My first DSLR wildlife video, using the Nikon D3s

SilverPenguin

SilverPenguin

SilverPenguin

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Well, after my recent D3s upgrade I wanted to get out and shoot some video as quickly as I could! So, I spent a couple of hours playing with my new toy and experiencing my first ever DSLR video shoot!

Is there a way to embed videos? Here is a link to it in the meantime.

And here is the setup I used...I did a write up as well, which you can read on my blog from the link above :)

D3s_video.jpg


Room to improve, I was a bit restricted at times in edit as I didn't shoot the footage with anything in mind so was hard to put together in to anything that flowed. But just like traditional stills, I'll hopefully learn with each new video!

And yes, I do remember saying on this very forum once upon a time that I thought video in a DSLR was pointless and I hated the idea :D
 
Very cool indeed, and very relaxing to watch :)

Would be great to see some dolly shots in there as well, not sure if you have the equipment. I know it seems like everyone uses them in their videos but they really do add a lot in my opinion.

Cracking shots as well by the way, everything is so sharp and clear. I'd love to do more wildlife photography but I wouldn't know where to start.
 
superb stuff. only used the video once on my 5DII when i was in vegas for the fountain show at the bellagio but that had some numpties arm in the frame for most of the time :mad:
 
Great work as usual! Not totally sure about the inclusion of the stills as the processing was slightly different.

I wonder did you keep thinking 'oo that would make an awesome photo' whilst you were filming and cut the recording much? Anyway, that's what I find when filming things sometimes!
 
Great work as usual! Not totally sure about the inclusion of the stills as the processing was slightly different.

I wonder did you keep thinking 'oo that would make an awesome photo' whilst you were filming and cut the recording much? Anyway, that's what I find when filming things sometimes!
 
A strange question maybe, but what font did you use for the text in your video, and where can I find it... please? :D
 
Convergence!
That is a very nice video, I wouldn't have guessed it was your first either if you hadn't said so yourself.

With PP there's some basic tools like brightness/contrast, curves and saturation in the tools bar.
 
Really good. As Raymond said, I think some panning from a dolly would add a huge amount, but nevertheless it is a great result. The alternative would be to shift the focus on the shot - there were a couple where you could move from deer in the foreground to deer in the background. That shouldn't sound harsh though - I doubt I'll use the video much at all on my 5D2, mainly because of the lack of auto focus!
 
Very cool Penguin, nice and soothing to watch just before I head to bed!
Were the stills taken as screen shots from the video or completely separate photographs?
I liked the inclusion of them all the same.
Also, what's the furry muff ontop of the camera in the setup pic?
 
Appreciate the comments all, thank you :)

The_Abyss said:
Really good. As Raymond said, I think some panning from a dolly would add a huge amount, but nevertheless it is a great result. The alternative would be to shift the focus on the shot - there were a couple where you could move from deer in the foreground to deer in the background. That shouldn't sound harsh though - I doubt I'll use the video much at all on my 5D2, mainly because of the lack of auto focus!
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Using a dolly and shifting focus?! This was just a first try, what do you want from me. Blood? :D

In all seriousness though. I'm not sure I'll ever get round to buying a dolly as carting a D3s with 600mm and support is already heavy enough. Shifting focus without the extra gear needed to do it smoothly would look awful as well :(

It would add an extra depth for sure but first and foremost I want to shoot stills. Video is just something fun to do on the side. But then, I did once say I'd never want to shoot video full stop lol

robertgilbert86 said:
Great work as usual! Not totally sure about the inclusion of the stills as the processing was slightly different.

I wonder did you keep thinking 'oo that would make an awesome photo' whilst you were filming and cut the recording much? Anyway, that's what I find when filming things sometimes!
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You know, I'm not 100% sure on the stills. But I needed them to pad it out a little as there wasn't enough footage lol. I think once I learn how to process video and shoot footage in the same light as stills it would work better. There is one scene near the start where the footage and have the same 'look'. All a learning curve :)

You touch on a good point though. There were times when I was wondering if I shuould film or take photos. And if I was presented with some really amazing scene or event in front of me I can see in future I may hesitate whilst trying to decide what to do.

olv said:
Nice shots, nice music, very much enjoyed that. Is that Richmond Park?
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Bushy :)
 
Really enjoyed that. I was thinking that it would be great to go and do some photography in a location like that.

Then I saw it was in Bushy Park which is only a 15 minute walk from my house!
 
footman said:
Really enjoyed that. I was thinking that it would be great to go and do some photography in a location like that.

Then I saw it was in Bushy Park which is only a 15 minute walk from my house!
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lol, get yourself over there, it was lovely there the other day. I'd love to be in walking distance, would be there all the time if I was! I'm hoping to get back over there soon! :)
 
SilverPenguin said:
lol, get yourself over there, it was lovely there the other day. I'd love to be in walking distance, would be there all the time if I was! I'm hoping to get back over there soon! :)
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I actually do go there quite a lot. I was in the woodland gardens yesterday doing some autumn colour shots. It's very sheltered in there so the trees retain their leaves for longer.

Also, the kingfisher flitting over the water was a bonus, no long lens with me though!
 
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