What are the best settings to use for filming a proposal? Camera - 5D Markiii with 70-200mm EF lens Shoot is in an open area of a park and the weather will be overcast but bright (filming done secretly from afar) Any advice would be massively appreciated! (I am last minute jumping in to help and only know basics)
It is rather advised if you are going to record a moment for the couple proposing, get to know your camera before starting filming. It will help if you can practice to start filming in a similar environment where the proposal will happen. Also, be prepared to move quickly to take the best shots. If you are planning to film on a bright but overcast day in an open area of a park, these camera settings will help you film a proposal. Camera: ISO: Set your ISO to 200 or 400. This will help to keep your image noise-free, especially since you will be filming from afar. Aperture: Since you will be filming from afar, you will want to use a smaller aperture, such as f/5.6 or f/8. This will give you a deeper depth of field, which will keep both the proposer and the proposee in focus. Shutter Speed: Your shutter speed will depend on the amount of ambient light. If it is a bright day, you can use a shutter speed of 1/250th of a second or faster. If it is more overcast, you may need to use a slower shutter speed, such as 1/125th of a second. White Balance: Set your white balance to overcast or shade. This will help to ensure that your colors are accurate. Metering Mode: Use spot metering to ensure that your exposure is correct for the proposer and the proposee. Focus Mode: Use single-point autofocus and focus on the proposer's face. Lens: Focal Length: Since you will be filming from afar, you will want to use the telephoto end of your zoom lens. A focal length of 200mm or greater will be ideal. Image Stabilization: If your lens has image stabilization, turn it on. This will help to prevent camera shake. Frame Rate: You can shoot at 24p, 25p, or 30p. 24p will give you a more cinematic look, while 30p will give you smoother motion.
Great suggestions from Joey. At the risk of complicating things - If you don't know what frame rate or shutter speed to use, a common rule of thumb is that 24p is more film-like and 60p gives you more options for slow motion. That being said, usually I'll use a shutter speed that is close to double the frame rate. If I'm shooting at 24p I'll set my frame rate to 50fps. At 60p my frame rate will be 120fps. (This is called the 180 degree shutter rule). If this confuses things, just go with what Joey said. Great breakdown. Good luck! -jon jonkarr.com
