DSLR Video

Resolution = Sharpness

• Film (2K) has 9 times more resolution than NTSC
• HD 1080p

Latitude = Shades

• Film (16) vs HD-DSLR (11) vs NTSC (8) stops of light

Frame Rate

• 24p = Cinematic
• 60p = Slow Motion
• 30p = TV / News

ISO
Stills should always use Whole ISOs

• 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200

Video

• 160, 320, 640, 1250 (highlight clipping, but low shadow noise)
• Bad = 125, 250, 500, 1000 (lots of shadow noise)
• Do not enable Highlight Tone Priority (7D and T2i)

Aperture of F-stop

• 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11,16,  22

Shutter Speed
180 degree shutter rule

• 24p = 1/50th
• 60p = 1/125th
• 30p = 1/60th

Settings
For casual shooting, no grading

• 1080p @ 24fps
• ISO: 160
• Aperture: 2.8
• Shutter Speed: 1/50 
• Picture Style: Standard

For serious shooting with grading

• 1080p @ 24fps
• ISO: 160
• Aperture: 2.8
• Shutter Speed: 1/50 
• Picture Style: Neutral (-1 Saturation)

For serious shooting with grading and slow-motion

• 720p @ 60fps
• ISO: 160
• Aperture: 2.8
• Shutter Speed: 1/125 
• Picture Style: Neutral (-1 Saturation) 

Production Techniques
Neutral Density (ND) Fader (when the light is way too bright)

• Reduces 2 to 8 stops of light

External Mic (Rode VideoMic)

• Beware of Audio Gain Control (AGC) hiss when audio is low
• Use a dead cat when outside to cut down on wind noise

Holding the Camera

• Keep elbow tucked, two hands
• Use support from a wall or table
• Try to get 3 points of contact for a stable shot 
• Pan from the waist
• Watch your wrist!  The pivot point is exactly at your sensor so it’s shaky.
• Use a tripod whenever possible

Manual Focus / No Zooming

• Keep a constant distance between camera and subject (Track their steps and pace)
• Your DOF determines your wiggle room
• Don’t go below a 2.8 f-stop

The Checklist

• Focus 
• Audio
• Clipping
• Exposure: ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed
• Shoot