One of the big challenges of working with an HD video camera is ensuring the image is in focus. Unfortunately you can’t just rely on the LCD for this, because the actual resolution of the recorded image is much higher than the resolution of the LCD screen. It’s quite possible that the image on the LCD appears to be in focus when the recorded image is blurry.
Luckily HD video cameras have autofocus. The camera automatically focuses the image, and it usually does an excellent job. However there are times when the autofocus doesn’t work:
- When the subject isn’t in the center of the frame. – Sometimes you want the subject of the image to be off to the left or right of the frame. The problem here is that autofocus adjusts according to what it sees in the center of the frame. If the object in the center is closer or further than the main subject, then the camera will adjust the focus for that object, often leaving the main subject blurry.
- When somebody or something passes through the frame between the camera and the subject. – I demonstrate this problem in the video, but it’s something that happens a lot. Let’s say you’re at the zoo shooting video of your children with the animals. As people walk through the frame, the camera will autofocus on the people walking by, and then refocus on the children. This gets distracting. It’s a much better image if the people in the foreground remain blurry as they walk through the frame.
In this week’s tutorial I demonstrate several different ways to ensure you have a focused image:
- Use autofocus when appropriate.
- Use manual focus when appropriate.
- Use the ‘focus assist’ function available on many cameras.
- Zoom in, focus the image, and then zoom out to frame the image, making sure you don’t adjust the aperture.
- Use the “peaking” function available on many new cameras.
Another thing you can do (and I didn’t include this in the video) is use an externally attached monitor with a bigger image. This can help ensure you’re always in focus.
Few things are as frustrating as shooting some great footage and then later when you’re editing it, discovering that it’s out of focus. It’s inconvenient and frustrating, and if you’re doing commercial work, it’s expensive.
I hope this week’s tutorial helps you make sure you get a focused image.
This video is available to members only. If you’d like to see this video in HD resolution, as well as gain access to the large archive of video tutorials, you can learn about an Izzy Video Membership.
July 6, 2009
If you want to pump your video full of energy, you have many obvious options. A couple that come to mind: Using high energy music in the background, and using several fast cuts. But in this installment of Izzy Video I review a few less-obvious tips that will help you get the energy you’re looking for.
Have more tips for the Izzy Video viewers? Please post them in the comments…
Become an Izzy Video Member
Want to see this video? Izzy Video Members get access to the complete collection of Izzy Video Tutorials. Please follow this link for more details on becoming an Izzy Video Member.
You can download the Quicktime version of the episode here.
June 4, 2009
Previously I showed you how to use a light meter to set a proper exposure for your subject. In this installment of Izzy Video, I demonstrate how to use a light meter to deliberately create contrast ratios on your lighting. This is one of the most fundamental ways of creating specific ‘looks’ in your video, and this episode will make it easy for you.
Also, I added a section that delves into F-Stops, how they work, what they do, and how one relates to another one. If F-Stops have ever been confusing to you, I believe you’ll find this section helpful.
Become an Izzy Video Member
Want more? Izzy Video Members get access to the complete collection of Izzy Video Tutorials. Please follow this link for more details on becoming an Izzy Video Member.
Want to automatically receive all the free shows as they’re released?
Subscribe to the free version of Izzy Video in iTunes, and have this episode plus future free episodes delivered to your computer by clicking on the following link:
Free Izzy Video Tutorials in iTunes
You can download the Quicktime version of the episode here.
May 27, 2009
Photography and videography have a lot in common. Many of the tools that photographers use can be useful for video shooters as well. In this installment of Izzy Video, I review the difference between reflected light meters and incident light meters, and I also demonstrate how to use them.
Become an Izzy Video Member
Do you like this tutorial and want more? Izzy Video Members get access to the complete collection of Izzy Video Tutorials. Please follow this link for more details on becoming an Izzy Video Member.
Want to automatically receive all the free shows as they’re released?
Subscribe to the free version of Izzy Video in iTunes, and have this episode plus future free episodes delivered to your computer by clicking on the following link:
Free Izzy Video Tutorials in iTunes
You can download the Quicktime version of the episode here.
May 21, 2009
We’re returning to some video fundamentals with this episode. This tutorial is all about getting a good exposure. Also, I demonstrate how to to use an 18% gray card.
The specific gray card I’m using is from Lastolite. Here is an Amazon link (where I purchased mine): Lastolite 12-Inch Ezybalance Card Gray Card
You can watch the high quality version of the video here.
Want to see more videos like this one? Check out the membership information page to see how you can get access to all the other videos.
May 9, 2009
