Game Day! How Do I Film This?
Have a Plan For Your Video.
What are you shooting? Video for a highlight reel? Game film for coaches review? Film for a team keepsake video? It’s a good idea to decide what you’re filming for prior to the game. The type of project you’re filming for will change how you film. Whatever your project, you’ll want to have your equipment ready to go and arrive earlier to stake out a good vantage point. Remember, your focus shifts from cheering supporter to objective videographer. That means keeping your eye in the viewfinder, and keeping your cheering, coaching, and play-by-play commentary on mute.
We’ll have more information in an upcoming Blog entry on suggestions for capturing the right video for different types of projects.
Camera Placement: Good video starts with a good angle
Every sport, and every position has its sweet spot for video. Volleyball for example, you want to be filming from behind the player at a distance where the coach can see the entire court. As a general rule, it’s better to be set up in the middle of the court or field at a point higher than ground level.
Record the Play, Not the Player
Coaches like to see your athlete’s performance within the game situation. Zooming in too close doesn’t give the right perspective. Just make sure the video is in focus and you’re close enough to the action to clearly identify your athlete and to see the action. PPG will add a highlight spot or an arrow so a coach can easily see where to look.
Keep it Steady
Needless zooming in and out is just as much of a distraction as a shaky camera. Follow the play, and avoid any unnecessary or shaky movements. PPG can reframe clips to best showcase the action as needed. Investing in a or borrowing a tripod is a good camera move. The quality of your video will immediately improve. Tripods are available for smartphones now for less than $20.
Practice Makes It Easier and So Does Asking for Advice
Like any other skill, shooting good video takes patience and a lot practice. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a camera, you want to know it’s functions as well as its limitations. Also, practice filming at practices so you get used to following the flow of the game. Also, don’t be afraid to ask other parents or photographers for advice.
File Sizes & Formats
Video files are large, and with the ability to film in UHD and 4K (not recommended), you can run out of capacity quickly. Filming at 1080p provides great resolution, and manageable file sizes that shouldn’t overwhelm your storage. Filming at this setting will take about 4-8GB of memory for a 60 minute game. Be aware that some smartphones and cameras STOP RECORDING, or start a new file, when the video file reaches 4GB, which is around 40 minutes of recording at 1920×1080 30fps, so you should monitor your smartphone for the first few recordings to see how yours operates.
If you like the slow-motion film effect, record your video in 60 or 120 fps. This will allow for great looking slow-motion playback, but will also make larger file sizes, and should be used for specific items (skills showcase, etc.)
Camera Settings
Finally, white balance. Usually cameras in the auto position will handle white balance quite well. But if you are inside a gymnasium where the lights make everything look yellow, you may want to manually adjust your white balance. Or choose the fluorescent setting on your camera (if available) to bring in some more blues to balance.
What’s Up With the Paper & Pencil?
Jotting down even approximate times of big plays can make your post game review go MUCH faster, and it’s a quick and easy way to keep a record of potential highlights.
PPG Media 