Real estate DSLR video - 24fps vs 30fps
If you are using a DSLR to film your property, here are a couple of tips when shooting.
1) Do NOT use 24pfs
You might have read about film makers using 24fps to make their movies and think that is a great alternative to help you films look more like the stuff coming out of Hollywood. Well, those filmmakers are using film cameras that are designed to shoot in a variety of modes including the old non-digital standard of 24fps. However, if you choose to try it with your DSLR, you will have Shutter stutter and in the worst cases Shutter roll.
I've included two examples of video shot on a Canon DSLR 70D in both 24fps and 30fps and the difference while panning is very noticeable. I would even say that 24fps is not useable, if you want your client to appreciate your property and not be distracted by the strange stuttering - and isn't that the reason to use film in property sales, to increase your audience's appreciation of the space?
This first video is at 24fps, not color correct or edited in any way. Full camera settings are below the video for your reference
24fps
Canon 70D
EFS Canon Kit Lens 18-135
ISO 640
F 4:0
Manual Focus - approximately 15' from tripod
Manual Mode
Camera White Florescent Lighting presetting
Camera card is the stock Lexar 32GB 200x (I've also tested this with a 32GB 600x card with no difference)
Compression: ALL-1 (the least amount of compression, largest file size and greatest demand on camera/card ability)
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2) Do USE 30fps
Modern DSLRs have come a long way and are great for shooting video on a budget. I highly recommend shooting at 30fps to create the smoothest pans as well as tilts in your property shots. Below you will see another example shot at the same time on the same camera with the same settings as the earlier video. Again full camera settings are listed below the video for your reference.
30fps
Canon 70D
EFS Canon Kit Lens 18-135
ISO 640
F 4:0
Manual Focus - approximately 15' from tripod
Manual Mode
Camera White Florescent Lighting presetting
Camera card is the stock Lexar 32GB 200x (I've also tested this with a 32GB 600x card with no difference)
Compression: ALL-1 (the least amount of compression, largest file size and greatest demand on camera/card ability)
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If you do want your films to look their best, my recommendations are as follows:
1. Use the camera in Manual Mode and learn to understand how to set the shutter, camera speed, ISO, Focus and white balance.
2. Bring a professionally calibrated 'white card'. This will be extremely helpful in post-editing to make your video color seem as natural as possible. Some examples here: a) Least expensive and not calibrated - 7x5" 3-in-1 cards b) Calibrated, large and can be folded - 14" collapsible travel disc (This is a professionally calibrated balance disc that is also large enough to put in the environment to get an accurate reading of the white and density balance)
3. Use slow movements to allow your audience to appreciate the setting and the beauty of the property.
4. Use occasional dramatic sweeps to add excitement to the property
5. Add variety with some close-ups of details or if you can add a focus rack or reveal, these are nice as well. Be careful not to over do it, or your audience will be taken out of the experience and you could potentially lose them.
6. Use editing software to color correct or color grade your footage. I can't recommend this enough as it will give the highest professional result to make your video look it's best. You can read an indepth tutorial on how to Color Correct your Real Estate Video here.
7. If managing all the complexities of shooting video are too time consuming, then hiring a professional to do the job for you might be the best option.
You can also read a more indepth post regarding How to Shoot Real Estate Video like a Pro here.
The Canon 70D DSLR is a great camera if you understand it's limitations and benefits. It has fantastic silent focusing, facial tracking and many other great features that make it a good camera choice for making videos. If you are considering a camera of this quality, here is a great package and you can read the REVIEWS from AMAZON.
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If you would like a video for your product or service,
call PalbergWERX Creative Direction
at 604-356-1144 or email me at PBWX@outlook.com
I can help you craft a video that will represent your company's brand and values
as well as resonate and engage your customers - and that is the recipe for increased sales.