Camera Sensors

• Directing
• Cinematography

What is Aspect Ratio? A Formula for Framing Success

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, you’ve probably heard the term aspect ratio quite often. Before you shoot even a single frame of your film, you have to decide what aspect ratio would be best. This decision will affect the staging and framing of every single shot going forward. Why? What is aspect ratio, and why does it matter so much? 

Let’s find out.Continue reading What is Aspect Ratio? A Formula for Framing Success

• Directing
• Cinematography

What is Shutter Speed and Its Role in the Exposure Triangle?

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We all know the sound that a camera makes.… Keep reading

• Cinematography

Different Types of Cameras for Photography and Video Explained

There are a million different types of cameras on the market. Which one should you choose? Well aside from reading endless specs, one way to figure it out is to simply know the categories of cameras available to you. Do you want a mirrorless or a quick point and shoot? Is a DSLR better for your occasional impromptu video shoots? Knowing the different types of cameras will help you determine which is best for your projects. Let’s jump in.

• Cinematography

Optical Zoom vs. Digital Zoom — Why the Difference Matters

What is the difference between optical zoom and digital zoom? Is one better than the other? We will be answering those questions and providing definitions for both types of zoom. Before we get into comparing and contrasting optical zoom and digital zoom, let’s first take a look at each zoom type individually.

• Cinematography
• Directing

What is White Balance — How it Works and Why It Matters

What is white balance? White balance is a vital camera setting to properly calibrate in order to achieve your desired image. If you have ever taken a photograph or video and found the result to look unnatural blue or yellow, then improper white balance is to blame. We’ll break down what white balance is, how to calibrate it, and what to do if you have already shot your footage without white balancing beforehand.

• Cinematography
• Directing

What is Rolling Shutter — Camera Shutter Effect Explained

What is rolling shutter and why does it happen? If you have ever filmed something on your phone and found that the resulting footage looked completely different than what you recorded, then rolling shutter may be the culprit. Whether this type of shutter plagues your footage or you just find the effect interesting and what to know why it happens, we’ll be answering all of your questions.

• Cinematography

What is Dynamic Range in Photography — Exposure Essentials

One of the key differences between professional images and amatuer images is detail. Detail, or lack thereof, is the difference between a cinematic shot and a video-looking shot. Capturing more detail requires a solid understanding of dynamic range. What is dynamic range in photography?

Dynamic range in photography and cinematography is a fundamental technical principle that ultimately allows you to bring your creative vision to life. Without an understanding of this range, you run the risk of creating images that fall flat, are blown out, or get crushed. 

• Cinematography

What is FOV — The Importance of Field of View in Photography

Whether you’re a photographer, a video game designer, a filmmaker, or work with VR, thoroughly understanding field of view or (FOV) is your foundation for success. It’s basic optics, and while you likely can assume what it is, let’s quickly go over it and see its importance in photography and the gaming world. So, what is field of view and why does it matter?

• Video Gear

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k & 6k — Pros & Cons

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras are some of the most renowned cameras in the world (for their price point). We’re going to break down the pros and cons of each Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, including the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K, and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro. By the end, you’ll know the price, tech specs, and features of every Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera – and whether any of them make sense for you.

Note: all tech specs are taken directly from the Blackmagic Design website.

• Cinematography

What is the Circle of Confusion — Photography Definition

How do you ensure your photos are sharp and in focus? Getting comfortable with the circle of confusion is a good first step. What is circle of confusion? This concept is an under-defined, yet super critical idea in photography. And understanding it will help you see how everything works together. The circle of confusion is related to how we understand focus and sharpness, but let’s get a bit more technical. After all, the more you know, the more intentional you can be with every shot.