Using the Panasonic GH2 and the Lumix G 8mm f/3.5 fisheye lens, I made a video recording of the new year's eve fireworks.
Since the light was very dim, I set the ISO to 3200, and used the lens wide open at f/3.5. Setting the mode dial to "creative movie mode", and using manual exposure and manual focus, it is possible to set the shutter speed to slower than 1/30 second, which is the usual limit when recording videos. To get a sufficient exposure, I set the shutter speed to 1/4 second. Of course, this means that the camera only records about four frames per second.
The camera was handheld. With such a wide field of view, it is fairly easy to handhold the camera stably.
To get more "action" in the clip, I set the speed to 300%, meaning that it is three times faster than normal.
The Panasonic GH1 can also record videos with a slow shutter speed. The process for using this feature is not well documented, but you can follow the instructions in the linked article.
Very original idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of software do you use to cut the 24P movies?
hi, just curious where is the place?
ReplyDeletethanks for your blog, very useful! :D
happy new year!
I used Openshot to edit the video this time. Previously, I have also used Kdenlive and Cinelerra.
ReplyDeleteHey I've got a director who I'm trying to talk into using the Lumix GH2 on his next film, but he is worried about continuous video recording length since I originally told him most DSLRs can only shoot for 12 minutes at a time. What kind of times can you get with this camera?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I haven't tried any long video recordings. But I have read that there are no limits to how long recordings you can make. The only limiting factors are the battery, and the memory card.
ReplyDeleteYou should get at least one half hour, according to what I have read.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteWhat are the best settings for shooting fireworks with a GH1 with the 14-140 lens?
I supose auto focus is not going to work, so how do i get sharp focus on the fireworks?
Thanks
As you say, avoid autofocus during video recording when there is little light. If the camera decides to try to change the focus, then your footage will be less useful.
ReplyDeleteA simple solution is to focus before starting the video recording. Focus on something which is as far away as the fireworks, e.g., a building or trees in the background. Then switch to MF on the dial to the top left on the camera. Start your video recording, and the camera will not change focus during video.
Remember to switch back to AF later.
Neat, looks like every street was putting on their own show.
ReplyDelete