn 2 Shoot Great Video On Your Canon 7D DVD. I highly recommend this for anyone. Phil really did a stellar job putting this together. He does offer a 5D training DVD as well. As you learn more about the camera you with become more comfortable with it. Also be sure to work through Ryan Koo’s The DSLR Cinematography Guide. Once you are well acquainted with your camera, you can fully focus on what your shooting and not what buttons to push.

3. Learn About Cinematography

To this some will respond “But I’m not going to be a cinematographer” Great! Now go learn cinematography… To really get the most out of these cameras you need to understand a few key concepts. What is depth of field? And more importantly how does one use it? What is the 180 degree shutter rule? Once you begin to understand and master these concepts, you will see the quality of your footage skyrocket. I highly recommend Blain Brown’s Cinematography: Theory and Practice for Cinematographers, Directors, and Videographers. It goes everywhere I do.

4. Figure Out What You NEED

Once you understand how to use and move your camera, you will start to see what you are going to need gear wise. We all want the Laforet Kit, but in reality we don’t need all that stuff. Most of my film, doc, video, and commercial work have been shot with a decent tripod, a fast 50mm and thats it. A great resource to help you figure out what YOU need is Adriel Brunson’s DSLR Buyers Guide. Its a 50 page guide walking you though some choices.

Basically, the “Needs” need to trump the “Wants.”

5. Practice Practice Practice

Once you are comfortable with the camera and concepts, its time to create something. By create something I don’t mean test videos. Create challenges for yourself. Create a visual short and lock the aperture at one level, experiment with shutter speed while shooting a sport or shoot a short action scene with friends, shoot a short sequence of camera shot locked down on the tripod. The point is create a really project to share with others and try new things. Even if it is a total flop you will learn from it.

6. Ask for Critiquing

VimeoOnce you have something you would like to share, ask some people to critique it. Be open to their comments. Mentorship and collaboration are a huge part of creating visual art. Harness the power of the internet and video groups like Vimeo, and Exposure Room. If someone constructively rips your video, lick your wounds and apply what your learned to your next project.

7. Learn More

Now that you have studied, practiced and feel like your getting there, hit the learning circuit again. There are TONS of online resources for learning more about HDSLR uses, workflow, lenses, data rates etc. Don’t be afraid of it all. Embrace it and take it all in a step at a time.

8. Repeat Steps 5-7

You’ve arrived. Now start it all over again ;)

If you found this post helpful please consider using our B&H link for your next purchase to support future original content. Thank you so much!

- Caleb Pike

Related content:

  1. Easy Setup for High Quality HDSLR Video Productions
  2. Episode 004: Custom DSLR Rig for Shooting Interviews
  3. Cheap Shoulder Rig Works Perfectly for HDSLR Work
  4. 10 Must Read HDSLR Guides For Filmmakers
  5. Robin Schmidt’s Two Camera Redrock “Beastmaster” Rig

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  • Al

    Caleb,
    This is a great little write-up. Thanks for posting this. It would have been really helpful about three months ago when I began this journey, but it’s nice to see it put together here.

  • Caleb Pike

    Thanks Al,

    I think learning this stuff is less “buy this, this, and this” and more about understanding how to use the camera and focusing on what you are shooting.

  • http://16x9cinema.com Carl Olson

    I think you make some valid points here – and I’m paraphrasing a bit : Don’t get hung up on expensive gear – just get out and shoot video – practice, practice, practice and ask for constructive critiques. That last one is a tough one. I think most of us are painfully aware of our shortcomings in the practice of our craft. I know I am! But you have to ask for the critique: for how else will you know what to do to move forward. Of course you need to ask for the critique from someone who is much better than you! :)

    I was at recent photography workshop with photography instructor Rick Sammon. It was amazing to watch him as each student showed him the shots they were taking. He was encouraging, gave commendation where he could, and gave great advice. He would say something like: “Hey! That’s really great! But now if you just do this it will be amazing!” The students would then go and implement what he suggested – and they were happy with the results. So, sometimes we’re afraid that critiques will be painful, but the reality of it is it just isn’t that bad. We’ll grow from it.

  • Caleb Pike

    Well stated Carl,

    Getting your work Critiqued is painful, there is no doubt about that. But its a crucial point for all of us. If you are serious about taking your craft to the next level, you will need to get to a place where your work stands on its own. When I posted my first narrative short, it hurt big time! I had tons of comments and email from all levels of professionals critiquing it. Pride has to take a back seat. And today my most successful work is because those individuals were willing to give me advice.

    You make another great point, mentorship is HUGE. I will have to add that into the guide.

    Thanks for your input Carl!

    - Caleb

  • http://hi.baidu.com/chelseawzx ChelseaWzx

    Great for my first time being here?But these days i saw some cool stuff from amzing Sony, what about the NEX-VG10E?what can it brought to DSLRs?

  • Caleb Pike

    Well the Sony NEX-VG10E does not shoot progressive (1080p) video, its only interlaced (1080i). And its does not shoot at 24fps which is a major let down. Canon DSLRs have both of these options.

  • http://hi.baidu.com/chelseawzx ChelseaWzx

    HA! ^_^! You helped me make up my mind to get a DSLR. I was attracted by the VG10 these days and start to get confused of my plan of buying a 7D.
    And i want to get 7D + 18-200mm Lens for my first perchase, what else stuffs do you suggest that I should purchase next step? Tripod? Or something else?
    Thank you so much!

  • Caleb Pike

    Thats great Chelsea!

    I would Think about a good tripod and audio. For tripod on a budget check out the Bescor TH-770 ($150) If you have a little more to spend definitely check out the new Manfrotto 504 ($730).

    And of course the Zoom H4n is the bee’s knees for audio.

  • http://hi.baidu.com/chelseawzx ChelseaWzx

    These are great!THX a lot! And what equipment do you think is also important for shooting timelapse?

  • TOME

    i have been saving for 7d, to film a short story..i was gonna get it next week..but now am not so sure, do you think it will be better to just get the new 60d and Lseries lens…or i should just go with the? 7d with its kit-lens..

  • http://www.copernicus1.blogspot.com Michael Craig

    I am considering buying the Canon 60d when it comes out. The issue that bothers me most of all is audio. I read in one review that the in built mic is only mono. I see from one of your photos that you have an external mic attached to the camera. What mic would you recomend to get high quality results with DSLR cameras?

  • http://nofilmschool.com Koo

    True, you could pay $20 for a 50-page guide — or you could read a 100-page guide for free, which was called “an amazingly detailed and useful article” by Filmmaker Magazine:

    The DSLR Cinematography Guide

  • Caleb Pike

    @Chelsea, you will need a remote.

    @TOME, I have a 7D and love it, but the 60D seems to be the winner for me. Get the 7D if you need a super rugged camera with a few extra photog specs. But if you are mainly shooting video the 60D would be my choice.

    @Michael Craig, Rode video mic.

    @Koo, Your guide definitely needs to be in there!