You can probably imagine the corporate video world has had two major developments in recent years, the wider range and versatility of camera  and the increasing speed and capability of the web. Being fans of the SLR cameras, we have started to use the 5D mark iii, hybrid of the mark ii and the earlier 7D, in the sense that it is respondent in lower light and can shoot slow mo, (50fps,) it has two options in this setting, both at 720p. The ALL-I setting is apparently more converter friendly, while the other IPB a lower file size, but both suitable for web video and I’ve yet to notice much difference in quality. I have recently been converting to xdcam codec to edit in, as it is fast in final cut and small file size compared to apple pro-res, but I soon found out when attempting to run them through cinetools to get my 50fps footage playing in slow mo, (https://vimeo.com/42285258 ) this was not compatible, though, usually three or four times larger then the originally captured rushes from your card, pro-res does give you the best results, especially for those who put heir work on formats outside of the web, such as vimeo. Speaking of which, having recently discovered they have changed their preferred upload settings, when they upgraded their new layout. If you set your audio to AAC 44.1 KHZ and Video, H.264 as usual but restrict to 5000 KBPS you’ll find it zooms the upload, especially if you have a pro-plus account. After having attempted many times to upload to youtube straight from final cut and having to wait overnight for a result, I have found the faster way is to upload whole movie files separately, rather than batch, again in H.264 but in 30fps rather than 25fps for some reason, and try to keep it in 1:1 square pixel for 16:9 aspect ratio as it can squash your movie otherwise, and of course always de-interlace. Audio again AAC but 48 KHZ works fine. But when embedding into another site, for a client perhaps, or your own I prefer vimeo, as it gives you the option to change the display, remove the vimeo logo and link back to the vimeo account, unlike youtube which will associate your video with similar metatags. Though essentially youtube is likely to get high hits quicker due to the broader use and vimeo is often a weapon of choice for those in the game, due to the nature of the professional culture there.

Another added benefit with the slr canon range is that the size allows for light weight rigs and flexible light foot shooting, which is helpful when trying to get broad coverage at music festivals and conferences. (https://vimeo.com/39439544 ) I’ve often found I can traipse around events with a bag full of lenses and cards, with a hend-held rig, getting loads of juicy cut aways. Personally I prefer the zacuto hand-held, with longer reaching arms, that allow an adjustment of angles, which means I find myself hunching over less, like some of the other rigs, resulting in back gramps. When carrying out interviews, unless you’re going to slap on barn doors, a matte box and have a bunch of lights, the SLR’s are less intimidating and noticeable to contributors, which can be a benefit in the corporate world, when working with businesses that have very little or no media training, softening the barrier. But if you are going to accessorise your rig, when shooting outside I would suggest a polarizing filter, which enriches colours as well is cleans up reflections, bit.ly/fDwl69 and a grad ND filter, bit.ly/LjrvQ which nicely neutralizes the sky, bringing a subtle yet pleasing aesthetic to your image, can be attempted in post but evident. Another piece of kit that has come in handy are the spider arms, flexible and durable for the light weight 5D’s. We attached one to a jib in a matter of minutes to set up a beauty over-the-head shot. There is an increasing need to upgrade your equipment in order to stay on top of the latest thing, and for anybody working in ‘the game’, they need to know when to draw the line. We have also started experimenting, building our own mini-rigs, hack-sawing pieces of galvanized steel and bmx handle bars, but they have yet to be put to the full test.