Sound and vision
Sound is a biggie for me, coming from a television and audio background. Being able to capture beautiful “cinematic” video with a relatively low investment is fantastic in terms of accessibility, but so many users forget about high quality audio. Many mirrorless cameras will have a 3.5” mini jack input for an on camera microphone, but do not have a headphone output for monitoring.
Again, understanding the work-around to capture sound is key, but once you have the mirrorless camera, a lens adapter or Speed Booster (or purchase new lenses), an on camera mic or external recorder, and an external video recorder, surely the cost would equate to buying a mid-range video camera?
Possibly. So what makes the mirrorless bandwagon so appealing? Affordability, flexibility and look.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K can now shoot in RAW, and it costs just over £1,000.
Being able to use existing lenses reduces the investment cost, and the resulting look is “cinematic” with 4K and good quality slow motion. Mirrorless cameras have been used for broadcast and feature film productions for years, showing that these cameras aren’t just for entry-level users. It’s all about how you use them.
Location photography courtesy of Adam Plowden.
