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INTRO: When I discovered how easy it was to do portraits with video, I was sold. I had done portraits, weddings and other freelance photography gigs for over 20 years, and this difference (between shooting stills for portraits, often using flash, and shooting video) was shocking. With flash photos, the challenge was always that you had to take the shot at JUST THE RIGHT MOMENT to capture good a smile, and you had to do it over and over again (waiting for the flash to re-charge after each shot) whilst encouraging the person to keep smiling as they endured the process. Now, compare this to my first day using VIDEO to shoot portraits: There were 5 or 6 employees that needed a business-style portrait, and none of them had the time for it. I simply composed the shot, rolled video and held a casual conversation with each subject (for about 5 minutes each) and pulled the best frames from the video files. I was completely done in less than an hour. Not only that, but they all like their pictures. One person remarked "I NEVER look good in portraits, but these (look good)!" ABOVE:  Portrait subjects don't always sit still, as they typically don't have time to waste (especially business shoots). This is one reason I think video portraits work better. WHAT IS 6K/4K PHOTO MODE? What we're talking about here is Panasonic's 6K/4K PHOTO mode. It's tech that's been around for almost 10 years, but somehow it never caught on. (I have a theory as to why it didn't work (back then) but I've also got an idea that I think can make it work now.) If you haven't heard of Panasonic's LUMIX 6K/4K PHOTO modes, they're video recording modes, designed for extracting still images, but they allow you to shoot in 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratios, instead of the traditional 16:9 video aspect ratio, and I prefer to shoot HORIZONTALLY (to increase the cropping options) and I'll talk more about this point soon. ABOVE:  A while back, DPReview did a segment on 6K/4K PHOTO mode, which I thought was pretty good, but to me it seemed like they put too much emphasis on the "180-degree shutter" rule issue. WHY SHOOT PORTRAITS WITH VIDEO? So then, why do I like using this mode to shoot PORTRAITS? Well having been a stills-only photographer myself (who is transitioning to video) I've found it's much easier to shoot portraits using video, for both time and other reasons (it captures much better facial expressions). I do understand there are pros and cons of using video to capture stills, because you need to use high shutter speeds to freeze the action (with the resulting videos not following the traditional "180-degree shutter" rule) but once you know this part, capturing portraits using 6K or 4K video, has very few downsides. The biggest objection some have is that you won't be capturing in RAW (as of yet) because these modes currently capture as compressed video files, and only allow you to extract a compressed JPEG. This brings up the topic of shooting JPEGs SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera) and this is where I've come up with a solution. I've been working to create this really nice website where I share custom SOOC settings, for shooting with my budget filmmaking cameras, SOOC! WHY HASN'T "6K/4K PHOTO MODE" BECOME POPULAR? You might be like me and be asking "If these (6K/4K PHOTO modes) were such a good idea, why didn't they catch on?" or "Why aren't all photographers using this for portraits already? My guess is that photographers haven't been willing to stop shooting in RAW, because they haven't mastered shooting SOOC (Straight Out of Camera). I know that makes a lot of people worried, because not shooting in RAW means figuring out how to get a quality image using in-camera settings, and that's a challenge...especially in the area of dynamic range. However, dynamic range is not as important as you may think for PORTRAIT photography (as it would be for landscapes, etc.) but it is still a challenge, as it means you have to master lens choice and in-camera settings. So, this comes back to the fact that I created a database of all my CUSTOM (SOOC) CAMERA SETTINGS (specific to each lens and camera I've owned) and the exciting part, is this could unlock this door to the almost-lost but powerful feature Panasonic created, called "6K/4K PHOTO" mode! WHY IT CAN WORK NOW (CUSTOM "SOOC" SETTINGS) So, the big question is, how are we going to control the image quality if we can't shoot in RAW? Well, I'm super excited to introduce an idea I've been working on for the last year (or so). I'm calling it " Lens-Sensor Specific SETTINGS & LUTS ". So, the answer is "Yes! There is a way to get great results by shooting SOOC (Straight Out of Camera)". Huh? Really? Lens-sensor-WHATs, you may say? Okay, there's much to talk about for this topic (since it's literally why I created my website to start with ). So, if you want to read that whole story, there's another article on my BLOG page (links at the bottom of it) about What Camera Settings Are Best (Differs For Each Lens?) Then after that, carry on below: HOW TO (TIPS): USE 6K/4K PHOTO MODES (PANASONIC) USE A FAST SHUTTER, HIGH ISO (NOT 180°) USE CONSTANT LIGHT SOURCES ('COURSE) WHITE BALANCE (FOR EVERY SCENE) USE LOW-LIGHT LENSES (2.8 OR LESS) USE MY (SOOC) LENS-SENSOR SETTINGS SHOOT HORIZONTALLY (BUT IN 4:3 OR 3:2) START A CONVERSATION (& START ROLLING) ABOVE:  While you could use almost any camera to record 4K video portraits, the best way is to use a camera that has a 6K/4K PHOTO mode (Panasonic) so you can shoot 4:3 or 3:2 "open gate" horizontal video (not 16:9) for more cropping options. TIP 1 USE 6K/4K PHOTO MODES (PANASONIC) The first tip would be to use a camera that has 6K/4K PHOTO mode, not only because it makes it easier to start and stop recording images (including options for pre-burst capture) but it also allows you to record in sort of "open gate" video aspect ratios of 3:2 or 4:3, which provide more cropping options than shooting vertical (9:16) video. You could kind of make this work with any camera that can record in 4K, but it would be recording in a 16:9 aspect ratio which would pretty much mean you'd need to shoot vertically to have a decent amount of image resolution...and I don't like shooting vertical video (see TIP #7 ). MY FAVES WITH 4K (OR 6K) PHOTO MODE: Panasonic G7  #ad   (4K) Panasonic GX85  #ad (4K) Panasonic G85  #ad (4K) Panasonic G9  #ad (6K) Panasonic GH5  #ad (6K) TIP 2 USE A FAST SHUTTER, HIGH ISO (NOT 180° SHUTTER RULE) The main reason (I believe) photographers and filmmakers haven't picked up on the benefits of using the 6K/4K PHOTO modes (on Panasonic cameras) is they don't (typically) agree about what SHUTTER SPEED to use. Photographers usually go for the highest shutter speed possible (to