Cinematography Essentials: Camera and Gimbal Settings

Camera and Lens

• The video is shot on a Sony a7c, a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor camera, chosen for its affordability and full-frame capability.
• The camera is paired with a Ronin lens, a full-blown Cinema lens that allows for aperture control on the lens itself and provides features like focus and zoom control.

Ronin Gimbal Balance and Auto-Tune

• The Ronin RS2 gimbal requires balancing before use to ensure smooth shots.
• Balancing involves checking the incline angle and using the app to auto-tune the motors, which helps the gimbal sit in the right area and eliminates listing.

Shooting Video

• The camera is set up in 4K mode, with the lowest possible f-stop to let in as much light as possible.
• The ISO is set to around 200 to achieve a bright look, and the shutter speed is slightly faster than usual for indoor shooting.
• The video features a mix of slide, orbit, and crane shots from different angles to showcase the house.
• The slower the frame rate, the slower the movement should be.
• Auto-exposure can be utilized creatively to showcase different aspects of a room.

Video Packages and Tours

• There are different video packages, including video fly-through tours, but not all houses are suitable for fly-throughs.
• In such cases, regular video with slides, cranes, and orbits can be used to create a compelling sequence.

Working with Natural Light

• Timing is essential when working with natural light, as it can greatly impact the footage.
• Shooting during the golden hour or at sunset can result in beautiful, dramatic shots.

Transitioning to Photo Mode

• The camera is switched to aperture priority mode for photo shooting, with a super-wide-angle lens and flash.
• Photos are taken from high angles, in the corners of rooms, to showcase the space and provide a sense of grandeur.
• The camera's ability to stack exposure allows for capturing details both inside and outside through windows.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• It's essential to take multiple photos and videos to ensure coverage of all aspects of the property.
• Attention should be paid to excluding the filmer from reflective surfaces, like mirrors, in bathroom shots.
• Detail photos can add interesting context to the overall video and photo package.

Camera and Lens

• Sony a7c camera used for its affordability and full-frame sensor capability.
• Ronin lens used for aperture control, focus, and zoom control.

Ronin Gimbal Balance and Auto-Tune

• Balancing the Ronin RS2 gimbal is necessary for smooth shots.
• Balancing involves checking the incline angle and using the app for auto-tune.

Shooting Video

• Camera set up in 4K mode with lowest possible f-stop for maximum light.
• ISO set to around 200 for a bright look.
• Shutter speed slightly faster than usual for indoor shooting.
• Mix of slide, orbit, and crane shots used for variety.
• Slower frame rates require slower movement.
• Auto-exposure can be used creatively to highlight different aspects of a room.

Video Packages and Tours

• Video packages include fly-through tours, but not all houses are suitable.
• Regular video with slides, cranes, and orbits can be used as an alternative.

Working with Natural Light

• Timing is crucial when working with natural light.
• Shooting during golden hour or sunset can produce dramatic shots.

Transitioning to Photo Mode

• Camera switched to aperture priority mode for photo shooting.
• Super-wide-angle lens and flash used.
• High-angle shots taken from room corners to showcase space.
• Camera's exposure stacking ability captures details inside and outside through windows.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Take multiple photos and videos to ensure complete property coverage.
• Exclude the filmer from reflective surfaces, like mirrors, in bathroom shots.
• Detail photos add context to the overall video and photo package.