Nikon for video

[neils]

OK I have never really been interested in using a DSLR for video, in fact I've never been all that interested in video. Lat time I really shot any was 1972 and it was on reel to reel tape in high school. I'm not counting using my phone.

So in a few weeks I'll be shooting stills at the Newport Folkfest. Over the years I've seen more and more guys using DSLR's for video.

Long story short, What is the latest coolest best FF Nikon for shooting video. I wanna try it and I will rent a body from Lensrentals.com.

I'm sure by now they auto focus for video right?

Must you use a "bellows" or hood on the viewing screen to see in bright light or can you use the camera viewfinder to shoot.

I just think I want to try this stuff.

Ideas? Insight?

Thanks

Neil

 

[Jorgen Udvang]

Nikon cameras, and most or all other DSLR cameras have some disadvantages when used for video:

- No viewfinder, so the LCD has to be used. Tricky in bright light and at angles.
- Useless AF.
- Limited adjustments of aperture etc.
- Lack of "peaking" or other focusing aids.

Mirrorless cameras are are mostly superior in all of these areas, and some of them (Panasonic and Sony) mostly shoot better quality video as well. My experience is mostly with Panasonic, which work very well with video. They use a smaller sensor though, so if you want to use your Nikon lenses, a focal length reduser or "Speed Booster" is recommended. The best models at the moment are GH4 (pro model) and G7 (just launched and fantastic value for money:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g7

With Sony, you can choose between full frame (different A7 models, the A7s is the best and most expensive, the A7 II the more sensible choice at the moment) and reduced frame (A6000, good value for money).

You can also get some gear to make the job easier with a Nikon, like a "viewfinder" for the LCD, a separate monitor that connects to the HDMI port of the camera and mounts to the hot-shoe or elsewhere and even an EVF. Some of these even feature "peaking". Prices vary from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand.

Here are some suppliers of gears for the Nikon:

https://www.smallhd.com/
http://www.zacuto.com/
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products
http://www.metabones.com/products/?c=speed-booster

There are also lots of other, more or less reliable, suppliers of gear. You can learn a lot from these two guys, both of them real enthusiasts, seasoned pros and with many reviews on their websites:

http://philipbloom.net/
http://www.eoshd.com/

The most useful Nikon DSLR bodies for video are D750 (full frame) and D5500 (reduced frame). The D750 is more than twice as expensive as the D5500. It's a better camera, but the difference for video isn't really hat great, and the D5500 works very well as a lightweight backup camera for any Nikon DSLR. Both feature an articulated LCD which is a great help for video.

Me? After moving back to Nikon from Panasonic, I'm tempted to buy a Panasonic G7 and a Speed Booster:

http://www.metabones.com/products/details/MB_SPNFG-m43-BM2

for my video work. Buying the gear I need for the D810 to make it practical for video is actually more expensive, but by all means; many use a DSLR with no extra gear to produce excellent video, so it is possible.

Hope this helps

 

[Niels_Patrick]

check out my video / film section.

http://geisselbrecht.biz

90 % was shot with nikon d800 and d810 + prime lenses.
D810 is really nice with atomos shogun monitor - but still no 4k with nikon!

Today I would invest in a Panasonic gh4
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._gh4kbody_lumix_dmc_gh4_mirrorless_micro.html
or the new sony a7rII.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1159878-REG/sony_a7r_mark_ii_digital.html

For sure nikon will come out with a d5 + 4k.... but for 5000Euros - it´s a no go for just using it for video... way too expensive.

greetings NPG

 

[viablex1]

You might want to get a cage and external monitor and shoot clean hdmi with a nikon , the mbps is really low and it shows, There are external recorders like atomos ninja with a monitor that record in the Pro res codec. I think though that nikon is only 4:2:0 which for some people matter.

 

[Jorgen Udvang]

You might want to get a cage and external monitor and shoot clean hdmi with a nikon , the mbps is really low and it shows, There are external recorders like atomos ninja with a monitor that record in the Pro res codec. I think though that nikon is only 4:2:0 which for some people matter.

At least the D810 records 4:2:2 10 bit using an Atomos or Blackmagic screen/recorder. The Atomos Ninja 2 has the advantage of using Nikon batteries, but it's relatively expensive at $695 (without storage media) and it only records 1080i 60 (according to the Atomos website, B&H claims 1080p) and the screen resolution is only 800x480. It also requires a HDD or SSD:

Ninja | Atomos

The recently released Blackmagic Video Assist requires Canon batteries, but it records 1080p 60 on cheap SD cards, costs $495 and has a screen resolution of 1920x1080:

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagicvideoassist

 

[segedi]

I picked up the D750, mostly for stills, but knowing that the video would be nice. It has a lot of features for video and its own menu dedicated to video. And I like the articulated screen for shooting low or high angles. Great for seeing what you are shooting over a crowd. And I use it for macro work as well.