reduce blur) and filmmakers use a rule called the "180-degree shutter rule". I think shooting portraits with video will work okay (for both sides) though, as you can use a shutter speed of 1/60 second (if the subject isn't moving too fast) and that works with that 180-degree shutter rule (it's double or 2x the 30p frame rate used by the 6K/4K PHOTO modes). TIP 3 USE CONSTANT LIGHT SOURCES ('COURSE) 'Course you would use constant light sources, this is video, right? Don't worry though, I like to keep things pretty simple, and I don't (generally) add light OUTDOORS. Then, for INDOOR shoots, I use my very simple technique I call " T-lighting ". T-Lighting is a really easy way to get "cinematic" lighting (for video or stills) in a few minutes. It means you don't have to bother with tricky "3-point lighting" techniques that require more gear and setup time (including setting up a pesky hair light on a boom, etc.) ABOVE:  Video portraits require constant light sources, of course. When you're shooting INDOORS, you'll probably need to add light, so I just use 2 lights (using my T-Lighting  method). When I'm OUTDOORS, I like to keep it simple by not adding light (if possible). TIP 4 WHITE BALANCE (FOR EVERY SCENE) Using the SOOC method (and not relying on RAW and fixing stuff in post-production) means you'll have to get your white balance right. The CUSTOM SETTINGS I recommend make the picture profile settings work well to get the exposure right (using the viewfinder) but it's still a challenge to get the white balance right. Some lenses tend to have their own "color bias" (too orange/warm or too blue/cool, for example) so you can't always rely on the camera's built-in white balance presets if you want an accurate rendition of a scene. You'll also run into a variety of non-standard lighting conditions including sunsets or early morning (what they call "golden hour") which aren't covered by most camera's WB presets! ABOVE:  My custom (lens-sensor specific) settings do a lot of things to keep scenes looking "REAL" but they don't fix the white balance (sometimes keeping up can be a challenge). TIP 5 USE LOW-LIGHT LENSES (2.8 OR LESS) Unfortunately, this tip is not always budget-friendly, as low light lenses are (usually*) more expensive than non-low-light lenses. The good thing is, this tip primarily (no pun intended) applies to shooting INDOORS (without adding lights). So, when shooting video portraits (or using 6K/4K PHOTO modes in general) you may need to shoot at higher shutter speeds than video people normally do for video, to "freeze" the action (i.e. you don't want motion blur). This is because you'll be pulling still frames from the video. This means you may need to "fast" glass of F/2.8 or less (at least F/1.4 for Micro Four Thirds) when shooting in low light situations. However, you need to be careful when you shoot with wide aperture, low light lenses though, as there is far less depth of field, so making sure the subject is IN FOCUS can be challenging!) Shooting with a lot of background blur does help create that "cinematic" look though, which is how I describe my style to portrait clients. ABOVE:  A budget-friendly (inexpensive) way to rig a low light lens (for Micro Four Thirds) is to use the Viltrox Nikon-mount NF-M43x .71x focal reducer    #ad  (avoid the Canon-mount version) and add a Nikon 50 1.8    #ad  to it. This turns it into an approximately f/1.2 lens, which provides enough light, for most situations. TIP 6 USE MY (SOOC) LENS-SENSOR SETTINGS Shameless plug here: my "lens-sensor specific" custom camera SETTINGS are an absolute lifesaver in this situation, and if you're not familiar with them, check out my Budget Filmmaking CAMERAS page. What I do is calibrate each lens to make the video footage look as close to "real" as possible using SOOC (Straight Out of Camera) in-camera settings. I do this so I can hand the video portraits over to the customer immediately (on-location) and for details skip to TIP #10. ABOVE:  I've been testing a lot of lenses (with the cameras I currently have available to me) and one thing I've noticed is that not all lenses look good on certain sensors (cameras). TIP 7 SHOOT HORIZONTALLY (BUT IN A 4:3 OR 3:2 ASPECT RATIO) Before you conclude that I'm crazy, first consider that the Panasonic 6K/4K Photo modes allow you to use 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratios (in addition to the normal 16:9) so you'll have more cropping options than you might have expected from the (horizontal) video files. If you were to shoot in the normal 16:9 video aspect ratio HORIZONTALLY, vertical cropping wouldn't work too well, as the image would be tiny. You might be asking why I don't I just turn the camera on its side and shoot VERTICAL 9:16 video, and sometimes I do (when I'm using 2 or 3 cameras on one camera cage, ha, ha) but when I only use 1 camera, I find shooting HORIZONTALLY (in 4:3 or 3:2) provides more cropping options in post. WHY I SHOOT PORTRAITS HORIZONTALLY: Images can be cropped later (vertically or horizontally) Horizontal shots show more of the environment (after all, I do call them "environmental portraits") It's easier to keep the subject in the frame (with horizontal composition) It keeps me from having to change my camera mount (when shooting video vs. stills) Horizontal is the only way to shoot large groups! Using horizontal framing is good practice for filmmaking (my goal anyway) ABOVE:  After years of trying to take portraits at the perfect moment, I figured out that recording video is much easier, especially using Panasonic’s 6K/4K PHOTO modes. TIP 8 START A CONVERSATION (& START ROLLING) This is where you'll experience how easy (and fast) this portrait technique can be! Simply start a conversation with the portrait subject, press record in 6K/4K PHOTO mode (or hold it down, depending on the mode) and wait until you know you've recorded some good smiles. That's all it takes, and I find this approach of shooting video portraits not only makes the shoot go way faster, but the shots that are captured are much more natural than if a subject was "posing" for the camera (like they would with flash photography methods).  SUMMARY: So, can SOOC save the 6K/4K PHOTO mode from sinking into oblivion, and is the feature a legit photography (and filmmaking?) tool? Well, I don't know about anyone else, but I think shooting portraits with video is the only way to go, and now that I've got a library of custom SOOC camera settings, I'm ready to go, and I'm almost ready to say goodbye to using flash photography (for portraits) forever...and I made this little meme to celebrate . The following ads help fund THIS BLOG  (Click one to send me money for  100% free ) I know, sometimes these ads look the same... ...But I figure if I'm trying to make money, so why not post 3  of them eh?

