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.Continue reading Optical Zoom… Continue reading Optical Zoom vs. Digital Zoom — Why the Difference 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… Continue reading What is White Balance — How it Works and Why It Matters
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… Continue reading What is Rolling Shutter — Camera Shutter Effect Explained
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… Continue reading What is Dynamic Range in Photography — Exposure Essentials
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… Continue reading What is FOV — The Importance of Field of View in Photography
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… Continue reading Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k & 6k — Pros & Cons
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… Continue reading What is Aspect Ratio? A Formula for Framing Success
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… Continue reading What is the Circle of Confusion — Photography Definition
BasicsOpen menu Basics of Film Lighting What Does a Cinematographer Do What is Cinematography What is Digital Cinematography Cinematography Terms What is Motion Blur Lighting EssentialsOpen menu 3-Point Lighting What is Key Light What is Fill Light What is Backlight What is Practical Lighting When is Golden Hour E-BooksOpen menu FREE Ebook: Camera Lenses Explained… Continue reading Underexposed Photography — Editing in Photoshop & Lightroom
Exposure TriangleOpen menu What is the Exposure Triangle Aperture ISO Shutter Speed Frame Rate Create your free shot list → We all know the sound that a camera makes. That satisfying click when we press the button and create our photograph. What we’re hearing is the camera’s shutter. That sound is the shutter moving up… Continue reading What is Shutter Speed and Its Role in the Exposure Triangle?
Cleaning camera sensors isn’t challenging, it just requires meticulousness and the know-how to do it safely, so you don’t damage your camera. And it’s easy to damage your camera when the sensor is wide open. Dust and other particles are flying around you all day, everyday, and the last thing you want to do is… Continue reading How to Clean Camera Sensors: What to Consider to Avoid Damage