Things to consider:

You'll likely be shooting in Manual mode and Manual focus, so having a lens(es) that are nice to manual focus are key. Luckily, you can use old AIS lenses and they work great. I kick myself for selling a 35mm f/2...

Image stabilized lenses are recommended. Shooting video requires either the training of a sniper or a tripod or stabilization of some sort, whether its in the body, lens, or something added to the camera. At least in my non-pro opinion.

You may want to get a viewfinder hood for outdoor use and for ease of focusing is recommended. I bought a cheapo one from ebay, but it doesn't seem to work perfectly with the Nikon. I'll have to try again.

Here's a nice video that someone made on the D750's video capabilites that gives a pretty fair review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zvi36C81r0

 

[viablex1]

At least the D810 records 4:2:2 10 bit using an Atomos or Blackmagic screen/recorder. The Atomos Ninja 2 has the advantage of using Nikon batteries, but it's relatively expensive at $695 (without storage media) and it only records 1080i 60 (according to the Atomos website, B&H claims 1080p) and the screen resolution is only 800x480. It also requires a HDD or SSD:

Ninja | Atomos

The recently released Blackmagic Video Assist requires Canon batteries, but it records 1080p 60 on cheap SD cards, costs $495 and has a screen resolution of 1920x1080:

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagicvideoassist

interesting about the D810, the set up would be huge , I bought a used GH3 . That is why I like this forum I learn something every day.

 

[Jorgen Udvang]

interesting about the D810, the set up would be huge , I bought a used GH3 . That is why I like this forum I learn something every day.

Ha ha... I sold the GH3 to finance the D810. I do miss the ergonomics, particularly for video, and I'm drawn strongly between acquiring a G7 for video or a recorder/monitor for the D810. The D810 solution is the more economical. Then there's logistics. I hope Blackmagic will eventually come up with a Nikon battery adapter for their Video Assist.

 

[viablex1]

would be interesting to see what you come up with pics etc. Lots of cages etc, I got a used audio technica mic for a song on ebay, I also use it with my old sony DAT recorder

 

[Jorgen Udvang]

would be interesting to see what you come up with pics etc. Lots of cages etc, I got a used audio technica mic for a song on ebay, I also use it with my old sony DAT recorder

I'm trying to avoid a cage, since it ads bulk when I travel and isn't convenient when I combine stills and video. The Blackmagic recorder has 3 attachment points on top, but it wouldn't be practical to mount the microphone there. I think I still have the mounting plate for my old Rollei 140 flash. That would be good as attachment point for a recorder/monitor next to the camera, while the microphone can be mounted at the hot shoe (I have a Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro that I bought a couple of years ago). I'll post some photos as soon as I've bought the recorder.

Here are a couple of reviews of the D810/Ninja 2 combo. I'm surprised how much the video quality improves by using an external recorder:

Nikon D810 Filmmaker’s Kit Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ05wxEbmU0

I've so far managed without a follow focus thingy, but sometimes use something like this:

Adjustable Lens Gear Ring Belt w Metal Hand Grip for Follow Focus DSLR Camera | eBay

Not nearly as exact as the real thing, but very cheap and very portable

Update:
Apparently, the Ninja 2 is not the latest version. There's an upgraded Atomos Ninja Blade as well, featuring a much improved 1280x720 monitor. The price is unfortunately also "improved" to $995:

Ninja Blade | Atomos

 

[Jolly]

OK I have never really been interested in using a DSLR for video, in fact I've never been all that interested in video. Lat time I really shot any was 1972 and it was on reel to reel tape in high school. I'm not counting using my phone.

So in a few weeks I'll be shooting stills at the Newport Folkfest. Over the years I've seen more and more guys using DSLR's for video.

Long story short, What is the latest coolest best FF Nikon for shooting video. I wanna try it and I will rent a body from Lensrentals.com.

I'm sure by now they auto focus for video right?

Must you use a "bellows" or hood on the viewing screen to see in bright light or can you use the camera viewfinder to shoot.

I just think I want to try this stuff.

Ideas? Insight?

Thanks

Neil

Check, as it has been said, the Nikon D750. It produces better videos and less noise than the D810.
The D750 has so many video features and a tillable screen, perfect for video, though just 1080p.

 

[ohnri]

Among the reasons I just sold my D4 and D800 is that shooting video with my Samsung NX1 is easier and is 4K quality.

My forthcoming Sony A7rii will also shoot internal 4K video and uses the now excellent line up of Sony and Zeiss lenses.

The D750 is reported to be among the better DSLR's for HD video and is also among Nimon's lighter bodies so should be a good choice for those who want video included with their Nikon body. Unfortunately, no 4K quality is in sight.

Either the Samsung NX1 or a Panasonic GH4 or a Sony RX10ii provides excellent 4K video.

-Bill