INTRO: This article will cover the KIT PLANS I use for budget filmmaking AUDIO . I'll go over what I use for each of my kit levels (Minimal, Basic, Advanced). The short version is, if I only need to record audio of one person, I use my Minimal Kit (a Zoom F2 32-bit float recorder #ad + LAV mic + Comica CVM-MF1 #ad (furry windscreen). If I need to capture audio from 2 sources, I use my Basic Kit and if I need to capture audio from 3, 4 or more sources, it's my Advanced Kit . Each kit uses a simple system I call the "Proximity" method, which uses custom (mic-specific) settings that are based on the distance from the sound source, to choose my settings. So, in this article I'll go over my KIT PLANS and then I plan to cover my METHODS in the future. ABOVE:  The Zoom F2 32-bit float recorder is at the center of my kit for dialog recording. Not only can it be used with LAV mics, but it can also be used with mini (3.5mm) shotgun mics. IS BUDGET FILMMAKING AUDIO GEAR ANY GOOD? There are some budget microphones and audio recorders that are good. Some have limitations though, and that's why I created an AUDIO SETTINGS database (to save my custom settings after finding the "sweet spot" of each microphone/audio recorder combo). Budget was the first consideration, but getting good quality from the budget gear has always been my main objective. At the same time, I always try to make everything as easy as possible, so I can maintain the quality, even when I'm stressed or running low on energy. My AUDIO Kit: MINIMAL KIT: 1 LAV BASIC KIT: LAV, SHOTGUN ADVANCED KIT: LAVS, SHOTGUNS, X/Y RECORDER MINIMAL KIT 1 LAV I think the easiest way to get good audio for just one person, is to just use a Zoom F2 32-bit float recorder #ad + LAV mic + Comica CVM-MF1 #ad furry windscreen. Using this 32-bit float recorder means you don't have to set your levels. Then, adding that FURRY windscreen (otherwise known as a "deadcat") you can record either INDOORS or OUTDOORS with no worries about wind. The only thing you'll need to do is make sure you place the microphone at the correct recording distance (or proximity ) from the person's mouth. (To do this, I simply use the "hang loose" hand sign to measure the distance from the mic to the persons mouth, which is about 7 inches or 17.78 cm.) MINIMAL KIT: LAV Zoom F2 #ad (or F2-BT Bluetooth) Zoom LMF-2 Lavalier (included) Comica CVM-MF1 (Furry) #ad Eneloop Pro (AAA ) #ad SanDisk Extreme PRO® #ad BASIC KIT LAV, SHOTGUN Then, for my Basic Kit I add a mini (3.5mm) shotgun mic, and another Zoom F2, but this time the Bluetooth version. This gives me the option of using either a LAV or a mini shotgun with the Zoom F2 32-bit float recorder (which works really well in my tests). It can be used on top of the camera, but I don't generally recommend doing that (even when vlogging) as using the LAV in that scenario is much more predictable. I use the shotgun mic (at my "CLOSE" proximity) for podcasting, as well as using it in the standard "BOOM" position (and sometimes even for recording ambient audio from "AFAR"). BASIC KIT: LAV Zoom F2    #ad   (w/LMF-2 Lavalier) Zoom F2-BT    #ad   (w/LMF-2) Comica CVM-MF1 (Furry) #ad (x2) Eneloop Pro (AAA ) #ad (x2) SanDisk Extreme PRO®  #ad BASIC KIT: SHOTGUN Comica VM20 #ad (Shotgun Mic) ADVANCED KIT LAVS, SHOTGUNS, X/Y RECORDER So, this is where the kit gets a little bit more complicated (though some items are just duplicated) yet when we talk about the METHOD, that's where there's going to be a lot more information to cover. I add another shotgun mic, but this time I go for the wireless version of the Comica (the VM30). I don't usually NEED the wireless option for the second shotgun mic, and I'd actually prefer to use it wired (plugged into a 32-bit float Zoom F2) but I'm open to testing the wireless version (especially since it can be a good tool for INDOOR shoots, etc.). When it comes to my "Advanced" recording method, I also like to add an X/Y (2-channel stereo or 4-channel surround) recorder to the mix, and that's why I've tested a number of budget X/Y audio recorder options as well. This allows me to add another layer of real, ambient audio to the scene. ADVANCED KIT: LAVS Zoom F2 #ad (w/LMF-2 Lavalier) Zoom F2-BT #ad (w/LMF-2) Comica CVM-MF1 #ad (Furry) (x3) Eneloop Pro (AAA ) #ad (x3) SanDisk Extreme PRO® #ad ADVANCED KIT: SHOTGUNS Comica CVM-20 #ad Comica CVM-30    #ad   (Wireless) ADVANCED KIT: X/Y RECORDER Zoom H1essential #ad ChromLives (Windscreens)  #ad   Movo SMM2 (Shock Mount) #ad  SUMMARY: So, we will get into each METHOD with additional articles (one for each kit level, etc.) but the audio KIT isn't too complicated in a lot of ways. It starts super simple, with a single 32-bit float LAV (for the Minimal Kit ) and then adds a mini shotgun mic (and additional audio recorder) in the Basic Kit and then for the Advanced Kit you simply add another shotgun mic, then a stereo (X/Y) recorder. The following ads help fund THIS BLOG  (Click one to send me money for  100% free ) I know, sometimes these ads look the same... ...But I figure if I'm trying to make money, so why not post 3  of them eh?

