There is no getting around the fact that an image requires light to create. We do not, however, live in a perfect world. Night comes after day. It might be dark inside. Low light is necessary for telling stories as well.
So how do you record video while it’s dark? Everything you need to know is provided here, from choosing best video camera for low light shooting to thinking about where you’re filming and your available light.
Shutter speed for filming in low light
When taking still photos, one alteration you can make to aid get a picture in poor light is to vary your shutter speed. To ensure that your sensor receives the most amount of light possible, you can slow down your shutter speed as much as you can.
However, you don’t have that type of versatility while filming a video. Your frame rate determines your shutter speed. Your shutter speed should always be 1/50 seconds for 24 frames per second and 1/60 seconds for 30 frames per second, regardless of the lighting circumstances.
What’s the best ISO for low light?
You may increase the sensitivity of your camera to light by choosing a higher ISO setting. Although this is excellent for low-light filmmaking, there is a drawback. Images with a higher ISO will have more noise. Therefore, you can’t just raise your ISO to a high enough setting to achieve the desired exposure. The ideal ISO for low-light filming becomes more of a balancing act as a result.
The “native ISO” of a camera is its maximum ISO setting before having to boost the voltage applied to the sensor to make it more sensitive, which introduces noise into the photograph. It’s usually about ISO 800 for most cameras, although experimenting with it for your model is worthwhile.
After going above the native ISO of your camera, try to maintain it as low as you can to avoid noise. However, you’ll learn how high your ISO can be pushed until the noise becomes intolerable. Try to stay under ISO 3,200 for an APS-C camera, ISO 1,600 for a Micro Four Thirds, and ISO 6,400 for a full-frame camera.
Use a LED light
Utilizing an extra light on your camera while you are filming is another fantastic method for shooting in low light. Filming in low light can be challenging at times since your camera’s settings do not always help the subject receive adequate light. You may do this by placing your subject in a more well-lit area. However, if it isn’t possible, a second LED light will be a fantastic backup.
To draw light onto the thing you’re trying to shoot, this LED light has to be put on the camera. Additionally, it will contribute to improving the video quality.
Also Read: how to use a mirrorless camera
Adjust the frame rate
Your video’s frame rate affects its quality and watching experience. The quality of the movie improves with a greater frame rate. As a result, it is crucial to consider while photographing in low light. Some cameras have a set frame rate, such as 30 frames per second for many and 24 frames per second for others.
Even in poor light, you can obtain clear, high-quality films with a frame rate of 24 FPS. Brightening video material also benefits from a greater frame rate. Your subject will become more sharply focussed and brighter than normal if you slow down the frame rate because more light will enter the camera sensor.
Pick your settings carefully
One final tip: avoid log recording and colour grading in post when filming a night scenario. You want to avoid adding noise to the environment, which is what this usually does. Instead, use a colour profile with stronger contrast and aim for the desired colour. Also, resist the urge to increase the lighting in post-production. That just results in more noise.
