Getting Started

Out of the box a DSLR camera can shoot pretty good video (audio, on the other hand, not so much). But which camera you use (or buy if you don’t have one) should depend on several factors. In this chapter I’ll first explore the features that really matter when using a DSLR camera to shoot video. Next, I’ll talk about the most useful items to add to your camera kit (like camera support) (Figure 2.1).

Figure 2.1. Using a monopod helped me stabilize my shot, which was useful because I was shooting from a distance. The use of a loupe also helped me better judge my exposure and focus. A monopod is very similar to a tripod but has only a single leg. It is useful for reducing camera bobbles and shakes. Photo by Meghan Ryan-Harrington.