INTRO: When the plastic battery door latch on my Zoom F1 broke, I was almost ready to stop recommending this budget field recorder on my website (where I have a database of CUSTOM SETTINGS for budget filmmaking AUDIO gear). My first response was to grab a strip of my trusty Gaffer Power #ad gaff tape to get it working (it won't power on if the door is open). I put off dealing with it for a bit (as all good creative procrastinators do) until I remembered I had purchased the Zoom F1 at Sweetwater.com and their service department is pretty good. So, I gave them a call, they called Zoom (directly, I guess) and within the week, a little padded envelope arrived. When I looked inside, I was stoked. Inside the envelope was 2 new battery doors (yes, 2) with re-designed METAL LATCHES! I was impressed that Zoom actually recognized the weakness of the product, and re-manufactured the battery doors. My faith in Zoom was restored...and then I tried to install the new battery door, myself. ABOVE:  Zoom fixed the battery cover issue of the Zoom F1    #ad ! They actually changed the design from being a plastic battery latch TO A METAL ONE (see picture above)! I called Sweetwater.com  (where I bought it) after my original plastic battery door latch broke (after very little use) and they contacted Zoom, who mailed a replacement part in a few days! IS A BROKEN BATTERY COVER A BIG DEAL? If the battery cover on your Zoom F1 breaks you're out of luck, because it won't power on without the door closing. I do recommend doing a quick fix with black Gaffer Power gaff tape but this isn't a very convenient long-term solution. The good news is, Zoom has re-designed the battery door with a metal latch , and they will send you a new one for free. Even better, if you bought it through Sweetwater they'll contact Zoom for you, and you'll get a replacement part in a few days (depending on where you live). However, before you decide to install this yourself, let me just say that my first recommendation is you send the unit in to Zoom (so they can do it). It's not easy, and I am quite surprised I was able to do it (I'm not very good with things like this). If you want to give it a try, expect it to take 2 or 3 hours...and then get ready to get something wrong, and have to do it all over (several times). How To Replace the Battery Cover: CONTACT ZOOM (OR SWEETWATER*) ZOOM WILL MAIL YOU THE PART(S) REMOVE THE OLD DOOR (TWO SCREWS) TAKE APART THE NEW ONE (EASY) PUT IT BACK TOGETHER (NOT EASY) STEP 1 CONTACT ZOOM (OR SWEETWATER*) If you purchased your Zoom F1 at Sweetwater.com the first step would be to call their customer service line at (800) 222-4700 or you can contact Zoom directly, either using their " Contact " page (depending where you live) or by emailing them at: info@zoom-na.com ABOVE: Go to zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/ to contact Zoom directly, or you could contact Sweetwater if you purchased it there (but I'm not sure if they can help if you didn't, etc.) STEP 2 ZOOM WILL MAIL YOU THE PART(S) The great thing about buying this through Sweetwater was that when I called them about the problem, they contacted Zoom, explained the problem, gave them my mailing address, had the part shipped to me within the week. I can't say how fast you'll get a response if you contact Zoom directly, but either way I think the best way to fix this issue is by getting the new (metal latch) version of the battery cover from Zoom. ABOVE: Zoom Corp. sent me the new (metal latch) battery door cover for free (actually two) which I received in a matter of days after talking to Sweetwater's service department. STEP 3 REMOVE THE OLD DOOR (TWO SCREWS) This is the easiest part of the whole process (of course) and as soon as you see all the pieces inside the battery door, you know how difficult the rest of the process is going to be. ABOVE: You can see where the old (plastic version) of the battery door latch broke off and is missing (to right of screwdriver head). This first step was easy (getting the old door off) but the next number of steps almost made me send it in to Zoom (which is what I recommend). STEP 4 TAKE APART THE NEW ONE (EASY) Before we take this next step, let me repeat that my first recommendation is that you send the unit in to Zoom so they can do the service on it. Like I said before, it's not easy, and I am quite surprised I was able to do it. However, if you still want to give it a try, I would budget about 2 or 3 hours for the process...and prepare to get things wrong and have to do the whole thing over, about 2 or 3 times. This first step is the easiest, but there's no going back after you start (unless you send it to Zoom after you get tired of working on it). ABOVE: Here are all of the included parts, and the new metal latch is shown at right. STEP 5 PUT IT BACK TOGETHER (NOT EASY) So, here's where the REAL fun begins. I warn you that these pictures make it look easier than it actually is, so don't expect to be able to get this right the first time (it took me about 3 times, with 30-minute breaks in-between...to keep from getting discouraged). ABOVE: The first step is to set up that little springy thingy exactly as you see it here (the left arm of the spring goes in a slot between some plastic tabs, and the right side of the spring needs to be partially tensioned (cocked) as it sits against a slot on the right. ABOVE: This next step is very tricky (not that the last one wasn't). You have to pull that metal tether thing out of the battery bay, over the metal bar (the belt slot of the recorder) and onto a little tab inside the door (it's very difficult)! It takes a very delicate touch, and multiple tries. ABOVE: Now comes the part that you won't get right the first time, and will realize that you have to do it all over again. Without moving that delicate metal tether thing off the little slot, take the black plastic plate, and place it on top of the whole thing (the trick is, you have to maintain pressure on it the whole time [with a tool or your finger] or the metal tether will move off the slot). Okay, once you've got it, don't move. ABOVE: This is the last difficult step (and maybe the most important). It's where you insert the new metal latch (shown by red arrow) into a slot, and make sure it pushes against that little springy thing we set up at the beginning. This step is very difficult to explain...what you're doing is making one side of the latch push against that spring, so it becomes "spring loaded". Again, you probably won't get this right the first time you try, and you'll find out if it worked after you finish the next step. ABOVE: Once the new metal latch has been added, you can put the two screws back in (but make sure to KEEP APPLYING PRESSURE to the top of it, until the screws are back in...or that springy thing inside (and/or the metal tether) may move...and you'll have to start all over. ABOVE: Here is what it looks like when you're all done! Make sure the metal latch works (and can be pushed either right or left to lock or unlock the battery door). Again, don't get discouraged if you don't get this right the first time. I had to completely start over (at least) three times before it worked.  SUMMARY: I must say that dealing with this battery door was quite a ride. First, there was the disappointment of the (original plastic) latch breaking and me wondering if Zoom would even have a fix for it. Then, there was the joy of remembering that I had purchased it from Sweetwater (who has a 2-year guarantee) and the interesting feelings I had when they told me Zoom was sending me replacement parts (I had anticipated a full replacement but didn't know what to expect with replacement parts). Then the exhilaration of seeing that they had re-designed the door with A METAL LATCH...but then the pain of installing it myself. If you're still reading this...I should say again: just send it in to Zoom if you can...it is not any fun to install it yourself. The following ads help fund THIS BLOG  (Click one to send me money for  100% free ) I know, sometimes these ads look the same... ...But I figure if I'm trying to make money, so why not post 3  of them eh?

