taking video at night with a bonfire

Started by delpiero, June 02, 2013, 08:50:21 PM

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delpiero

Hello,
I am using a Canon 60D with ML v2.3.
I am doing some tests and trying to record video with two people talking with a small bonfire in front of them..
so the Idea is that everything is dark but their faces and the bonfire because its dark at night, the issue here
is the light so if flames go high their faces get too dark automatically which defeats the purpose..
what settings or suggestions do you guys have so that this doesn't look grain and auto exposure the video?

Yomommassis

Not entirely sure I understand the question, it doesn't really sound like a magic lantern thing

Do you have your camera set to do manual exposure in video mode?
I'm assuming you have a good understanding of manual settings?

I recommend doing a test with a candle next to an object
and using a fast lens like a f/1.4-f/1.8
http://amzn.com/B00007E7JU
keeping in mind also the bonfire will be much brighter and you might not even have to shoot that wide open..but the more wide open the f/stop the lower the ISO, the lower the ISO the lower the noise(grain)


I would try:
1080 24p
1/50 shutter (~180 degree shutter rule, google it if needed)
f/1.4 (or lowest possible)
ISO as low as possible
Turn auto lighting optimizer to disable

If its too dark raise the ISO
if its too bright close down the f/stop
if its too shallow close down the f/stop and raise the ISO
etc.

Also keep in mind that every third ISO has the best noise
100 125 160 200 250 320 400 500 640 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500 3200 4000 5000 6400

hope this helps, happy shooting
EOS 5D MkIII (ML alpha 3)| EOS 5D MkII (ML v2.3) | EOS 7D (ML alpha 2) | EOS T2i (ML v2.3)
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