How to record videos in low light

Some may think that shooting in low light will result in poor quality video, but in many cases, the higher ratio of darkness to brightness results in a more dramatic and artistic appearance.
image. However, shooting in less light requires more attention to detail and familiarity with the camera. I have listed below what I believe to be essential tips when shooting in such conditions.

1. Wide angle lens

I often get better results in low light using a wide angle lens due to the greater depth of field. This allows me to keep more of the foreground in focus and allow more light into the lens. For example, when I’m shooting a wedding, many of the reception rooms dim the lights to create a romantic atmosphere. As a result, I rig one of my cameras with a wide-angle lens to capture a panoramic view of the dance floor, often from the second floor. I use the wide angle perspective to my artistic advantage and never have to worry about shallow depth of field or focus issues.

2. Say “NO” to Zoom

As the focal length increases (zooming in), the amount of light allowed into the lens reduces. As a result, you will find that your image gets darker as you get closer. This can be problematic if ambient light levels are already insufficient. If you must get close to the action, then you must get physically close.

3. Be pragmatic

Don’t expect your image quality to be on par with a grain-free, daylight video setup. I find that the heightened drama of the image often outweighs any loss in quality. Some of my best photos were taken in low light. Often when I’m at a wedding and shooting dance scenes, I prefer to keep my camera light off in favor of the more seductive look of multi-colored DJ lights. Don’t be afraid to experiment and go natural.

If I’m shooting on the beach, natural lighting can be my best friend. If you live in Southern California, you won’t have to worry much about cloudy skies. The golden tint that occurs at sunset on a clear day is sure to give your video that expensive look without costing you a dime.

4. Pros and cons of on-camera lights

Having an on-camera light can be a lifesaver when you’re left with few or no options for shooting in the dark. However, when shopping for a light, I would steer clear of anyone that doesn’t allow you to dim their output (brightness). The problem with a fixed light intensity is that it is very easy to dodge or burn the image. As a result, you’ll have to constantly adjust your aperture or shutter speed to compensate. Considering that it’s quite difficult to focus in low light, the added complications of legacy just aren’t worth it.

Another tool to consider is a diffusion lens. Without any damping, the light from the camera will cast a harsh beam onto your subject, giving it a washed out appearance. If you are a wedding videographer or trying to create a romantic look, it is imperative that you apply a diffusion lens to your light.

5.Use electronic gain wisely

In cinematic terms, electronic gain is like using higher speed film. Advantages include increased light sensitivity but at the expense of increased video noise.
For every 3 decibels of gain increase, the light increase is equivalent to 1 f-stop. Sometimes increased noise can be used artistically, but be careful.