INTRO: If you want quality, but don't want to spend a lot of money on cameras for budget filmmaking ($300-$600/each) these are the cameras I recommend. These don't have good AF (autofocus) so you'll have to get used to manually focusing, but they can adapt almost ANY vintage lens (ever made) and they have good IBIS, which means you'll get stabilized footage even with manual focus lenses. Oh, because 2 of these are Micro Four Thirds cameras, there's a number of tricks you'll be able to do, that you can't with full frame (the GX85 can even take a TILT/SHIFT adapter #ad ...something very few cameras can do). ABOVE:  The Panasonic G85    #ad    and GX85    #ad    are great budget filmmaking cameras  because they have great IBIS, and can adapt almost any vintage lens available. The FZ1000 is also a good deal because it has a built-in Leica telephoto lens! WHY BUY A SINGLE CAMERA? The first thing I say when people ask which camera they should buy is "Don't buy a single camera; buy 2". The #1 thing I teach about budget filmmaking is " Always shoot with (at least) 2 cameras ". The reason is, I'd rather shoot with 2 cameras and have 2 angles to choose from (when it comes to editing). The question is "How can I possibly afford 2 cameras, when I'm struggling to find a deal on just one?" You might be excited to find out, you can probably buy all 3 of these cameras, for the same price you'd pay for JUST ONE of those most YouTubers recommend! MY CAMERAS: CAMERA #1: Panasonic G85 CAMERA #2: Panasonic GX85 CAMERA #3: Panasonic FZ1000 CAMERA 1 PANASONIC G85 ($300-$500 used) If I could only buy one camera (for budget filmmaking) and didn't have much money, this might be the one I'd buy. The only reason it might not be my favorite camera EVER, is that I like using a TILT/SHIFT adapter #ad and you need the Panasonic GX85 for that (the adapter can't move up and down on the G85). WHY I LIKE THE PANASONIC G85: The low price ($300-$500 used ) It has excellent IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) It produces a good image (with most lenses ) It shoots in 4K (with no record limit) It has weather sealing (on the body, but not every lens) It matches the GX85 perfectly (same color science, sensor) It has a flip-out screen (but I actually like a flip-up at times) It has a microphone input (but I use an external audio recorder ) WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE? The AF (autofocus) is not good (I manual focus with vintage lenses anyway) You can't use TILT/SHIFT adapters on it (it hits the popup flash ledge) No headphone output (I monitor with an external audio recorder ) *I always shoot with 2 cameras, and my 2nd favorite budget filmmaking camera is the GX85. ABOVE:  My "Minimal Kit" consists of a Panasonic G85 + a GoPro (HERO4 Silver or newer). This captures two shots in one take (makes things much easier during editing). ABOVE:  The Panasonic G85 is the first camera I would buy, but because the price is so low, I'd actually add a GX85 as well to use the TILT/SHIFT adapter I love    #ad   . CAMERA 2 PANASONIC GX85 ($300-$500 used) As I mentioned, this is probably my favorite camera for budget filmmaking (but I always shoot with 2, so I'm using a G85 with it). The main reason I like this camera, is that I can turn almost any (Nikon-mount) lens into a TILT/SHIFT lens with a special (~$125 US) adapter #ad . I had always wanted a TILT/SHIFT lens, and I actually rented one at times, but they have been SO expensive, I never thought I'd own one, until now. Now, I shoot all of my WIDE shots with this camera and this TILT/SHIFT adapter #ad and I just can't imagine not shooting without one (it adds so much realism to each shot). WHY I LIKE THE PANASONIC GX85: It's also very affordable ($300-$500 used) It also has excellent IBIS (even better than the G85) It also produces a good image (almost identical to G85) It shoots in 4K (and has no record limit, same as G85) It matches G85* perfectly (same color science, sensor) It allows the use of TILT/SHIFT adapters (G85 does NOT) WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE? It doesn't have a microphone input (but you only need it on 1 camera) The battery life isn't very good (I use a dummy battery + power bank) *I always shoot with 2 cameras, and my 2nd favorite budget filmmaking camera is the GX85. ABOVE:  My favorite thing about the Lumix GX85 is that you can use a TILT/SHIFT adapter (the rangefinder style design means there is no pop-up flash to block the up/down travel). This turns this camera into a really good tool (I don't like shooting buildings without it!) ABOVE:  Here is an example of using a TILT/SHIFT adapter    #ad   with the Panasonic GX85 (I have tried a few brands, and so far the one I like is this one    #ad   on Ebay). CAMERA 3 PANASONIC FZ1000 ($300-$500 used) I have a dedicated post about the Panasonic FZ1000 , which I recommend reviewing if you're thinking about this camera, but I'll try to give the shorter, condensed version here. Overall, the FZ1000 is a really good tool, with a (built-in) 25-400mm equivalent lens (which you can control using the Image App) and a pretty good 4K image (in sufficient light, i.e. OUTDOORS) it's a super-convenient #3 camera to be able to pull out of your bag and set up quickly. It needs a camera cage to be sufficiently stable (even though it has OIS/Optical Image Stabilization in the lens) and it's not good in low light (INDOORS) but other than that, it's a camera that I really like having for adding a 3rd, close-up (or wide angle) shot, without a lot of fuss. It does have a 30-minute record limit, so it will be the camera that you have to "babysit" for longer events, but I've done it, and it's not too much of a problem (especially since the other 2 cameras, the G85 and GX85 will just keep on going after you press record). WHY I LIKE THE PANASONIC FZ1000: It's also a really good deal ($300-$600 used) It has a great (built-in) telephoto lens (25-400mm 2.8-4.0)* Focus AND ZOOM can be controlled with the app It shoots in 4K (and looks good with custom settings ) It takes the same battery as the G85 #ad (and G7) WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE? It's not good in low light (I use only OUTDOORS) It needs ND OUTDOORS (I use a good ND8 filter #ad not a variable ND) It has a 30-minute record limit (you'll need to hit record again) *If you were to purchase an equivalent telephoto lens, it would be more than this camera! ABOVE:  The Panasonic FZ1000 is a great tool for the price. You can check out my blog post about it here: Is the Panasonic FZ1000 Good for Budget Filmmaking?    