Expert Advice on Going Digital from up and coming filmmaker, Adam Kleid
The Art of Digital Filmmaking
Adam Kleid: Director and Producer
Sound is a big issue with digital cameras. Always use an external mic (not the camera mic.) and make sure it is a directional mic, meaning, that what ever direction you point it in - that is what it records . The camera mic will pick up noise from all over the place On some cameras, if you don't run you mic through a mixer, sometimes you will pick up wire hiss and your sound will be ruined. Remember, sound is half of your film - unless it’s a silent film. It’s important to try and research the quirks of your specific camera before shooting. Some of the digital cameras have lenses that breathe in mid-shot - they go soft and lose focus. Some have mics that create noise depending on what camera mode you're in.
The digital cameras which have a lot of in- camera effects - watch out for these. It is always better to get a clean image (no effects) during production and then add effects in postproduction. Otherwise, you might be stuck with the in-camera effect.
The most important thing to remember is that the art of filmmaking whether digital or celluloid is just that, an art. You should still approach everything the same way. You still have to prepare, set up the shot, light the scene - just because you can shoot in low light conditions with a digital camera doesn't mean you should. Good lighting is still good lighting and it shows. It doesn't have to be expensive( use a china ball with a high watt bulb - great light source for video, put it on a pole and follow your actors with it. Throw a small light behind your actors in a corner creating contrast or rim light. Use practical lights in the frame of the shot - a desk lamp, floor lamp, etc .) Most of the same lighting principles for film apply to video, but be careful when using automatic mode - it will expose for the light and end up blowing out the image. Filmmaking is a craft, try and respect that. Don't rush just because you can. The apparent ease of use of the digital camera lends itself to a point and shoot mentality, try not to fall victim to this. Think through every shot and pay attention to detail. In the end you are still trying to convey a story in a clear, well thought out and original way. GOOD LUCK!