Filming Writing

[WaskiSquirrel]

I was wondering if anyone has lens recommendations for me. I use a Canon 5D Mark II.

 

What I want to do is to film writing. There are two purposes for this. One of these purposes is to film my pen reviews. I want to record the writing sample. Currently I use either an 85mm lens or a 50mm lens and crop the footage to get a tighter view. You can see a sample below.

 

I also plan to start filming instructional videos in math and science. They will include my writing and they will include demonstrations and close-ups of labs.

 

I would like a lens that lets me get close enough without cropping. I would also like to find a good piece of equipment to support the camera so that it looks directly down at the paper.

 

So, what thoughts do you have, bearing in mind that this is a full-frame sensor?

 

Writing begins about 5:18. As you can see, it's not good enough. And, yes, I was losing my voice.

 

Edited January 20, 2015 by Waski_the_Squirrel

[bogiesan]

Filmmaking is just shooting using appropriate hardware including glass, support, and microphones. After you shoot, you edit. Proper white balance, exposure, focus and composition are fundamental skills of the craft. Cropping is fine if you don't over-resolve your release format. Shooting with a full frame sensor at full resolution is wasted on online video. You can shoot at 2k or above but most people will view at 720. Buying or building a camera rig that allows you to shoot straight down is easy, just research copy stands and take it from there.Most better tripods have a center column that can be used horizontally. Choosing glass is easy, too, if you know what you need. The 85 is fine, move closer. 100mm macro is a good choice. A macro focusing zoom is versatile but close up mode also means less depth of field, which is great for creative photography but not for documentation. So you need lots of light to use a small aperture with a long focal length. Or bring a wider angle lens closer. Lighting a copy stand's stage is easily researched, too. Two instruments, 45 degrees. Get a light meter or learn to use the one on board so you're exposing for the content and not white paper. Get a good mic so your narration is as good as the images.

 

What you're trying to shoot is not new. The techniques have all been perfected, you just need to find the resources you trust. Look for books on document and forensic photography, macro lighting, video with DSLRs, and advanced editing.