SUMMARY: So, if you want to buy a 2 or 3 camera system FOR LESS THAN $1000, I highly recommend these three cameras. There are certainly limitations to using the smaller Micro Four Thirds (G85 and GX85) sensors, and even more limitations when using the 1-inch sensor on the FZ1000, but I think they can do the job in most situations, and having 2 or 3 camera angles is a great way to create a professional look...way better than having a single camera angle, and using "jump cuts" throughout your production. Anyway hope this helps, and make sure to use my custom settings for CAMERAS and AUDIO to get "REAL" looking footage from of your cameras, and "GOOD" audio from your mics. The following ads help fund THIS BLOG  (Click one to send me money for  100% free ) I know, sometimes these ads look the same... ...But I figure if I'm trying to make money, so why not post 3  of them eh?

INTRO: Have you ever thought about shooting SOOC, but were worried the dynamic range would suffer? Well, I don't want to be that confrontational guy who says "Don't ever shoot in LOG" but I will say, I've been working on a solution that can not only make SOOC video work, but that can help improve the relationship between the lens and the sensor (because each lens sends light to a sensor differently). So, in this blog post I'll cover a few of the reasons I use "I-Cs" (In-Camera Settings) and why I think it's a better option for those of us who aren't experts in color grading (vs. shooting flat or in LOG). You'll have to admit shooting SOOC is a lot more fun, but you're probably wondering how it will affect your "dynamic range". Well, you may be surprised how good it can be when using my custom (lens-sensor specific) settings . ABOVE:  This blog post will explain why I use custom (lens-sensor specific) camera settings and an SOOC workflow, and how it not only makes it easy to color grade  (compared shooting "flat" or in a LOG profile) but makes the whole experience more enjoyable, overall. WHAT IS "SOOC FOR VIDEO"? You may not have heard the term SOOC in the context of shooting VIDEO. Or, you may have HEARD of it, but never thought it was legit idea for video capture. So, let's go over the definition, and my take on using it for video. SOOC means "Straight Out of Camera" and as I mentioned, it's been primarily used by "lazy" still photographers who didn't want to shoot RAW (and process their images later). You might say, the photographers who do this are "fake" photographers, and Jared Polin (@froknowsphoto) and his clever series of "I Shoot RAW" t-shirts, made this idea into sort of a religion. On the other hand, for those who shoot SOOC, it's kind of an anti-post-production movement of sorts, of which I understand some of the applications (a lot of news, sports and other quick-turnaround jobs require shooting in JPEG, etc.) The real question is then, are there any benefits to an SOOC workflow for VIDEO? I guess the first, and most obvious application is LIVE video, but beyond that you might ask "What's the point?" The short story is, I figured out a way to make SOOC video work but the long story is, I had to create a library of custom settings to make it work. ABOVE:  In the video above, I'm showing a test of how using CUSTOM (lens-sensor specific) camera settings can improve the image SOOC (this blog post will explain why I use what I'm calling an "Almost SOOC" workflow). WHAT ARE "LENS-SENSOR SETTINGS"? So, you probably already knew what SOOC meant, but you may be wondering what "lens-sensor settings" are. This, as I mentioned, has been a long story, but I've published a lot of podcast episodes about it (plus some YouTube lens-sensor settings test videos) that tell and show more about this concept (links at the bottom of this page). So, go ahead and check out those resources first if you want additional info. Why I Shoot SOOC (vs. Log or "Flat") IT'S EASIER TO JUDGE EXPOSURE IT'S EASIER TO JUDGE COMPOSITION IT'S MORE INSPIRING THAN "SHOOTING FLAT" IT'S A LOT LESS EXPENSIVE IT MAKES POST-PRODUCTION SO EASY! REASON 1 IT'S EASIER TO JUDGE EXPOSURE I'm not sure how to say this, but the people who tell you that you need to be able to read a histogram, and set your "zebras" correctly to judge exposure, are a bit idealistic. Most of us didn't know how to do these things when we were first starting out, and even after we learned, we'd still would mess up our exposure while shooting in log modes. So, who's to say that using your screen to judge exposure, doesn't work? You DO need a camera with an accurate screen, but if it has that, I think this method can be more accurate than mentally decoding a histogram into the light and dark areas that make up a scene. It's especially important if you're using a stepless (de-clicked) aperture or a variable ND to adjust exposure, (because you'll need to see the actual image, as you make these adjustments). Then, if we are telling people to use "zebras" to avoid highlight clipping, I