{"id":95105,"date":"2017-10-04T06:00:17","date_gmt":"2017-10-04T11:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=95105"},"modified":"2020-04-20T16:23:49","modified_gmt":"2020-04-20T21:23:49","slug":"shreditor-guide-shooting-video-solo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/shreditor-guide-shooting-video-solo\/","title":{"rendered":"The Shreditor’s Guide to Shooting Videos and Commercials By Yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"

Running your video shoots as a one-man band? Here’s everything you need to know about shooting solo.<\/h2>\n

Cover image via Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

What is a shreditor you ask?\u00a0<\/strong>Check out this article<\/a>, or dive into our earlier post<\/a> to learn how to master the art<\/strong> of being an ultimate producing, shooting, and editing shreditor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019re going to focus on the shooting aspect of the shreditor lifestyle<\/strong>. A video professional can make a good career as a full-time shooter<\/strong>. It takes a strong attention to detail<\/strong>, a hunger for keeping up with the latest digital technology<\/strong>, and the ability to get the best footage in any given situation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

However, being a full-blown shreditor also means you\u2019ll find yourself in high-stress situations<\/strong> wherein you may not have all the time in the world to get the shots you need<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 so you\u2019ll need to be able to adapt and improvise to get the best footage<\/strong> you can to help yourself out in the edit later<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Let’s dive into some recommended gear <\/strong>to keep\u00a0<\/strong>at your disposal \u2014 along with the resources you need to\u00a0stay sharp for any shooting production<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Cameras<\/b><\/h3>\n

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\n<\/a>Image via Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

In addition to owning\u00a0a camera, a good shreditor should be a familiar face at your local rental house<\/strong>. An ideal shreditor kit may include a higher-end camera<\/strong> like a RED Raven<\/a>, or even a Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro<\/a>.\u00a0However, in many cases, it may make more sense to rent those as needed<\/strong>. You\u2019ll at least need a solid (preferably 4K ready) DSLR or mirrorless camera<\/strong>, so\u00a0here are three solid options<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Canon 5D mk IV<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 $3,299<\/b><\/p>\n

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The Canon 5D has been an industry favorite for quite some time<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 particularly for prosumers and shreditors<\/strong>. The Mark IV continues the legacy as one of the best DSLRs on the market<\/strong> with a 30.4 megapixel full-frame sensor and 4K video capture<\/strong>. However, you may be able to save a good deal of cash and invest\u00a0in the Canon 5D mk III<\/a> or mk II<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 or even the Canon 7D<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sony a7S II<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 $2,499<\/b><\/p>\n

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While the Canon 5D may be my first recommendation, the days of its dominance of the market<\/strong> are numbered. Sony’s a7S mirrorless camera<\/strong> has changed the game with its sharp image capture, 4K video recording, and crazy high ISO\/low light capabilities<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 plus a cheaper price point<\/strong> than the latest 5D. You can also check out the a7S Alpha<\/a> as a used option as well.<\/p>\n

Panasonic Lumix GH5<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 $1,999<\/b><\/p>\n

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Panasonic’s Lumix GH5 rounds out our recommended list<\/strong> as a tightly contested third option. The GH5 mirrorless camera<\/strong> offers similar 4K recording (at 60p) and a powerful 20.3 megapixel four thirds sensor<\/strong>. The GH4 certainly turned heads<\/strong> when it\u00a0debuted (and is still a great option in itself<\/strong>), but the GH5 remains competitive<\/strong> in part due to its great price point.<\/p>\n

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Lenses<\/b><\/h3>\n

As with\u00a0cameras, while it’s worth it to own a few favorites<\/strong>, you can always rent a set of primes for certain shoots<\/strong>. However, to partner with your go-to DSLR or mirrorless<\/strong>, here are a few suggestions <\/strong>for\u00a0your ready-to-go bag<\/strong>. (Note: lenses listed are EF mount;\u00a0here is a great resource for lens mounts and adapters to keep in mind<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

24-105mm f\/4<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 $999<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

If you’re looking for fresh gear, investing in a package deal on your camera<\/strong> is usually a great way to save money<\/strong>. As an added bonus, many cameras these days come with a stock lens like the 24-105mm f\/4<\/strong>. No matter how you acquire it, this truly is a great lens for a shreditor<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 here’s why.<\/p>\n

At a fixed focal length<\/strong>, the 24-105 should partner well with either a full-frame or four thirds camera<\/strong> to give you the greatest amount of coverage<\/strong>. Whether you’re\u00a0running and gunning at an event<\/strong> or just rushed by a client to set up a shot<\/strong>, 70mms of zoom<\/strong>\u00a0can save time and grant\u00a0flexibility<\/strong>\u00a0to your cinematography.<\/p>\n

50mm f\/1.4<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 $349<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

Ah, the 50mm<\/strong> (or a “nifty fifty<\/em>“) has been a shooter staple for years<\/strong>. If your main lens is a f\/4 zoom<\/strong>, a f\/1.4 prime<\/strong> (or even a cheaper f\/1.8 option<\/a>) gives you the\u00a0option to lay on the style and work hair-trigger<\/strong> with some sexy shallow depth of field shots<\/strong>. This is great for close-ups and stylized tableaus<\/strong>;\u00a0<\/strong>a solid 50mm is an easy-to-carry option<\/strong> for every bag.<\/p>\n

Although it’s not a necessity<\/em>, by the same token (and depending on your camera), it wouldn’t hurt to consider a prime 35mm<\/a> or 85mm<\/a> (or both) if you can afford them. If you’re on a crop sensor and don’t want things too tight<\/strong>, or if you enjoy a good telephoto look, you have options<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

70-200mm f\/2.8<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 $1,949<\/strong> (Used: $1,099<\/a>) (Rent: $50 a day\/$84 a week<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

I do not\u00a0necessarily endorse\u00a0purchasing this mammoth zoom<\/strong> (although if you can afford it and promise to use it, go for it).\u00a0However, the\u00a0Canon 70-200mm f\/2.8<\/strong> is an absolute must for shoots when personal space is an issue and you need to set up further away from your subjects. For many, the 70-200mm is an often-rented weekend lens<\/strong> that gives you zoom\u00a0capability that will surprise you with its richness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Tripods<\/b><\/h3>\n

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\n<\/a>Image via Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

The next piece of gear you need is\u00a0a solid tripod. You have a lot of options, but Manfrotto<\/a>\u00a0is a great selection. Your ideal tripod\u00a0should be sturdy enough\u00a0not only for your<\/em> camera<\/strong>\u00a0but also for bigger cinema cameras<\/strong>,\u00a0including\u00a0any add-ons<\/strong>. However, a shreditor should also be quick on his or her feet<\/strong>, so keeping your weight and bulk down is also key<\/strong>.\u00a0Try to find a balance between bulk and sturdiness<\/strong>. Here are a few options to consider.<\/p>\n