Most modern DSLR Cameras have outstanding video capabilities, but in terms of handling, they're still engineered for taking still photos. Stabilization can be much more challenging when you're recording motion and maintaining focus is more difficult, too. If you want to take full advantage of the cinema-quality features of your digital camera, adding a few accessories can help. You can simply make recording feel a bit more natural, or take it to a whole new level. Here are a few examples:
Cinevate Articulating Grip Gear Ring and Lever Kit
Here's a very basic kit that solves two of the most basic problems with with DSLR video recording: grip and focus pulling. The articulating handle mounts directly beneath the camera body, using the tripod socket. This provides a more balanced grip, and the vertical handle mounts on a ball swivel, allowing you complete freedom to select a position that's comfortable and stable.
The focusing gear mounts to almost any lens, thanks to three different lengths of mounting spokes (included). Although the gear facilitates coupling your rig to more sophisticated focus pulling systems, this kit includes a clever focusing lever that attaches easily to one of the spokes. The lever, too, can be articulated with a simple twist to lock and unlock it.
This simple, but versatile kit will get you shooting in no time at all, and it's compact and lightweight enough to keep in your camera back or pack. What's more, it's less than $200 from our favorite retailer! Get the details and get yours here.
Atomos Ninja Blade 5" HDMI On-Camera Monitor & Recorder
Your camera's LCD monitor isn't in the ideal place for recording purposes, and it's not the most accurate representation of the image, either. Not only that, but MPEG recording isn't giving you the best that your camera can deliver, either. With this on-camera HDMI recorder mounted to the camera's shoe or another convenient mount, you see the image directly from the camera's sensor, in full HDMI resolution, while the 10-bit recorder gives you cinema-quality video and enables CG, green screen and other professional effects in editing.
This full-featured recorder and monitor is much more than just a recording device. It's a professional upgrade that enables recording, monitoring and storage of your videos like nothing else. Rather than try to explain everything your camera is capable of with this accessory, I'll just recommend that you take a good look at everything it does here.
DJI Ronin-M Lightweight 3-Axis Gimbal
When it comes to fluid, stable camera movement without boundaries, nothing beats a gimbal. This one from DJI weighs a mere 5 pounds, but supports cameras up to 8 pounds in weight. Its precision motors translate your movements flawlessly while keeping the camera balanced.
The Ronin incorporates professional features like a transmitter for remote pan and tilt controls, a provision for a second operator for really complex shots, silent mode, Bluetooth interface, USB and power tap outlets, free software and much more. It operates in several modes, including briefcase mode for narrow spaces. With its magnesium frame, it stands up to plenty of abuse, too. Assembly and disassembly are fast and easy, too. Check out what the Ronin can do for your videography here.
Azden SMX-15 Powered Shotgun Video Microphone
Last, but not least, upgrade your audio. This directional microphone from Azden offers low noise, high sensitivity and a wide frequency response to assure you of superior sound reproduction. It provides +20db of gain to eliminate camera preamp noise.
The mic operates on 2 AA batteries for as long as 24 hours and there's no sound degradation as batteries become weaker. An LED indicates when it's time to replace batteries. A detachable foam windscreen and shock-absorbing shoe mount are included. Find out more here.
These upgrades will change the way you look at DSLR video recording and improve your results. There's much more where these came from, at Hunt's Photo & Video.