would say we can do that by looking at a non-log version of the image on the screen. Who really wants to have those little zebra lines all over our image when shooting anyway? I think that can destroy creativity even more! That leads me to my next two points about composing your image, and about just plain feeling inspired in the process. ABOVE:  Getting the exposure right is much easier when your image is WYSIWYG  (What You See Is What You Get). Using my custom SOOC settings makes the image on the camera monitor a lot closer to the final image, and it's therefore easier to judge exposure. REASON 2 IT'S EASIER TO JUDGE COMPOSITION Trying to compose a shot can be tricky if the screen you're looking at is all grayish. My first tip was a bit technical (judging exposure, etc.) but this one (and the next) fall more into the "artistic" category...yet the same principle applies: It's MUCH easier craft an image, when you're not looking at a screen of grayish-looking, log footage! You might say "It CAN be done, You're just LAZY!" but my point is that it can't be done AS WELL, because you're not looking at an image that is accurate to the final image. It feels almost like going back to shooting film, when you have to imagine what your final image will look like, not being able to see the image you're actually recording. It also reminds me of the early days of digital (still) cameras, where the best advice you could give an aspiring photographer was "Don't trust the screen on the back of your camera, and make sure to look at your images on a good, calibrated computer screen." So, to make composition easier, use my custom camera settings and get your image looking good, in-camera. ABOVE:  My custom (lens-sensor specific) camera settings  make it easier to "get artistic" while you're trying to compose your image, because you'll see exactly what you're getting. REASON 3 IT'S MORE INSPIRING THAN "SHOOTING FLAT" This point is almost a repeat of the last, but this one is more focused on the struggles artists go through creating an image. It emphasizes what we call the "intangible" aspects of the craft of filmmaking, the part that is art (there's more to capturing a good image than having a technical mindset). So, if you're an "ar-teest" shooting with my SOOC videos settings should make your job a lot more enjoyable...but, I know you're probably still waiting for me to prove your dynamic range won't suffer (more resources are below). REASON 4 IT'S A LOT LESS EXPENSIVE There are a number of reasons why using the SOOC method (and not relying on RAW and fixing stuff in post-production) is less expensive. The first is that you don't have to buy a camera with RAW video (or just 10-bit) capabilities. I'm looking forward to the day when said cameras are actually affordable, but until then, I think we can make 8-bit work better than it has been (at least while we're in our Fake Filmmaking stage of growth). Another reason it's less expensive to shoot SOOC is that (if you have an accurate screen on your camera) you don't necessarily have to buy an external monitor that can load a LUT. You can, and you still might want to (just to have a larger screen and focus-peaking assistance) but my main point is that using my SOOC settings makes it possible to use your camera's built-in screen if you need to. Then, if you add an external monitor for some reason, you really don't need to load a LUT, because my CUSTOM SETTINGS usually get you pretty close (it will depend on each lens-sensor combination). Furthermore, there are a number of other technical things that can be easier when using the SOOC technique, such as getting your white balance right (not saying you shouldn't buy a Color Checker if you can afford it). REASON 5 IT MAKES POST-PRODUCTION SO EASY! This is the part that will make you feel lazy, but shameless plug here: my "lens-sensor specific" camera settings are what make it all work (and the LUT does the final tweak). If you're not familiar with the concept of my CUSTOM SETTINGS check them out on my Budget Filmmaking CAMERAS page. How it works is that (after I calibrate each lens for each camera sensor) you simply use my custom settings while shooting, then apply my mild LUT (to finish the image). You'll need to adjust for exposure, add sharpening and check white balance, but there's not much else you need to do (so much easier than a LOG workflow)! ABOVE:  My custom (lens-sensor specific) camera settings help make video footage look as close to what I call "real" as possible...SOOC (Straight Out of Camera) but I am working to make a "finishing LUT" for each combination also.  SUMMARY: If you're skeptical about shooting SOOC for video, go ahead and try some of the settings on my website (if you have the same camera and lenses I have). After you try some, I think you'll see they can do a pretty good job in the area of dynamic range, and the workflow is SO much faster and easier than shooting flat or in log! If you want more information about this process and why I think SOOC video can work, check out some of my podcast episodes (and other articles on my blog) listed in the links below, and I hope we meet again. To learn more about how and why I create and use Lens-Sensor LUTs & Camera Settings check out the following podcast episodes: MORE INFO: Lens-Sensor LUTS: Every Lens Has It's Own Story Why and How I Shot Match (Using Lens-Sensor LUTs) Why LUTs Should Be Lens-Sensor Specific When I Use Camera Color Settings vs. LUTs Using Camera Color Settings In Addition to LUTs The Easy Way to Use LUTs (Introducing Base LUTs) The following ads help fund THIS BLOG  (Click one to send me money for  100% free ) I know, sometimes these ads look the same... ...But I figure if I'm trying to make money, so why not post 3  of them eh?

