LANDSCAPE DEADPAN SHOOT. Filming, Filters, Focus advice, Camera Settings!
 

Hello to all,


Im very new to the Canon XL1, just bought one in excellent condition. Have tested it and the results are amazing! So im happy.

Anyhow, ive come to you guys for some advice.. This is my situation.

Im wanting to film an open landscape next week. A deadpan shot film 2 minutes long. Im wondering about camera settings including Aperture / Focus / UV & ND Filters.

For maximum focus of foreground and background should i turn off auto focus? Set the aperture to f16?

Camera mounted on tripod. Turn off image stabiliser, ?

Turn off ND switch ?

What about the filters? Are they necessary?

Id appreciate any help on this, if anyone knows whats best or has any other advice please let me know!!!

Thankyou all

Carl

- For maximum focus of foreground and background should i turn off auto focus? Set the aperture to f16?

Best sharpness in image is not at f/16. probably more like F/5.6 or so. Depth of field will still be substantial. However, do some tests to see if it meets your needs. If you can, try carry a good monitor to judge focus and depth of field. Auto focus is for when you really need it because you do not have time to manually focus. AF may not produce great results in many situations.

- Camera mounted on tripod. Turn off image stabiliser, ?

In general, yes, if the tripod is good and stable.

- Turn off ND switch ?

Depends on the amount of light. If it is bright you may need the ND filter to keep exposure (aperture, shutter, and gain) in the range you want.

- What about the filters? Are they necessary?

Again depends on the lighting and the artistic effect you want to achieve. A circular polarizer is often handy for outdoor shooting, especially with bright sun. Other filters are used to balance color, or some other effect. Use filters for effects that cannot be achieved nicely in post. Keep in mind tht filters equal more glass and more opportunities for stray reflectison, flare, dust, etc.