The DSLR Cinematography Guide

What you need to know to make beautiful, inexpensive movies using a DSLR.

Now available as an updated, expanded eBook — and still 100% free. Subscribe here to receive the free PDF!

If you find this guide helpful, please buy your DSLR gear from the Amazon and B&H Photo links here.

Introduction

That “movie mode” hidden in the menu system of your new DSLR? It’s not just a novelty feature. It’s nothing short of a revolutionary, democratizing, disruptive moviemaking technology, as important as the invention of color film, 16mm, or HDTV. Not convinced? I’ve written more about how the DSLR is affecting the future of not only cinematography but also photography, as well as how their low-light sensitivity enables a whole new generation of international filmmakers to tell their story. However, the proof is in the pudding, so here are ten examples of stunning DSLR cinematography. Zacuto‘s Great Camera Shootout 2010 is another great demonstration of what DSLRs are capable of when compared to (much more expensive) 35mm film cameras.

As for my own DSLR qualifications, I recently shot two episodes of the WBP Labs/Babelgum show RADAR on a Nikon D90; several behind-the-scenes videos for Focus Features on a Canon 5d Mark II; some other DSLR footage I can’t yet talk about publicly; and I’ve lensed plenty of pre-DSLR projects (e.g. The West Side, or a music video I shot when I was 19).

Digital cinematography is changing so rapidly these days that a printed book on the subject will likely be outdated by the time it reaches store shelves; this is especially true when it comes to the rapid release cycle of DSLRs. Up-to-date information can be found on online forums, but forums lack the organizing principles of a book, and as a result it can take a ludicrously long time to piece together reliable information (I spent months forum-surfing to assemble my own camera package). Thus, this guide: I hope it saves readers money they would’ve otherwise spent on an out-of-date book, and I hope it saves forums from so many newbie — sorry, “n00b” — questions.

DSLRs (often called HDSLRs or VDSLRs now) are a great enabler on the “no film school” front, as they are priced to own and allow aspiring filmmakers to follow the “buy a camera and learn” lesson plan. But as with any creative tool, a DSLR is only as good as the person using it — because, while these cameras offer a world of advantages, they also come with a considerable set of drawbacks. However, these drawbacks are worth dealing with in order to get the kind of amazing images possible with an imaging sensor that has twenty to thirty times more surface area than that of a similarly priced, dedicated video camera. To emphasize: these cameras are not designed to shoot movies. Their primary function remains to shoot still photos, but it just so happens that they shoot amazing video very inexpensively, and for that they are worth tinkering with, hacking, and jumping through a number of hoops to use. And make no mistake: to modify these still cameras to behave like “real” movie cameras, there are a lot of hoops to jump through (thus the length of this guide), but you will be rewarded by using a camera that many of us could only dream of a few years ago, for cheaper than any of us imagined.

This guide assumes some basic knowledge of moving images, such as exposure, shutter speed, focal length, and frame rate. It focuses on the technical challenges unique to DSLR cinematography — it won’t teach you how to light scenes, stage camera movements, or cook a full English breakfast. It will, however, give you a huge jump start in figuring out how to make beautiful, inexpensive movies using a DSLR.

I can only take credit for a small percentage of the knowledge here. The vast majority of it comes from terrific user forums like DV Info, Cinema5d, DVXuser, REDuser, and Creative COW; news sites like FreshDV, Pro Video Coalition, and Planet5D; and noted DSLR users like Philip Bloom, Dan Chung, Vincent LaForet, Jon Fairhurst, Stu Maschwitz, and Shane Hurlbut (not to mention firmware luminary Tramm Hudson). I’ve tried to credit and link to others wherever possible, but ultimately this is one person’s opinion. I’ve taken a lot of findings from the forums and aforementioned users, combined them with my own experiences, and distilled everything down into one time-saving guide. Plenty of people will disagree with some of what I say here, so please make the forums your first stop after reading this guide. Let me repeat: if you have questions, take them to the forums — you’ll get a faster response and benefit from the wisdom of the crowd. Finally, take into account the crucial fact that this guide is free! It’s saving a lot of people a lot of time, and it costs nothing, so with that in mind, please keep your comments and suggestions constructive.

The guide is organized in order of basic-to-advanced, meaning you can read it from start to finish if you’re new to DSLR cinematography, or jump around using the pull-down table of contents (top right) if you’re a seasoned vet. Without further ado, click “Next” to get started!

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COMMENT POLICY

We’re all here for the same reason: to better ourselves as writers, directors, cinematographers, producers, photographers... whatever our creative pursuit. Criticism is valuable as long as it is constructive, but personal attacks are grounds for deletion; you don't have to agree with us to learn something. We’re all here to help each other, so thank you for adding to the conversation!

330 COMMENTS

Andreas Blümlein on 06.12.11 @ 8:33AM

Hello Koo,

now your very useful homepage can be found with our search engine sepcialized on film ressources, too. We hope this improves the availability of your guide.

