As video becomes more widely adopted by companies, it's clear that you may be approached to shoot video. However, when it comes to shooting video there are a lot of rules, some similar to photography, to keep in mind. Setting up a check list is the best way to make sure your video shoots go off without a hitch.
Set Your Picture Style
The first thing you want is to set up a custom picture style for your camera. This picture style should be giving you the "flattest" style possible. What this means is that your saturation, contrast, and sharpness are turned down. This is going to give you more control over your image in post.
*Many DSLRs and mirrorless cameras come with picture styles. I recommend checking out the manual that comes with your camera to find ouch the options that are available. Or looking at online user groups to see how other videographers have their cameras set up.
Set a Custom White Balance
For most photographers this goes without saying. When it comes to video this is arguably the most important thing to do aside from setting your ISO. Learning how to set is monumentally key. This could be intimidating for new photographers and videographer, but is a breeze once you learn how to do it. Typically you have two choices when setting a custom white balance. The first being to use a gray or a white card, shooting a still image of it, and then setting that custom profile setting to the video you are shooting. Or if you are going to a more specific look using Kelvin temperature settings. Which involves opening up white balance settings and choosing the Kelvin temperature you want for your video.
Set Your Frame Rate
Given the plethora of options that come with cameras today, it's good practice to always check this. While you can always adjust frame rates in post, why make life harder on yourself? Go in and make sure you are shooting at the appropriate frame rate that you want for your shot. If you are shooting an interview make sure you are at either 24 or 30FPS. Nothing worse than realizing you just shot 15 minutes of someone at different frame rate.
Enable Manual Focus
I'm not against autofocus in anyway shape or form, but when it comes to video you will save a lot of time and headaches. There is nothing worse for you or your talent as your video struggles to autofocus as they move around the frame. Not only does this mess with your video but your mic will most likely pic it up.
Set Your Focus
Before you even start shooting make sure you set your focus. When shooting in live view mode most, if not all cameras will let enlarge the image on screen. As you enlarge the screen you can see more detail, find the area you want to focus on and manually focus your camera to that area.
This list only covers a few tips and tricks. It should also be noted all of these should be used once you have set up your scene and the lighting within it. What other tips do season videographers have for those looking to venture into video?