INTRO: As a budget photo & video geek, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of using a speed booster on my Micro Four Thirds cameras. The concept is to take a relatively inexpensive lens (like the Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8 D) and transform it into a 35mm f/1.2 with the help of a (.71x) speed booster. The idea is cool, but the high price tag of (some) of these adapters in the past (not saying names) has made it kind of unattainable for me. Then along came the Viltrox brand; a lower budget option that seemed like the perfect solution. I bought one, then 2 more, and I was happy... until they ruined 2 of my favorite cameras (a LUMIX GX85 and then my G85). Let's talk about what happened, and try to figure out if there is any safe ways to use these things. BTW, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a commission (at no cost to you) if you make a purchase through a link. You probably already know that I don't recommend the Canon to Micro Four Thirds Viltrox EF-M2ii speed booster. It fried the electronics of my Panasonic GX85. if you haven't heard the story, you can read my conversations and notes on my YouTube short  regarding it. The Story: WHY WE LIKE SPEED BOOSTERS ISSUES WITH THE CANON-MOUNT (EF-M2II) ABOUT THE NIKON-MOUNT (NF-M43X) WHAT ABOUT METABONES? PERHAPS PIXCO THEN? THE AFTERMATH: A HOLE IN MY KIT LOW-LIGHT ALTERNATIVES ? WHY WE LIKE SPEED BOOSTERS Speed boosters can significantly enhance the capabilities of Micro 4/3 cameras. For instance, the Nikon mount version allows you to use older, budget-friendly lenses while achieving a wider aperture. The Canon mount version, which I previously recommended, is pricier at around $220, but it also offers similar benefits. Unfortunately, I had to stop recommending it after experiencing electronic issues with my Canon mount speed booster, which ultimately led to problems with my Panasonic GX85. ISSUES WITH THE CANON-MOUNT (EF-M2II) The Canon mount Viltrox EF-M2ii speed booster/focal reducer caused significant electronic issues with my GX85. I was using an old Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX lens, and the combination resulted in glitches, corrupted files, and erratic behavior with the shutter speed dial. Despite attempts to factory reset the camera, the problems persisted, leading me to conclude that the speed booster was the culprit. I'm not the only one who has had problems with this speed booster...After this damaged the electronics of my Panasonic GX85, I cringed watching the guy in this video attaching the adapter to a bunch of his cameras! ABOUT THE NIKON-MOUNT (NF-M43X) My troubles didn’t end with the Canon mount Viltrox EF-M2ii. I initially believed that the Nikon mount Viltrox focal reducer (the NF-M43x) would be a safer bet since it has no electronic contacts. I recommended it to others, especially for those who don’t need autofocus. However, disaster struck when I dropped my Panasonic G85 while I was out shooting sports. The camera fell onto a hard surface, and upon reviewing my photos, I discovered a scratch in the upper left corner of every image. Upon inspection, I found that the scratch was on the lower right corner of the lens, which is the opposite of where it appeared in the photos. It seems the impact of the drop caused the stabilized sensor to move, causing it to impact and scratch the sensor of my G85. My theory is that the design of the Viltrox focal reducer places the glass element closer to the sensor than any OEM Panasonic lens, which is dangerous when using it on a camera with a stabilized sensor. This experience made me wary of Viltrox speed boosters, and actually of speed boosters overall (because of the risk of damaging your camera if it's dropped). I thought the Nikon-mount version of the Viltrox speed booster (the NF-M43x) would be safe because there are no electronic contacts on it so I started recommending it...until I dropped my G85 and it scratched the sensor. WHAT ABOUT METABONES? All of this brings up questions about the Metabones speed boosters (which are really good in a lot of ways) and if they could also scratch an IBIS sensor if dropped). I don't really know if they would even solve this problem (of potential damage with IBIS sensors) because ANY speed booster/focal reducer optic has an inner element that is closer to the sensor than OEM lenses...so they could potentially scratch a sensor too. There is a compatibility chart that does warn about some of these things, and I could guess and say that because the Metabones .64x works on the GX85 (per their chart ) that maybe the same pattern would be true for the Viltrox, but it's a .71x (so it's not an apples to apples comparison). Plus, that Metabones is NOT recommended for the G85, so it really gets sticky and I don't really want to guess with the Viltrox and ruin my camera (as I don't want anybody else to go through what I went through...losing two of their cameras). PERHAPS PIXCO THEN? I tested a third brand called Pixco, which offers focal reducers at even lower prices than Viltrox. However, I’ve found that some of their products, like the Canon FD focal reducer, do not always focus to infinity (depends on the lens) let alone the fact it might have the same problem as the Viltrox (with how close the optic gets to a stabilized sensor). So, this inconsistency can be an issue for users who may not realize that certain lenses are incompatible with their adapters. It’s super essential to test each lens with each adapter to avoid disappointment. THE AFTERMATH: A HOLE IN MY KIT As a result of these experiences, I can no longer recommend either the Canon or Nikon mount speed boosters from Viltrox. This leaves a significant gap in my camera kit, as I relied heavily on the Viltrox 0.71 focal reducer for low-light shooting and achieving a wider aperture. Now, I’m left with a scratched G85 sensor and a GX85 with electronic issues, which is incredibly frustrating. Also, I wish I still could use the focal reducer for protection (to keep the sensor from getting dust on it every time I change lenses). Yet, that's not as much of a problem as is replacing the low-light capability of a 50mm f1 .8 that turns into a 35mm f1 .2 (with the .71x focal reducer). LOW-LIGHT ALTERNATIVES? With my current situation of not being able to use speed boosters on sensors with IBIS , I’m exploring alternatives to fill the low-light void. The reason is that my tests show that a number of the budget filmmaking cameras I've used need at least an f/1.4 in some low-light situations. There are a number of good f/1.4 options from Panasonic/Leica ( @ NigelBarros has a lot of good videos on these on both of his YouTube channels ) yet due to budget, I’m considering trying some third-party 35mm f/1.4 lenses from brands like Mieke  and 7artisans . My goal is to figure out a super budget-friendly camera system that can handle almost any situation, ideally with two cameras that are under $600 each. This is becoming difficult when using only Micro Four Thirds cameras , especially now that this speed booster option has been removed. The Panasonic GX85 and G85 have served me well (when using speed boosters) but without speed boosters, they really need an f/1.4 lens in low-light situations. So, I’m contemplating upgrading to models like the Panasonic G9 or GH5, which do better in low light, and are certainly becoming more affordable and maybe adding a full-frame camera .  SUMMARY: So, while speed boosters can enhance the capabilities of Micro 4/3 cameras, my experiences have taught me to approach them with caution. The risks of damaging your camera or encountering electronic issues are significant, and I hope my story helps others make informed decisions about their gear. So, I no longer recommend either the Canon nor the (all-manual) Nikon mount version of the Viltrox speed booster. The reason is that the risk of ruining your camera (especially if you drop it) is just too great. Here's the  PODCAST   that inspired this blog post. The following ads help fund THIS BLOG (Click one to send me money for 100% free ) I know, sometimes these ads look the same... ...But I figure if I'm trying to make money, so why not post 3 of them eh???