Canon R8 Video Settings for Kids Soccer Games

[AlexAndErika]

Video for Kids Soccer Games - I have transitioned to using my Canon R8 with a 24-240 lens. I don't focus on photos, mainly video highlights of goals, dribbling, etc. Next year we will go to 11v11 and larger fields so I want to have a better camera for those longer distances.

For those who take video, what manual settings would you recommend for this Canon R8 camera and lens set up? I have an attached monitor that helps me see a better field of view.

The video attached is just shot in auto video mode, the green A button on the dial. What mode on the dial do you typically shoot video in and what settings would you recommend?

I have been shooting in 4K lite at a wider angle to not miss the play and then cropping the video down to about 1080 to get a decent final clip.

Here is the link to view the original video file of a short clip I captured recently in regular auto video settings.

I know I need to get a tighter shot but I don't want to miss the play so that will come with time as I can zoom in more and track the ball better.

Thank you in advance for the feedback.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jN2qLLJ9LUPNEqLd7

[stevet1]

AlexAndErika,

If you are going to shoot in Manual, most people recommend you use a shutter speed that is twice as fast as your frame rate to get the most natural looking flow of movement. That is, if you're using 30fps, you'd set a shutter speed of 1/60th of a second. After that, you can tinker with your aperture and ISO to get a good exposure.

Some people feel that 1/60th's of a second let's in too much light, and so they will use a 3 stop neutral density filter to cut down on the light and avoid over exposure.

The audio in your clip had excellent quality.

In my camera ( a T8i ), if I set the Mode to Av, TV, or P, the camera automatically reverts to P Mode, and sets the aperture, shutter speed and ISO for me, and adjusts the exposure on the fly.

If I was shooting a video with changing lighting as you swing from one end of the field to another, I don't think I would use Manual, because you would be constantly tinkering with the settings to get your exposure right.

Steve Thomas

[AlexAndErika]

Thank you for the feedback. What mode would you recommend shooting in?

I have not spent any time understanding the different modes on the dial. 

I have been shooting in 60 fps so I will need to make my shutter speed 1/120

I added an ND filter to the lens. Not because I was thinking of the lighting. I just wanted an extra layer of protection on the lens. 

I also use a RODE mic so the audio has been decent. 

[stevet1]

AlexandErika,

You could put your camera in P Mode, where the camera will choose the appropriate shutter speed and aperture, or in Tv Mode, where you can adjust the shutter speed and the camera will choose the appropriate aperture for a proper exposure.

I thought your video was a little dark, so you might want to add a touch of positive exposure compensation, maybe a 1/3 stop.

Manual is ok if you are in a fixed location where the lighting is not going to change, but if the lighting is changing by swinging your camera back and forth, you want to be able to adapt quickly, and a semi-automatic Mode, like Tv or Av or P is probably a better bet.

Steve Thomas

[AlexAndErika]

Appreciate the feedback. Is there a good resource online to read more about the different modes like Tv, Av, P, etc? 

Of the 3 modes you mentioned, what would you likely be shooting in? We are in Southern California, the weather and lighting is always pretty consistent. 

[stevet1]

If I am in consistent lighting, I might use Manual. If I'm going from shadow to sunlight, I might use one of the semi modes like Av or P. I don't shoot moving subjects very often, so I don't use Tv too much.

On my camera, Av reverts to P anyway, so I'll go with that more often than not. If I adjust my exposure compensation up or down a little bit, it adjusts my ISO to make the exposure brighter or darker.

Steve Thomas

[rs-eos]

I would avoid using an ND filter unless you want to use wider apertures. For desired lens protection, use a high quality clear filter. I personally use B+W brand of filters.

As mentioned, shutter speed would be fixed and typically based on frame rate (180º shutter angle rule).

For modes, you could potentially try Shutter Priority (Tv), though I'd be more included with either Program (P) or Manual (M). i.e. you definitely want full control of the shutter speed and potentially the aperture.

If using manual, you could always set the camera to use Auto ISO too just in case clouds roll in/out while shooting.