7D Video: Tips and Techniques

I have been shooting an FX1 in a Light & Motion housing with a number of devices provided by Xit 404: Pentamirror, Tripod, and internal +7 flip diopter. With this setup I was able to capture video that was pretty good. Some of the techniques I am recommending for shooting video with an SLR comes from this background. The tips were learned "on the job" during my last trip using the SLR rig. Some of the ways I shot using a camcorder in the past just were not appropriate for shooting an SLR. Where I could shoot freehand or minimally supported with my camcorder neither of these techniques worked with the SLR. I had to relearn.

Getting good macro video, using either an SLR or camcorder, does require a number of factors be present. First is an environment that allows for tripods. Second is water that is preferably clear and little to no current. Third moves into the photo skills category, you need to know your camera, enough said. Fourth means advanced diving skills with buoyancy that is peak and then some. Fifth, a dive group and DM more than willing to wait while you fiddle for 10 to 20 minutes without moving. And finally no photographers firing off their strobes, tail draggers, “helpful” divers with torches, DMs who must touch, and a critter who will sit still for all this.

If you can afford it, hire a private boat and dive guide. This eliminates a few of the variables and gives you a fighting chance. It costs but it is worth it. If this is outside your budget then do the best you can. Based on my experiences you need time and patience to pull off macro video. You cannot be hurried along by strong currents, an impatient buddy, or controlling DM - you will mess up the shot and get frustrated. You need everything perfect. Even then expect a high ratio of discards.

Tell your DM and dive buddies what your plans are. Tell the photographers that flashing strobes interfere with video. Let the non-shooters know that torches destroy color balance and mess up shots. If you have the gumption tell the tail draggers where they can put their fins or move to a different boat. The DM needs to be told they will get a better tip if they follow your rules: don’t touch, arrange, or move critters, just point! Do not disturb until you look up then point to the next critter. Also be courteous and follow etiquette let others have their chance.

Carefully set up your shot. Prepare your rig somewhere away from your shot to avoid scaring the critter. Adjust your light positions and levels, set the camera's focus, ISO, and F-stop for your desired effect. Do a white balance using these settings unless you are using AWB. Estimate the terrain and adjust your tripod to match.

Ok you are all ready. Now move in and place your rig as quickly and as quietly as you can. If you have enough ambient check your focus otherwise you will have to do this after the lights are on. Now with stealth turn on your lights and shoot! If the critter has not left by now you get a decent shot. If you try to set up in front of the critter you will get a lot of coral and rocks and no critter.

If the animal stays put great! ANY movements and you will be forced to "follow focus". Assuming your camera is not moving, all you have to calculate is which direction the critter is moving, by how much, and how fast. You must immediately turn the focus knob in the right direction, matching perfectly the critters movements. Hopefully the critter does not decide to move forward AND to the side. If this happens you must choose: do I pan the camera while I follow focus or just let the critter go out of focus? Follow focus was the most challenging and discouraging part for me.

I will add to this list as I learn more. Writing these techniques has allowed me to work through in my mind what I do and this has allowed me to think of ways to improve my skills. I hope this article has helped you in some way. If you have any tips of your own please share!