Capturing wildlife on video brings the thrill of nature right to our screens. It's like sneaking a peek into the secret lives of animals, but there's an art to it. To get those breathtaking shots, you need more than just luck; you need the right equipment and settings.
Camera and Lens Choices for Wildlife Videography
When capturing wildlife, a 400mm/600mm/800mm is your best friend for getting those up-close shots without disturbing the animals. It’s essential to research the specific wildlife you’re aiming to capture to understand their behavior and natural habitat for the best results.
Recommended lenses
I always go with a prime lens for wildlife videography. Why? Because you never know if your subject will decide it's time to sprint across the savannah or take a leisurely stroll.
Scouting locations and tracking down elusive creatures demands gear that adapts as fast as the scene changes. The 70-200mm f/2.8 and 200-600mm has been my sidekick, when not using my 600mm f/4, offering crisp images whether I'm zoomed out on a landscape or up close with a fox’s whiskers twitching in curiosity.
Trust me, getting cozy with animals from a distance using the right prime lens makes all the difference – no need to spook them or get myself into trouble!
Research on the wildlife to be captured
After deciding on that lens, it's time to hit the books - or rather, the internet. Researching wildlife habits and habitats isn't just for fun; it's essential. You want to catch that majestic eagle in flight? Better know when it hunts.
Dreaming of filming nocturnal critters? Figure out their active hours. This step is about getting smart with your subjects. It helps if you understand their moves more than they do.
The trick lies not only in knowing where they hang out but also in predicting their next move like a wildlife whisperer. Armed with knowledge from lenses recommendations for those action shots, to tactics on manual focus for precision, every piece of information is a gem.
Diving into specifics - species behaviors, migration patterns, and even weather effects can turn an average video into an epic tale of wilderness adventure without changing lenses all day long thanks to versatile lens options ready at hand—making sure you capture each fleeting moment as if by magic but really, it’s all in the prep work.
Another option to doing all the research, is to hire a photography guide. Hiring a guide takes all the research, scouting locations and transportation needs off your shoulders.
Use of a fluid head for stability
Let me tell you, investing in a fluid head for my tripod was a game-changer. Before, it felt like I was trying to film wildlife with a camera riding a roller coaster – shaky, erratic, and downright amateurish.
But the moment I switched to using a fluid head, it was like stepping onto solid ground after being at sea. The smoothness? Unbelievable. Every pan and tilt became as steady as if I had nerves of steel.
Capturing wildlife footage is no joke; those creatures don't wait for you to get your act together. That's where the fluid head comes into play – its magic lies in offering that steadiness needed for professional videography without breaking a sweat (or an arm).
Smooth footage went from being my biggest challenge to my strongest asset. And adjusting focus manually while keeping shots steady? It gave me full control over what I wanted my audience to see and feel.
Trust me, when you're out there in the wild, trying to immortalize those fleeting moments on camera, stability isn't just nice-to-have—it's everything.
Many wildlife photographers have a gimbal head already, so a gimbal head can be used instead of a fluid head. You may have to use a video production program to stabilize your video. There are many on the market, with a few having free options.
Recommended Video Settings for Wildlife Videography
Set the frame rate to 24fps for stationary wildlife recording, or 60fps for moving wildlife. Adjust the focus manually for precision in capturing stationary wildlife, or automatic focus for wildlife in action. Take filler shots to showcase different angles and perspectives of wildlife scenes.
Frame rate of 24fps for stationary wildlife
Shooting wildlife at a frame rate of 24fps gives that cinematic look and feel. It's perfect for capturing stationary subjects, creating a natural, smooth motion in the footage. This setting offers a more immersive experience for the viewer, making them feel like they're right there with the wildlife.
Adjusting focus manually can be challenging but helps in getting those crisp shots.
Frame rate of 60fps for wildlife action
Shooting wildlife at a frame rate of 60fps gives that smooth motion feel to moving subjects. This allows for a more realistic feel to moving subjects, while allowing the majority of frames to be in focus and not blurred from the abrupt movements.
Using subject tracking is the best for tracking moving wildlife.
Taking filler shots to capture different angles
When capturing wildlife videos, the use of filler shots to capture different angles is crucial. These shots provide additional footage which gives context and sets the scene for the viewer.
It's important to incorporate a variety of shots, including wide-angle and close-up, to keep the audience engaged throughout the video. By seamlessly switching between different angles, I can create an immersive experience for the viewer, allowing them to feel like they are part of the wildlife environment.
Supplementary shots not only add visual interest but also help in providing a complete picture of the surroundings. The use of these contextual shots enables me to tell a more compelling story through my wildlife videography.
Conclusion
Remember to use a proper lens for wildlife videography.
Adjust your camera settings for optimal frame rate and manual focus.
Also, don't forget filler shots and capturing sound separately.
Lastly, choose equipment that supports multiple frame rates and autofocus systems. And keep exploring more adventures in wildlife videography!
Join us on a photography workshop if you want help setting up your camera properly for the best settings to take your videography to the next level. Many of our clients asked for help with their video settings and AF settings to improve their video skills.