DSLR Video - T5i - Intro

From Help Wiki

Shooting Video on the Canon Rebel DSLR T5i

Notes

  • Media Loan has several models of rebels. The T5i uses battery type LP-E8. These are not cross-compatible with other batteries, or power supplies.
  • Additional accessories including AC adapter cables, memory card readers, lenses, and remotes are available separately through Media Loan.
  • It is recommended to use a tripod, or monopod, to reduce camera shake.
  • When using the default zoom lens aperture changes will occur during a change in focal length - zooming while recording video is not recommended.
  • Using autofocus during movie shooting can cause the lens to adjust continuously and create noises with sound recording. Use an external microphone to prevent this, or use only manual focus.
  • Shooting for extended periods of time can cause the sensor to overheat, resulting in image artifacts, and/or shutting down. If this happens please turn the camera off for a while and wait for it to cool down.

Movie Recording Time Limits

  • With a 16GB memory card, the total recording legnth for a 1920x1080 video setting is 44 minutes.
  • An individual movie file has a maximum size of 4GB. If a file reaches this limit, it will create a new file automatically - no need to restart recording.
  • The maximum recording time for a single movie clip is 29 minutes, 59 seconds. Once a clip reaches this time it will stop automatically. To resume recording press the video record button.


Camera Settings

  1. Turn off both Auto Focus and Image Stabilizer switches on the lens
  2. Turn the camera switch to the movie mode (camera icon)
  3. Press the Menu button and adjust the following settings Canon Rebel T5i Video Settings Guide
  4. Press the red video record button near the viewfinder to start video recording. Press once more to stop.


Shooting Settings

Set the ISO/ASA: (film grain - light sensitivity)

  • Press the ISO button and use the scroll wheel to adjust values.
  • Anything above 800 will look pretty grainy.


Set White Balance:

  • Take a shot of a white piece of paper in the subject area.
  • In the menu settings select that white image as the custom white balance reference.
  • Press Display.
  • Press Quick menu.
  • Select custom white balance using the scroll wheel.
  • Press Quick menu to exit.


Adjust exposure:

  • SHUTTER - turn the scroll wheel to adjust the shutter speed. Anything below 1/60 of a second will have motion blur. For fast moving subjects increase the shutter speed above 1/60th.
  • APERTURE - press the Av button while turning the scroll wheel to expand or contract the aperture/iris. This will directly affect the depth of field.


Focus:

  • It is recommended to only use manual focus when shooting video.
  • Before recording, use the focus assist zoom button to toggle magnification x5, or x10 to do critical focus on the subject, and rotate the focus ring on the lens until the image is clear.
  • When using autofocus during video recording press the shutter half-way to do focus. This may cause the lens movement to be recorded on the audio track.


Start Recording:

  • Press the camera button with the red dot directly next to the viewfinder to start video recording. (Pressing the shutter will only take a still image).
  • Press the video record button again to stop.

It is recommended to have pre and post roll before and after each shot.

Saving Footage

Copy the entire contents of the camera memory card INTACT to the local computer, or an external drive.

  1. Turn off the camera.
  2. Remove the memory card and insert into the provided card reader on the computer desk in the MML, or Non-Linear suites. -Card readers are also available for checkout from Media Loan.
  3. Create a folder with your name on the Storage or Local Work drive.
  4. Copy the entire DCIM folder from the memory card into your folder. DO NOT make any changes to this folder, or its contents.
  5. Eject the memory card by dragging to the trash.
  6. Preview clips by navigating to files with the .mov extension inside the DCIM folder.
  7. Put the memory card back into the camera and re-format before returning equipment to Media Loan.


Resources

T5i Manual

Virtual Camera

DIY Steadicam