Your drippink-team

Reply
organic gardening on 06.14.11 @ 4:46PM

Someone essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular publish amazing. Fantastic job!

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Dan on 06.16.11 @ 3:15PM

Thanks for the Great Dslr guide!
Im in a spot of bother with my Canon 550D(T2i). The footage I took of my first commercial project is jerky 1080p @24fps – with many many frames dropped. Its not the playback – its the actual footage. Ive since figured out it must be the SD card – a Verbatim 16GB Class 6.
Is there any way of fixing this footage ? I cant do it again(without travelling back to Africa!! Agghh the pain of it all….)
Can you offer any help ? I use both Final Cut Express & Sony Vegas Platinum
thanks in advance
D.

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Dirk Nienaber on 06.18.11 @ 3:15AM

Looks good,

Here’s some of my first footage shooting with a DSLR

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Michael Glynn on 06.30.11 @ 5:32AM

Hi, I have just read th matte box section and although you said you wished to replace it when you got the fund, you never actually mentioned weather you liked the Indian eBay one or weather you’d recommend it as a good start point.
I have a t2i and was just wondering if you’d recommend it. Thank you.

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Gabriel Lezcano on 07.9.11 @ 4:01PM

Me parece una maravillosa herramienta para empezar a incurcionar en esto… muchas gracias Koo.
Hoy mismo devorare los conocimientos de esta guia. Tengo 25 años de experiencia como fotografo… pero estoy incurcionando en en la cinematografia experimental, y a pesar que trabaje 15 años como productor en una agencia publicitaria, otros filmaban y editaban bajo mi direccion… y es de gran ayuda tu libro, para empezar a entender la parte tecnica de lo que esto conlleva…. te estoy muy agradecido.
G.L.

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Gabriel Lezcano on 07.9.11 @ 4:06PM

por cierto… tengo una nikon D/5100 y note que en la guia decias que la mejor propuesta hasta ese momento era la canon. Esta camara graba 1920 por 1080 hasta 30 cuadros… que calidad me ofrece eso?

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Minky Goodbrand on 07.14.11 @ 8:03AM

Thanks Koo,
I am shooting on a AG AF 101E,Been shooting Video for broadcast for nearly 30 years.This is my first filmlike
camera.Your book is of great help.
Minky Pretoria South Africa.

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Seth on 07.15.11 @ 1:25AM

What do you think of the Panasonic GH2, as compared with the Canon line of DSLRs (I know at time of press, the GH2 had not yet been released, though, you had some favorable comments about the hacked GH1′s.)

Have you had the opportunity to compare the GH2 to any Canon cameras?

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chandra sekhar on 08.1.11 @ 11:34AM

Hey…….
I’m surprised to see the contents of your guide………..it’s definitely very useful…and helps a lot to know about digital cinema.I appreciate your effort in bringing the copy without charging a single penny. I hope it’ll definitely helps me in … how to do it with digital……. Thanks a ton….gr8 work

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Juan on 08.4.11 @ 12:19PM

Hi,

I just bought my first DSLR camera Canon 60D with stock lens. I am planning to take videos with it. What other equipments will i need to take full advantage of it. So far i can use my Shotgun mic that came with my sony HXR MC50u with my 60D. Since same input connection.

Thanks,

Juan

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Gray Jones on 08.6.11 @ 9:17PM

Hi,

the guide is an absolutely amazing resource! Thanks so much for providing it!

On the next update of the guide, you really need to mention the Canon 60D. Though it suffers from one minor drawback — the HDMI output drops down to 480p resolution when recording — it is the only Canon model to my knowledge that doesn’t overheat when shooting video. We can’t all afford to buy 13 Canon 5D bodies, and even the highly-touted 7D suffers from the overheating issue.

The 60D also has an articulating screen, which is incredibly helpful, and has the same imaging chip as the 7D. Did I mention it has manual audio control? Plus, it is compatible with the Magic Lantern firmware update.

Lastly… it is far less expensive than a 7D. For shooting video, in my opinion, you really only have two options — the 60D (if you can deal with the 480p HDMI), and the 5D (if you can deal with the overheating). The only compelling reason to pay the extra bucks for a 7D seems to be the HDMI output for monitoring, you have to accept several trade-offs to get the HDMI.

My two bits…

Thanks,
Gray.

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Gray Jones on 08.6.11 @ 9:22PM

Oops! Missed the post saying the online version of the guide was more up to date than the PDF.

Should definitely mention the manual audio control on the 60D, and also that it doesn’t overheat.

Thanks,
Gray.

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Muhamadou Camara on 08.17.11 @ 3:50AM

Thanks for the resources, It helped me to learn a lot, since I am going to start using dslr’s for shooting wedding videos. Keep it coming! And if anything to keep this site running I will be happy to support, just let me know what to do.

