Aerial Shoot - Lens Choice, Frame Rate & Shutter Speed?

[C Barker]

Hi there,

I'm planning a series of helicopter shoots and was wondering what would be the best lens for this? We will most likely have to shoot with a Mini Gyro. Would we need a stabilised lens for this or would this somehow counteract the effect of the gyro? I would also greatly appreciate any input on suggestions for lens model/focal length that would be best (we are considering a Canon EF 16-35 mm F/2.8 L II USM). Is it best to choose a 2.4 lens rather than f4?

As we are filming with a Scarlet we will be limited to shooting 4K up to 30fps and I've read that its much better to stay in 4K due to stabilisation? If that's the case then would 30fps be better than 24fps at all or not worth it?

Lastly, what shutter speed would be sufficient and is it worth pushing the ISO to the limits in order to increase the shutter speed?

Thanks if you can help!

 

[Chris McKechnie]

Lots of research needed to be done on your end, but I can hopefully kickstart your process a little.

If you're using a mini gyro, I would recommend using a wide lens, like 24 maybe 35mm since every little bobble/bounce will be magnified once you start to go longer than 35. In terms of IS or not, don't know that it will help ya all that much. You'll want to shoot at a deep depth of field, like F8 + to make sure things are in focus.

In terms of shutter speed/frame rates, I would shoot as fast as you can for frame rates, as slower motion tends to really stabilize that footage when played back slower, i.e. 24/30fps timeline. Just make sure you don't go over 180 degree shutter and you will be fine in terms of shutter speed. Keep ISO at 800. Blackshade for your current exposure/framerate always keeps that noise level pristine.