Videographer tips - How to create amazing films with small mirrorless cameras
In recent years, compact mirrorless and DSLR cameras have become powerful tools for filmmakers, content creators, and businesses looking to produce professional-quality video without investing in cinema cameras. These small, portable systems pack incredible features—from 4K resolution to log recording and interchangeable lenses—making them ideal for creators who want cinematic results on a budget. I’ve used these small cameras extensively throughout my videography projects in London with fantastic results.
Here’s how you can get the most out of your mirrorless or DSLR camera when shooting video:
1. Understand Your Camera’s Video Capabilities
Before you hit record, dive into the camera’s manual and menu system. Pay attention to:
Resolution & Frame Rates – 4K is standard for professional work, but know when to use 25fps (standard UK frame rate), 50fps+ (slow motion) or 100fps (super slow motion).
Bitrate & Codec – Higher bitrates generally mean better quality, but larger file sizes.
Picture Profiles – Log profiles (like S-Log, C-Log, or V-Log) give you more dynamic range for color grading.
2. Choose the Right Lens
Lenses play a bigger role in the "professional look" than the camera body itself. Consider:
Fast primes (f/1.4 – f/2.8) for shallow depth of field and low-light performance.
Zoom lenses (24-70mm, 70-200mm) for versatility in framing.
Wide angles (16–35mm) for vlogs, establishing shots, and interiors.
Pro tip: Invest in lenses with smooth manual focus rings for more precise control during video recording.
3. Stabilize Your Shots
Shaky footage instantly makes video look amateur. Use:
Tripods for interviews or stationary shots.
Gimbals for smooth cinematic camera movement.
In-body stabilization (IBIS) + optical stabilization in lenses for handheld shooting.
If you don’t have stabilization gear, brace your elbows against your body or lean against a wall for steadier handheld footage.
4. Master Exposure Settings
Use manual mode for full control:
Shutter Speed: Follow the 180° rule (set shutter speed to about double your frame rate—e.g., 1/50 for 24fps).
Aperture: Control depth of field to guide focus and mood.
ISO: Keep it at the cameras base ISO as much as possible for clean, noise-free video with the most dynamic range.
ND Filters: Essential for shooting outdoors with wide apertures while maintaining proper shutter speed.
5. Light Like a Pro
Lighting is often more important than the camera. Even budget-friendly setups can look cinematic if lit well:
Natural Light: Position your subject near a window with soft light.
LED Panels: Affordable, adjustable, and portable.
Three-Point Lighting: Key, fill, and backlight to add depth and separation.
Avoid harsh overhead lighting unless you’re going for a specific dramatic effect.
6. Don’t Neglect Audio
Great video with poor audio is unwatchable. Upgrade from your camera’s built-in mic:
Shotgun Mics for directional sound.
Lavalier Mics for interviews and presentations.
External Recorders (Zoom, Tascam) for high-quality capture and syncing later.
Always monitor audio with headphones during recording.
7. Use Professional Filmmaking Techniques
Even with a small camera, you can achieve cinematic results by applying classic techniques:
Composition & Framing: Follow the rule of thirds, use leading lines, and balance your shots.
Camera Movement: Mix static tripod shots with subtle push-ins, pans, or handheld motion.
Depth & Layers: Add foreground elements, shoot through objects, or use background lights for a more cinematic feel.
8. Post-Production is Half the Magic
Shooting flat or in log gives you more flexibility in editing, but you’ll need to color grade to make your footage pop. Software like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro can elevate your video with:
Color correction and grading.
Adding LUTs for consistent style.
Sound design and noise reduction.
Subtle sharpening and stabilization fixes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a videographer in London, you don’t need a Hollywood budget to shoot professional video. With thoughtful preparation, the right lenses, solid lighting, and good audio, a small mirrorless or DSLR camera can deliver cinematic results that rival much larger systems. The key is not just the gear, but how you use it—master your settings, control your environment, and tell your story with intention. Maybe you’ll be filming all your videography projects in London with a mirrorless camera soon.