DSLR Video Settings for Smooth Footage

Switch the camera to video mode

Most DSLRs have a live view or movie switch near the viewfinder or on the mode dial. On many Canon cameras, for example, you turn the live view/movie switch to the movie icon, which changes the screen and menu options. Exact steps differ by model, so check the manual if your camera does not match. Once in movie mode, choose manual exposure if your camera allows it, since automatic modes can change exposure mid-clip.

Resolution: 4K or 1080p

Neither is universally better. 4K records more detail and gives room to crop or reframe, but files are larger, editing is more demanding, and some DSLRs apply a crop to the image or run warmer. 1080p is smaller, easier to edit and still good for many online uses. If your camera offers both, use 4K when you need the detail and your computer can handle it, and 1080p when storage or simplicity matter. Many older DSLRs only record 1080p.

Frame rate: 24, 30 or 60 fps

• 24 fps gives a film-like look.
• 30 fps looks a little smoother.
• 60 fps is best for slow motion or fast action.

30 or 60? For normal-speed playback, 30 fps is usually enough. Choose 60 fps if you want slow motion in editing. Some regions use 25 and 50 fps instead. For more on the look of each, see the cinema camera settings guide.

Shutter speed

A common guide is to set shutter speed to about double the frame rate: 1/50 s at 24 or 25 fps, 1/60 s at 30 fps, 1/120 s at 60 fps. This tends to give natural motion blur and avoids a stuttery look. Shutter speed is best left fixed, with other controls adjusting exposure.

Aperture

A wider aperture (smaller f-number) gives a blurred background but makes focus less forgiving. A moderate aperture is easier to keep sharp when your subject moves. Because shutter speed is fixed, aperture and ISO are your main exposure tools, and an ND filter lets you keep a wide aperture outdoors.

ISO

Use the lowest ISO that gives a good exposure to limit noise. Raise it in dim scenes, and check results on a larger screen since noise is hard to judge on the small LCD. Avoid auto ISO unless you are comfortable with exposure shifting.

White balance

Set white balance manually (a preset or Kelvin value) so colour does not drift during a clip. Auto white balance can change as the subject moves through different light.

Picture style and dynamic range

Standard picture styles look good straight away. Flatter styles retain more highlight and shadow detail but need colour correction. Lowering in-camera contrast and sharpening slightly can give more flexibility in editing, depending on your workflow.

Focus

DSLR video autofocus varies widely by model, with older bodies often slower and more prone to hunting. Many shooters focus manually, using live view magnification. Lock focus before recording when your subject is stationary.

Audio

Built-in microphones pick up handling and wind noise. An external microphone, or a separate recorder, usually gives a clear improvement. Set levels manually if possible and keep peaks below clipping.

Stabilization and handling

Handheld DSLR footage can look shaky. A tripod, shoulder rig, gimbal or stabilised lens helps. Lens stabilisation can be switched off on a tripod if your lens manual recommends it.

Quick cheat sheet

FAQ

Is 4K or 1080p better for video? 4K for detail and cropping, 1080p for smaller files and easier editing.

Can a DSLR do time lapse? Yes, many have an interval timer or can do one with an external remote. See our time lapse tutorial.