Anyone shooting video from a DSLR?

[danvolker]

Hi Ron,
On some of the coral reef scenes in the video, shutter speeds were way too fast, I think around 1/800 or 1000. It makes the reef too contrasty, kind of harsh. When I shoot a baitball, I need the ultra fast shutter due to the massive amount of movement....for normal stuff, 1/250 or less is far more appealing I think. Is this what you were referring to?
And I shoot at 30 fps; convert to cineform avi 4-2-2 colorspace and correct color if needed.

 

[ronscuba]

Hey Dan. I know for topside there are many people making suggestions to make footage look more "cinematic" and less of a video camcorder look. Kind of hard to describe, but it was explained to me as the difference between the look of a live sporting event or nightly news, vs. the look of a hollywood movie.

It can get confusing when you add in viewing over the internet vs. viewing on a HDTV, fast moving action sequences and whether or not you want to use slow motion.

Tons to read online if you are interested. I find it all confusing. Some basic guidelines people suggest: FPS: 60p for slow motion, 30p for internet, 24p for HDTV. Shutter speed is double the FPS for the most natural looking motion blur. Shallow depth of field to focus the viewers attention to a specific part of the frame. I've noticed some truth to these guidelines when I play around with the settings shooting topside.

Then again, it might depend on the type of look you want. A live sporting event video look or a more cinematic movie look. UW is unique with the problems of limited lighting. Shutter speeds, frame rates and aperture settings all affect exposure. Motion blur, exposure, depth of field. Getting the settings right for video on a DSLR is not easy. I have my hands full trying to get it right topside when I can re-shoot the shot. I don't think I am ready to do it UW.