The ABCDEF of setting up your shot

Here’s how to make your shot as good as it can be, before you press the record button. First, check the settings and the sound. Then check the angle, background, composition and distance. Finally, check the exposure and focus. Angle Which angle will give you the best view of the subject? Could you improve your shot by moving around the subject, or using a higher or … Read more

Composition: framing your shots right

Thirds

Composition means how you arrange things in the shot. Your film will look a lot better if you compose the shots carefully. Pay attention to where things are in the shot, what’s happening at the edges of the frame, and what’s going on in the background.

Canon’s EOS M3, a neat SLR alternative

EOS-M3 with EVF

Canon’s new EOS M3 is a compact interchangeable lens camera that shoots SLR-style HD video and high-quality stills. How does it compare with the original EOS-M for video?

Zacuto Z-finder Pro review

Z-finder Pro

Zacuto’s Z-finder Pro is an optical viewfinder that clips to your camera to enlarge the image on the LCD screen. It costs a lot more than cheaper loupes. Should you buy one?

Canon’s XC10, an easy-to-use broadcast quality camcorder

Canon XC10

I’ve been testing the Canon XC10. It’s an easy-to-use pro camcorder – with excellent image stabilisation – that looks like a DSLR stills camera. The XC10 is for people who want to be able to shoot high-quality video without a big, expensive or complicated camera.