Going DSLR all the way

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010, 397 views
by Richard van den Boogaard

Okay. It’s been way too long since I updated this blog. A lot has happened since my last post. To sum up, I have been busy spending time (and money) into expanding my services – not only YouTube video marketing advice, but video production as well. During 2009 I noticed that a lot of my clients are interested in video marketing, but that they also struggle with getting video produced. Although this could be as simple as lights, camera and action, professional quality video production budget tend to balloon easily. To fill this need, I have decided to go DSLR all the way.

So what have I been upto over the past few months? Well, in October 2009 I took an ENG camera course at CameraCollege.nl, a Dutch accredited training institute. In order to be able to create some decent images, you have to know what goes on inside a video camera. Although I initially felt a little resentment towards the technical stuff they teach you (“Do I really have to know this? Yeah, you do!”), I’m glad I took the course. With this solid foundation and experience in working with professional ENG cameras, at least you know why your shots turned out the way they did. And besides, they also focus on all aspects surrounding the technicalities. Basically, you are sent out for a couple of hours to return with usable material. For anyone based in the Netherlands or Flanders (Belgium), I highly recommend this institute. If you live anywhere else, find something comparable.

Following my course, I decided to do research in order to buy my own camera set. Initially, I had my eyes set on the EX-3 from Sony. Being equipped with a 1/2 inch sensor, and inspired by the amazing work DoP Philip Bloom has done, I wanted to extend  with a Letus 35mm adapter, in order to be able to put some fast 35mm primes in front of them. That combination would have set me back €11k easily — and that’s even without any 35mm glass! Still a minor investment in comparison to the professional grade ENG cameras, but real Euros nonetheless…

Inspired by a few Canon 5D movies, I eventually decided to go DLSR all the way. The result of my research led to an article I wrote for ReelSEO entitled “How to Guide for Shooting HD Video with a DSLR Camera”. In December I went out to London with my wife (thanks for your patience with me, Daphne). While she did some christmas shopping, I spent most of my time capturing the Christmas atmosphere in the city and its wonderful inhabitants. Below you’ll find the result.

Right now, I am talking to various clients and prospects. Aside from giving them sound advice on using YouTube professionally, I will be creating some nice content as well in 2010 and beyond.

Life is short, do what you love.