What Is a Focus Chart, How They Work, and Where To Get One

Before you yell, “Action,” you need to make sure the subject in your frame is in the sharpest, cleanest focus possible. This is known as critical focus, and it makes all the difference in having a professional-looking video and an amateur one. You need the right tools on-set to properly calibrate your camera. Right now,… Continue reading What Is a Focus Chart, How They Work, and Where To Get One

Ultimate Guide to Camera Gear — Every Type of Camera Rig Explained

Shot SizeShot FramingCamera AnglesCamera FocusCamera GearCamera MovementCamera Lenses When faced with a blank canvas, a painter must first choose their brush, colors, and subject before they even make a single stroke. Similarly, a filmmaker approaches a shot by first choosing the right tools that serve their story. Some of the most impactful tools to how… Continue reading Ultimate Guide to Camera Gear — Every Type of Camera Rig Explained

Mirrorless vs DSLR — Pros and Cons for Photo and Video

As camera technology evolves, the mirrorless vs DSLR debate is becoming more and more about preference. While DSLR cameras may have been the frontrunner for the last few years, mirrorless cameras have made such incredible advancements that both professionals and beginners alike swear by them. We’ll lay out the key differences between a mirrorless camera… Continue reading Mirrorless vs DSLR — Pros and Cons for Photo and Video

Deakinizer Lenses & Tilt-Shift Effect — Vintage Style, Roger Deakins’ Look

Types of LensesOpen menu Lens Basics Prime Lens Zoom Lens Anamorphic Lens Focal LengthsOpen menu Wide Angle Lens (14mm – 35mm) Standard (35mm – 70mm) What is a 50mm Lens Good For 35mm vs 50mm Lenses Telephoto Lens (70mm – 200mm) Specialty LensesOpen menu What is a T-Stop Macro Lens Fisheye Lens Tilt-Shift Lens Split-Diopter… Continue reading Deakinizer Lenses & Tilt-Shift Effect — Vintage Style, Roger Deakins’ Look

Camera Sensor Sizes Explained: What You Need to Know

Inside your digital camera is a very important element: the sensor. Camera sensor size is definitely something to consider when renting or purchasing a camera. The image quality and the flexibility of what kinds of images you can capture is directly related to your camera’s sensor. So how exactly does camera sensor size matter? Let’s… Continue reading Camera Sensor Sizes Explained: What You Need to Know

Cooke Cinema Lenses: Breaking Down the “Cooke Look”

Types of LensesOpen menu Lens Basics Prime Lens Zoom Lens Anamorphic Lens Focal LengthsOpen menu Wide Angle Lens (14mm – 35mm) Standard (35mm – 70mm) What is a 50mm Lens Good For 35mm vs 50mm Lenses Telephoto Lens (70mm – 200mm) Specialty LensesOpen menu What is a T-Stop Macro Lens Fisheye Lens Tilt-Shift Lens Split-Diopter… Continue reading Cooke Cinema Lenses: Breaking Down the “Cooke Look”

Three-Point Video Lighting: Key, Fill, & Backlight Setup Guide

BasicsOpen menu What Does a Cinematographer Do What is Cinematography What is Digital Cinematography Cinematography Terms What is Motion Blur Lighting EssentialsOpen menu Basics of Film Lighting: 4 Qualities of Light What is Practical Lighting 3-Point Lighting What is Key Light What is Fill Light What is Backlight What is Low Key Lighting What is… Continue reading Three-Point Video Lighting: Key, Fill, & Backlight Setup Guide

Panasonic GH5s Footage: Get Cinematic Shots in Low Light Situations

Panasonic’s GH5s mirrorless camera sets an entirely new standard for mirrorless video with its 10 bit Cinema 4K video and its multi-aspect sensor allowing for higher quality footage. The larger field of view makes it great in lower light situations. Let’s take a look at some footage from indie filmmakers, to see a little bit… Continue reading Panasonic GH5s Footage: Get Cinematic Shots in Low Light Situations

What is a Crane Shot? And Why Do the Pros Use Them So Often?

Types of Camera GearOpen menu Tripod Handheld Gimbal Jib / Boom Drone Dolly Steadicam Crane Shot TypesOpen menu All Shots & Angles Camera Shot Ultimate Guide Camera Movement Master Class Create Free Shot List Now The crane shot allows the audience to leave a normal point of view, creating a novel perspective that’s inherently cinematic.… Continue reading What is a Crane Shot? And Why Do the Pros Use Them So Often?

What is a Macro Lens? Tips and Techniques on How to Use One

Types of LensesOpen menu Lens Basics Prime Lens Zoom Lens Anamorphic Lens Focal LengthsOpen menu Wide Angle Lens (14mm – 35mm) Standard (35mm – 70mm) What is a 50mm Lens Good For 35mm vs 50mm Lenses Telephoto Lens (70mm – 200mm) Specialty LensesOpen menu What is a T-Stop Macro Lens Fisheye Lens Tilt-Shift Lens Split-Diopter… Continue reading What is a Macro Lens? Tips and Techniques on How to Use One

What is a Telephoto Lens? How to Get the Shots You Want

Types of LensesOpen menu Lens Basics Prime Lens Zoom Lens Anamorphic Lens Focal LengthsOpen menu Wide Angle Lens (14mm – 35mm) Standard (35mm – 70mm) What is a 50mm Lens Good For 35mm vs 50mm Lenses Telephoto Lens (70mm – 200mm) Specialty LensesOpen menu What is a T-Stop Macro Lens Fisheye Lens Tilt-Shift Lens Split-Diopter… Continue reading What is a Telephoto Lens? How to Get the Shots You Want

Sony Announcement: Two NEW APS-C E-Mount Zoom Lenses Out Soon

Sony has announced two new APS-C lenses for the Sony E-mount, bringing Sony’s total E-mount lineup to 54 lenses. What does this mean for Sony alpha users in the near future, and should they invest? In this post, we’ll take a look at these new Sony APS-C lenses to see their capabilities, what they bring to… Continue reading Sony Announcement: Two NEW APS-C E-Mount Zoom Lenses Out Soon

Best Footage: Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro and Its Update the Mini Pro G2

The best digital camera for multi-functionality on the market, the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro now has an update – the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2. Both cameras yield some beautifully cinematic footage, and this post takes a look at footage from each.Continue reading Best Footage: Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro and Its Update the Mini… Continue reading Best Footage: Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro and Its Update the Mini Pro G2