Shooting cinematic videos with Nikon
The capabilities of modern digital cameras in the field of video are enormous and are in no way inferior to the recording of individual images. However, the recording of continuous images places its very own demands on the technology and also on the photographer or videographer. Nikon offers cameras and lenses that are suitable for videography and offer various advantages here. We have taken a look at this topic and provide important videography tips so that you can quickly raise your recordings to a professional level.
If you want to transport your video equipment in a stylish and functional way, an elegant backpack with an individual interior is worthwhile. A relaxed carrying style makes long days of filming easier and the padded interior protects the camera from shocks - perfect for professional motion tracking.
Video recording with Nikon: these are the possibilities
With a modern Nikon camera, you are generally well-prepared for videography. The manufacturer has consistently invested in this area and, for example, increased the resolution of the Z series to 6K (Z6III model) or even 8K(Z8 model). Cameras such as the Z8 are used in cinema and advertising. The N-Raw format is a special feature. This is a proprietary RAW video format that Nikon introduced in 2022. It relies on efficient TicoRAW compression and offers longer recording times despite being saved in 12-bit. In addition, N-Raw is said to reduce the load on the processor and battery, which can be an argument, especially when shooting in warm environments such as outdoors in summer.
Especially if you record longer clips in N-Raw format, you will benefit from a compact messenger bag that safely organizes the body, lens and several batteries. This allows you to remain flexible and start the next scene without delay.
Subject recognition is an important issue in videography. Anyone recording videos, for example for social media, a documentary or simply for private use, usually films either people or animals and also shows them in motion. It is important that the autofocus plays along here and can permanently focus on the desired subject without you having to make any manual effort. Nikon has continuously developed this important AF function over the years. Models such as the Z8 now have a wide range of subject recognition functions for people, animals and birds as well as for vehicles and airplanes. Firmware updates and thus improvements in this area are constantly being released. However, it is also important that you have a suitable lens for Nikon videography.
How do I choose a suitable lens for video?
First, you should determine your requirements for the lens. And these of course depend on what you want to achieve with videography:
Cinematic atmosphere: at 35 mm, the NIKKOR Z 35 mm f/1.8 S and also the NIKKOR Z 24-70 mm f/2.8 S, which can be adjusted to this, correspond to the classic normal width, which roughly corresponds to our normal visual impression. These lenses are therefore well suited for a narrative cinema look. The manufacturer speaks of very low focus breathing with both lenses. This means that when the focus is shifted, there are hardly any changes in terms of focal length and angle of view. Only the focal plane changes, but not the entire image composition. And that looks more cinematic and professional.
Portrait: The NIKKOR Z 85 mm f/1.2 S and NIKKOR Z 135 mm f/1.8 S Plena lenses are ideal for portrait and wedding videography and offer advantages such as silent autofocus, an S-Line coating against light reflections and linear MF. With a linear MF (Manual Focus), it doesn't matter how fast or slow you turn the focus ring. The focus always moves the same distance. These lenses produce a velvety and even bokeh right into the corners, giving them a very cinematic look. Strong background compression and the creation of flat facial lines (flattering to faces) make these lenses excellent for wedding and beauty shots.
Documentary: If you're into documentary, you should look at lenses like the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S. This allows you to cover practically all video documentary work with just one lens. This is thanks to the extreme focal length range of 24 to 120 mm. You can choose wide-angle for establishing shots, medium focal lengths for sound bites and telephoto for discreet close-ups, all without ever having to change lenses. The exposure remains identical during fast focal length movements, which is advantageous when panning the camera, for example. You also benefit from quiet dual STM autofocus and a fast face-tracking lock.
Vlogging: Users in this area require an uncomplicated and lightweight solution that is easy to operate. Lenses such as the NIKKOR Z 14-30 mm f/4 S or the NIKKOR Z 20 mm f/1.8 S are suitable here. The NIKKOR Z 14-30 mm f/4 S is very wide and flexible and captures a lot of background for selfies. It has a quiet autofocus and is gimbal-friendly. As a fast lens, the NIKKOR Z 20 mm f/1.8 S enables clean shots even in dark rooms. City night shots are possible without ISO noise. This compact lens also fits on small travel rigs.
If you are traveling with several lenses, whether for cinematic reports, documentary shoots or mobile vlogging, you need a bag that is just as flexible as your set-up. A well-thought-out, lightweight shoulder bag with a variable interior layout allows quick access to the camera and interchangeable lenses, while reliably protecting your equipment from the weather and shocks - and supporting you on shoots that require dynamism and mobility.
Tips for cinematic videos
Of course, videography is not just about having the right hardware. You also need to know how to use it, even if the advanced technology does a lot of the work for you. The choice of settings, for example, depends on the effect you want to achieve. If you want to create cinematic videos and achieve a corresponding look, you should select a frame rate of 24 fps, for example. This corresponds to the frame rate in the cinema and supports the cinematic look. If you set a higher fps, the image will be smoother and therefore more video-like, which is not necessarily what you want here. Because then the result looks more like a live recording, as we know it from news broadcasts.
Also take a look at the settings for color grading. For Nikon videography, there are official N-Logs that combine an optimized Rec.709 LUT with four real RED film looks (also called RED Creative LUTs). These can be found in the Nikon Download Center. Instead of a pure technical conversion as with Rec.709, we are dealing here with a film aesthetic that is based on the RED cameras. RED is one of the leading cinema camera manufacturers, which is why you should already be familiar with the corresponding cinematic look.
As it is often too bright in daylight to maintain cinematic exposure parameters, you should work with an ND filter. This reduces the light without changing the color or sharpness. Nikon's ND filters with variable stops have proven their worth here, as you then do not need a slide-in or plug-in filter. One stop halves or doubles the amount of light.
For cinematic shoots, a structured photo backpack that accommodates the camera 24 fps, ND filter, HDMI cable and laptop is worthwhile, even for longer outdoor shoots. Comfortable padding and organizer compartments ensure peace of mind and an overview during the next production.
