In this lesson I’ll outline a few of my ideas on how to use the a7S II for corporate videos, run and gun, and documentaries.
The interview
Use Smile/Face Detect. to focus if you really have your plate full, e.g., if you’re interviewing as well, etc. The camera does a decent job, unless the subject goes to and fro rapidly.
On the whole though, I would go with Manual focus and focus peaking. Even at f/1.4, it’s not hard to focus if you use Focus Magnifier and Peaking.
Low light and bright light – dealing with large dynamic range
You’re never sure what locations you’ll get. Some offices have great lighting, others not so much. Sometimes there’s bright lights, sometimes you’re in the shade while the background is blowing out. I’ll be honest, the only sure way to deal with this is good prep, and lighting. The camera can’t do much here.
No point in shooting S-Log2 just for these challenges. Either shoot S-Log2 all the way (not advised for corporate videos) or shoot one of the Cine profiles (see below).
Carry lights! You can use an LED light and power it via the hot shoe on the camera, and use it as fill. However, a good lighting kit is mandatory to get professional results.
When in low light shift to full frame mode. If you’re shooting log, pick S-Log3.
Mixed color temperatures
Again, not much any camera can do. You must pick your white balance settings carefully. A little bit of prep goes a long way here. Carry lighting gels in your lighting kit.
Don’t use AWB with Log! On the whole though, I’ve found the AWB does well with daylight, and tungsten does okay for warm lighting. If it’s not that warm, fluorescent warm is okay too.
I would spend good money on an expensive LED for key light. If that’s not practical, get something like a Lowel Rifa.
Skin tones and color
This is critical. For exteriors, I always like to use Cloudy or Shade to warm up the skin. It’s a happy event after all, and there’s no harm in warming everything up.
I prefer the Cine1 profile, underexposed by one stop. You could also try Cine4.
You can even get good results by turning picture profiles off and using just Standard or Neutral Creative Styles, but at the expense of a slight reduction in dynamic range.
Motion
If you’re shooting handheld, definitely use Steadyshot. All others should turn it off.
It is a great idea to switch on Digital Zoom and use the full range of the lens you’re using. A 24-70mm lens with ClearImage Zoom becomes a 48-140mm, and with Digital Zoom becomes a 96-280mm. Digital Zoom will cause image degradation. So, if you’re delivering 1080p, then shoot 4K and downsample. Will look good with some sharpening!
To reduce rolling shutter artifacts, shoot in APS-C mode (only applicable for 1080p).
No time for post production
It’s not a wise business decision to waste time in color grading and file organization when the clients are not paying specifically for it.
Even if they are, you can earn more by becoming more efficient:
- Shoot Cine profiles, and spend a few days getting the right look by tweaking them.
- Use an external recorder to not only get good exposure, but also to rename your files for easier editing later.
For run and gun shooters, it’s not wise to shoot S-Log2 hoping it will cover your skin when things get bad – especially when you don’t have color grading skills, nor can afford a good colorist.
Batteries
Keep a PowerBank in your pocket and it will power the camera for hours via USB.
If I think of more ideas I’ll definitely update this lesson. If you know of any pointers please share and everyone can benefit from it!
