Cinematography Course: Shoot Better Video with Any Camera

Here is a list of equipment that we use every day to make our own videos. Take it as suggested equipment that we love and trust. Of course there are other options out there, but we want to provide some direction to you.

In this cinematography tutorial, we talk about the difference between DSLR, cinema, and mirrorless cameras. While DSLR cameras like the Canon 5D, Canon 7D, Nikon D800, and others changed the game in terms of taking digital video quality to the next level, now cameras made by Arri, RED, and Sony show the full capabilities of digital cinematography. The new kid on the block is the mirrorless camera like the Sony A7S, which makes shooting in low light possible unlike before.

This cinematography tutorial, we cover video resolution. As cameras get more and more powerful, the resolution of video gets better and better. But better resolution comes with more data and isn't always necessary. After watching this video, you'll know what resolution to choose and why.

In this cinematography tutorial, we talk about frame rate in the film and digital age. Understanding frame rate will help you get the cinematic quality you want or shoot for slow motion.

The lens is a very important part of your camera. Using a camera that allows interchangeable lenses like DSLR, cinema, and mirrorless cameras, gives you high quality cinematography with whatever camera you are using. Do you want a prime or a zoom? How does a lens speed affect depth of field? this is all covered in this video.

Since most of us don't shoot on film anymore, we need something to record the digital data that our camera reads. We use memory cards to do this. Memory card type - like SD and CF - and speed is important. We'll cover these topics in this video.

Throughout this course, we use the term latitude frequently. We'll explain what this means in this video.

Welcome to a new exercise lesson. We ask you to take action, which will help you learn. In this exercise, we ask you to put together your camera kit. It doesn't have to be expensive. It just has to be available for you to use for future challenges.

In this bonus lecture, Will goes over a typical cinema digital camera (the Sony FS7) with our friend Caleb who will be using it on a documentary/commercial shoot in Italy. Will goes over the main functions of the camera including all of the manual buttons Caleb will need to know. Now, we know this is a specific camera that most of you will not be using. But we thought it would be interesting for you to see an in depth camera overview. Most of the functions and buttons on this camera will appear on your camera in some shape or form. So try to understand the concepts behind the buttons, rather than just focusing on where the buttons are and if your camera is exactly the same or not. Hope you enjoy!

In this cinematography tutorial, we learn what ISO is and how it affects your exposure.

In this cinematography tutorial, we learn what the aperture is (also known as f-stop and iris), and how this affects exposure.

Please take a little break to leave a review for this course. Even though you are still in the middle of the course, we would appreciate a review so that other students can get your initial impressions. You can always change it later! Thanks!

Here is a downloadable guide to aperture sizes.

Now you know what ISO, shutter speed, and aperture are, we need to understand how to use your camera to adjust the exposure. In this video, we'll talk about using the waveform and exposure meters.

When you walk onto a set (or anywhere you film), how do you go about adjusting exposure. Here is how!

In this cinematography tutorial, we talk about shooting RAW video for better color correction.

Welcome to a new exercise lesson. We ask you to take action, and practice shooting video in two different situations.

Welcome to a new section on how to compose a better video shot. Phil will introduce what you'll be learning in this section.

In this cinematography tutorial, Will teaches you about what composition is. Composition is another key skill for all video creators to have. Let's first learn what composition is.

In this cinematography tutorial, we show you the different types of shots you can get. It is important to understand the differences, so that you can fully cover a scene with enough footage - whether you are shooting a documentary, wedding, commercial, or narrative.

In this cinematography tutorial, you'll learn how to get better rack focuses.

In this cinematography tutorial, Will gives advice on how to get better shots for narrative and commercial videos.

In this cinematography tutorial, Will gives advice on how to get better shots for documentary and event videos.

Here's a little bonus lesson that we shot with a good friend Caleb, a professional film producer who is learning how to be a cinematographer himself. In this video, we get to see Caleb ask Will about a project that he will be working on in the near future.

Here is a list of equipment that we use every day to make our own videos. Take it as suggested equipment that we love and trust. Of course there are other options out there, but we want to provide some direction to you.

Taking your cinematography skills to the next level includes adding movement to your shots. In this video, Will will share the reasons why this will improve your videos.

In this video lesson, see some great examples of tripod shots to learn how to get better shots with your tripod.

In this video lesson, see some great examples of dolly shots and how to shoot your own.

In this video lesson, see some great examples of jib shots, which will make your cinematography top-notch.

In this video, we'll cover how we use drones as a cinematographer to really boost the quality of your video.

Welcome to a new section on how video lighting. Phil will introduce what you'll be learning in this section.

Here is a list of equipment that we use every day to make our own videos. Take it as suggested equipment that we love and trust. Of course there are other options out there, but we want to provide some direction to you.

Lighting is an important part of cinematography. This video shows you why lighting can truly affect your videos.

In this cinematography tutorial, we learn about the different types of lights out there in terms of lighting temperatures.

Here's a downloadable light temperature chart, so that you can reference what types of lights you are using.

Here's a downloadable white balance symbol chart.

In this cinematography tutorial, we talk about how to power your lights. Wattage, amps, volts - this is all important to understand for cinematographers working on a film set.

In this cinematography tutorial, we look at different types of stands for lights.

In this cinematography tutorial, we talk about how to handle lights safely.

Welcome to a new section on video lighting. Phil will introduce what you'll be learning in this section.

Now that you've learned about the different types of lights, it's important to learn about why we light.

Here's a downloadable guide to help you remember how to shoot with the 3-point lighting style.

Welcome to a new section on how to make money as a cinematographer. Phil will introduce what you'll be learning in this section.

In this cinematography tutorial, Will Carnahan dives into the top ways that he finds work. These are exact ways that he is doing today to be a successful filmmaker, so listen up and take action!

In this cinematography tutorial, we give you advice on how to negotiate a rate. Choosing a rate, especially when starting out as a videographer or cinematographer can be really tough. So use these tips to get started!

This cinematography tutorial shows you how to get paid with an invoice. We've also included a sample invoice that you can use as a template when starting out.

This cinematography tutorial, we talk about taxes - and how important it is to save for taxes as a freelancer.

It is so important to have your own website and reel to get work. Will and Phil have found the most success by constantly creating videos and posting them online to share with the world. When someone is thinking about hiring you, they should ask for your website and/or video reel. So please take the time to create a beautiful website and reel of your own.

This cinematography tutorial, we talk about why networking is key. And speaking of networking, going to film festivals is a big part of networking as a cinematographer because that is where you will find directors and producers to work with.

Working for free might be the best way to kickstart your cinematography/videography career. But there are a few things to keep in mind if you do so. Learn more in this tutorial.