Hot Cinematography Posts
How To: Use shims with your M2 adapter
A Redrock Microsystems tutorial where you'll learn what to do if your M2 adapter and your video camera don't quite align vertically. Using a process called shimming, you can correct the problem pretty easily. Not all cameras require shims, but this problem happens enough that this is useful info to know.
How To: Set up a flange focal distance for the M2 adapter
In this tutorial from Redrock Microsystems, you'll learn about adjusting the flange focal distance for the M2 adapter. This is a one-time process, so you really want to take the time to do it right, This video is from 2006, but while this info is now a little dated it's exactly what you'll need if you're trying to work with the M2.
How To: Change lens mounts for the M2 Adapter
This tutorial from Redrock Microsystems will teach you about changing lens mounts for the M2 adaptor. This tutorial is from 2006 and is thus rather dated. But if you're still using the M2, this info will be essential.
How To: Use a Steadicam Pilot
In this humorously presented video tutorial, you'll learn how to operate the Steadicam Pilot. When you know what you're doing, the Steadicam can give you incredible, pro-quality shots. The Pilot makes the rig even more flexible, and it's surprisingly simple to use.
How To: Set up the Merlin Steadicam
This video walks you through the set up of the Merlin Steadicam rig. For some reason a lot of the video is presented speeded up, but if you can keep up with it, this is useful info. It's not so fast that you can't follow it, but if you're trying to take notes, be prepared to hit "pause" a lot!
How To: Use Merlin positions for smooth steadicam shots
There are a lot of famous steadicam shots where the camera floats just ahead of the actors as they walk along having a conversation. (See just about any episode of "The West Wing" or "Battlestar Galactica.") Perhaps you imagined the cameraman walking backwards, carefully stepping over door frames or other obstacles in order to get this tricky shot. But as you'll see in this video, it's actually a much simpler matter of using a device called a Steadicam Merlin, so the operator can see where he...
How To: Turn a series of timelapse stills into video
Time lapse photography is a great tool for documentary filmmaking or just making a fun record of a construction project in your home. This video explains how to turn a series of still photos taken with your DSLR camera and turn them into an HD time lapse sequence. It's a bit technical for beginners, but the process isn't as complicated as it looks.
How To: Install the D Focus DSLR Mount on a Canon 5D
When you're first working with a digital single-lens reflex camera, there's a lot to learn. Setting up a D|Focus DSLR mount can look particularly complicated, but in this tutorial you'll learn all the steps. Now you're ready to start taking shots like a pro. (Note that this tutorial is not for absolute beginners. You'll need to have some familiarity with these camera before you begin.)
How To: Build your own slider camera dolly
For graceful camera moves, it's hard to beat a dolly. A professional rig can cost a lot of money, but in this video tutorial you'll learn how to make a pro-quality slider using parts you can find at the hardware store. This rig is great for close-ups and tabletop set-ups.
How To: Build a guerilla-style camera dolly
MatttChapman shows you how to build a guerilla-style camera dolly to add to your filmmaking bag of tricks. This guerilla dolly is so simple, made with a rain gutter and cover from a local hardware store. This is ingenuity at its best. Don't spend a ton of money for a dolly to simply pan, build this rain gutter dolly!
How To: Achieve smoother pans on a camera with a rubber band
brusspup has tons of ingenious tips and tricks for everybody! In this video tutorial, he shows you how to achieve smoother pans on a camera with a rubber band.
How To: Create better home movies
Welcome to Digital Issues, your guide to help make a digital life a little less painful. In this video tutorial, Digital Issues covers how to create better home movies.
How To: Do traveling shots, Sam Raimi style
Mike and Rajo from the SubStream's "Film Lab" have some tips regarding production, specifically... cinematography.
How To: Make a low-budget steadicam from cast iron or lightweight PVC for under $30
Forget expensive steadicams! Save money on your film budget and make a DIY steadicam that's almost as effective as the real deal. Chappy shows you how to make one for only 30 bucks! You can make this steadycam with parts from your local sporting goods or hardware store.
How To: Do a simple dutch angle camera trick with a tripod
MatttChapman shows you how to add a simple dutch tilt to your filmmaking bag of tricks. Tripods conventionally only pan and tilt, but this trick adds an extra dimension. All you need is a tripod and a camera! It's just a matter of messing with the base plate to get this simple dutch angle.
How To: Do a dolly zoom in-camera effect shot, Sam Raimi style
Mike from the SubStream's "Film Lab" have some tips regarding a few in-camera trick shots, specifically... the dolly zoom.
How To: Use zoom and dolly effects in your film
Filmmakers beware... or more importantly, cinematographers beware... boring setups and unpleasing camera tricks can ruin a movie. Check out this helpful video tip from Focal Point Technologies on how to use zoom and dolly effects in your film.
How To: Make a camcorder stabilizer
If shaky home videos are making your audience seasick, it's time to steady your hand. Watch this video to learn how to make a camcorder stabilizer.
How To: Build a motorcycle camera mount for under five bucks
Hak5 isn't your ordinary tech show. It's hacking in the old-school sense, covering everything from network security, open source and forensics, to DIY modding and the homebrew scene. Damn the warranties, it's time to Trust your Technolust. In this episode, see how to build a motorcycle camera mount for under five bucks.
How To: Install and set up the Birger Mount for the RED ONE
DreamWelder Productions presents this video tutorial from their show Info Tech, hosted by Jay A. Kelley. They take an exciting new look into new equipment for the film and television industry, showing you the best gear for your movies and shows.
How To: Understand exposure when filming
This is The Substream's "The Film Lab" series on cinematography basics. This is an intro into the basics of exposure. What is the difference between exposure and shutter anyway?