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Daousanakis on 08.25.11 @ 4:17PM

Hi! There is a question about lenses. I want to make a lens set exclusive for dslr video (cinematography) and i m between zeiss ze primes (21, 35, 50, 85) and canon’s primes (7d owner). Suggestions?

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Marco Boerner on 08.26.11 @ 4:24AM

Great guide!! Thanks a lot for all the work you put in!!

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Ben Montsho on 10.15.11 @ 3:19PM

Hi Koo i would love to RED 2/3 SCARLET to shoot most of my stuff but eish!!! have no clue where to start with this kind of a camera Ben

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Bradley on 10.27.11 @ 12:12PM

This is what you need to learn about DSLR!!! A great, comprehensive guide. Great job, nofilmschool and koo!

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films ddl megaupload on 10.28.11 @ 4:04PM

thanks for sharing
can you add a bouton to translate content
cprdialy

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Abby on 11.8.11 @ 8:23PM

I’m an Film student and I’m looking foward to buy a camera to record my projects. I want it to be a DSLR because I also want it to take pictures, but of course, the price is a big issue.
On the other side, my mom has a couple of lens and filters from an old Nikkon that should be compatible with the new cameras (they are universal NIKOR lenses for what I know), so he told me I should take advantage of what I have in my hands. The thing is, I haven’t seen many good reviews about the quality of videos recorded with Nikons.
Also, a friend recommended me the Canon EOS Rebel T2i, which seems to be very good for recording but I have no idea how it is with pictures even tho it has 18.0mp.

Help?

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- enrique on 12.20.11 @ 11:56AM
  
  Abby, You should buy a 60D or a Rebel T2i Because there are the cheapest ones. Then buy a lens adapter so you can use your nikkor lenses on a canon body. They work great
  
  Reply
david on 11.11.11 @ 3:35PM

I read and reread your guide dreaming of my stories
coming from photo it’s really a great help to build my “cine” projects
it’s simple, have all the tricks and a lot of links to make our seachs
and more important, it learns the spirit of indie filmakers, by sharing it free
merci from paris :)

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Design Weblog on 11.11.11 @ 4:39PM

Amazing!!! well done, great stuff…

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Johnny on 12.11.11 @ 8:43PM

I have a canon 7d and would like to know the best setting to record video outside at night?

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ibrahim on 12.23.11 @ 3:24AM

Mr Koo…..your cinematography guide is amazing… A million thanks to you & to your team. It had given me an idea what DSLR camera & gadgets should i buy. Hoping to learn more from you & from your good & wonderful website. I will show you my first film for you to comment & judge on it so that it will help my skills develop in the future.

Again…Thank you so much.

yours truly,

Ibrahim K.
Philippines

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Dirk Nienaber on 01.4.12 @ 8:36PM

Great Stuff!

Here’s a new Nikon short of mine,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2189H7DXrM

Cheers!

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dan burke on 01.20.12 @ 6:24PM

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAu8s5NGfP8&version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

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Georgia on 02.7.12 @ 7:29PM

Hi! I’ve been pondering over which DSLR to chose for quite a while now and i never seem to reach a conclusion! it is so difficult! Ill give you some facts and if anyone has any suggestions/recommendations or any help you could provide would be much needed and appreciated! :p
Ok so im starting off now as a filmmaker and I want to begin building a good portfolio since I will be finishing University in May. My budget at the moment is 700 BUT I can possibly go up to 900 MAYBE. I need the camera primarily for filming but also for photography since photography will be a part of my portfolio. At the moment Im in between the Canon T3i rebel(600D), the Lumix GH2 and the 60D. (My heart wants the 5D Mark II of course or the 7D but my pocket cant provide that at the moment :p) Now for my first short film, I used a little Panasonic camcorder (HDC-TM10) which is no biggie but I love it and it has beautiful colours and the image is gorgeous. But obviously I want to move to a more professional level so Im thinking that maybe since my little panasonic was so good, the Lumix could be more close to my taste eventhough it seems to have a darker more stylized(?) image than the other 2. I am in a real dilemma here. I have no idea which one to chose? which one do you think its better for my budget? Also if you could, which lens would you suggest I buy for my first lens? Thanks a lot. Hope you can help! :p

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- Georgia on 02.7.12 @ 7:31PM
  
  Sorry meant 700 GBP to 900 GBP. I guess in USDollars it would be $1,120 to around $1,400
  
  Reply
william racine on 02.12.12 @ 4:49PM

How can i download the dslr cinematography giude for printing

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michell on 03.13.12 @ 2:29PM

thank you so much for everything all the info is so good and handy and it’s free!!!

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Yamba on 03.28.12 @ 2:36PM

Merci beaucoup !!

En toute humilité, je vous suggère mon site : http://guimbi-production.com
Mes travaux vidéos et photos (DSLR),trucs et astuces, programmation wordpress.

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