How To: Practice "the rule of thirds" in filming compositions
This is The Substream's lesson from The Film Lab in Composition: The Rule of Thirds. Composition is how you choose to show the audience your story.
Use video camera lens basics: Angle, focal length, DOF
Mike from the SubStream's "Film Lab" has some tips regarding video camera lenses. In part one, Mike talks about the basics of lenses, starting with focal length and angle of view. It's a lesson on the analog collections of lenses cinematographers use with their cameras. For people who like to point lenses at things, here is the functional knowledge.
How To: Calibrate an NTSC camera monitor
Check out this cinematography video tutorial on how to use calibrate an NTSC camera monitor, specifically a Marshall monitor.
How To: Use the Panasonic HPX500 broadcast quality camera
Check out this cinematography video tutorial on how to use the Panasonic HPX500 broadcast camera. The Panasonic professional digital camcorder HPX500 is an awesome camera for the new age.
How To: Add a handle system for RED ONE camera
Here's a new handle system for the RED ONE Camera. Allows multiple mounting points as well as an isolation plate for RED DRIVES. It's extremely robust, versatile, and inexpensive.
How To: Make polarization filter from 3D Glasses and lens cap
If you're a serious film buff then these glasses will totally give you a cinemagasm. This polarization filter uses a pair of 3D glasses as a base and combines the glasses with a lens cap to reduce glare and any reflections that could tamper with your viewing experience.
How To: Adjust audio on the Canon XH-A1 Digital Camcorder
Do you own the Canon XH-A1 Digital Camcorder? If so, you might want to check out this lengthy video tutorial that shows you the ins and outs to the Canon XH-A1, the High Definition digital camera for the professional and serious non-pro alike. Learn how to make manual adjustments to fine-tune your audio by setting the mic mode with the onboard microphone or an external mic, along with alternative microphones. This shows a bunch of tips and tricks for you cameramen and sound pros.
How To: Use the Canon XH-A1 Digital Camcorder
Do you own the Canon XH-A1 Digital Camcorder? If so, you might want to check out this lengthy video tutorial that shows you the ins and outs to the Canon XH-A1, the High Definition digital camera for the professional and serious non-pro alike. Learn how to make manual adjustments to fine-tune your video by adjusting the Shutter Priority Mode (Tv), the Manual and Auto Focus, the Exposure, and much, much more. This shows a bunch of tips and tricks for you cameramen.
How To: Make a time-lapse video with a DSLR and Intervalometer
See how to shoot a time-lapse video using a DSLR and intervalometer. This video tutorial covers everything from settings you should use to making the time-lapse video in QuickTime.
How To: Build a cable mounted camera rig for overhead shots
Filming can get REALLY expensive, especially if you're just out of film school and starting on your first major short. It requires not only a camera, but a crane for swooping panoramic shots, a mounted camera rig for overhead shots, lens filters, and moving ground camera mounts, among other things.
How To: Export your stop motion films with iKITMovie
iKITMovie is stop motion animation software for PC's running Windows XP or Vista. All you need is a computer and a USB webcam or USB streaming camcorder and you are ready to make your own brickfilms or clay animation (claymation) movies. If you wish, you can simply import your JPG images (640x480) that you have already taken with your camcorder or digital still camera for simple editing.
How To: Install the Zacuto EVF mount on the RED ONE Camera
This EVF mount is the mount all RED users have been waiting for. It is inexpensive, adjustable and will not loosen. This simple three hundred dollar mount is a great addition to any RED ONE camera setup. This video will show you how to install the Zacuto EVF mount on the RED ONE Camera.
How To: Set up a handheld Zacuto Letus35 Elite on an HVX200
In this demonstration, you will see how to build an HVX200 up with a Zacuto Letus35 Elite DOF Baseplate and Backfocus kit in a handheld setup. These three videos will show you how to build the HVX200 setup from nothing, start to finish. The first step to setting up the package is the baseplate, just like most cameras. If you want, you can even add a monitor to the setup to see what you're doing when filming.
How To: Build a homemade steadycam camera stabilizer
In this video tutorial, you'll see how you can build a homemade steadycam camera stabilizer for under fifty bucks. This is more specifically how to build the JayCam MkII Merlin-type camera stabilizer from Jay Shaffer. He demonstrates how to use inexpensive parts to make a versatile stabilizer for camcorders like the Canon HV30. This is a great steadycam addition for anyone in need of DIY cinematography tricks, because real steadycams can be costly.
How To: Use the Zacuto Zube
Zacuto Zube Tutorial Use this coupling device in-between a Zacuto male and female threaded rods to securely connect them. After tightening the Allen screw on the Zoupler (Male or Female ), the rods are locked and cannot unwind, creating a rock solid connection.
How To: Adjust your Zacuto Letus35 Elite Backfocus DOF
Zacuto Letus35 Elite Backfocus DOF Tutorial
How To: Install and use the Zacuto Universal Baseplate
Zacuto Universal Baseplate V3, includes 12-inch rods and works with all cameras. Zacuto's Universal Baseplate allows mounting accessories off the front and the back of the rods. Our new version 3 Universal Baseplate is 22% lighter then Version 1 or 2. The baseplate measurements (excluding rods) are 7 x 4 x 1 ½
How To: Install a light weight rod support system for the Red
Lightweight rod support bracket from Long Valley Equipment mounts directly to front of the camera, saving weight and cost of other methods. Holds 15mm rods at 60mm spacing to support matte box, follow focus, remote focus, zoom motor.
How To: Build a cheap Red One EVF mount
Alternate version of a Red EVF mount made with Zacuto parts.