Filming with an interchangeable lens camera – for beginners

You’ve been filming with your smartphone, but now you want to take the next step? Maybe you already have an interchangeable lens camera—or you’re thinking about getting one—and you’re wondering how to shoot really great videos with it? Good news: you’re in the right place. This guide covers the basics and key tips for using your camera not just to record, but to create high-quality videos—with more control, more depth, and a lot more expression.

An interchangeable lens camera opens up tons of creative possibilities you don’t get with a smartphone—and it starts with image quality. The larger sensor captures more light. That means: less noise, more detail—even in low light. Plus, you can shoot in Full HD or even 4K, giving your videos a professional look right out of the gate.

And the heart of it all: the lenses. Depending on the mood or scene, you can choose different focal lengths: wide-angle for stunning landscapes, telephoto for beautiful bokeh and close-ups. You can also expand your setup with external microphones, tripods, or gimbals—getting closer step-by-step to professional filmmaking.

Frame Rate (fps) – How Smooth Do You Want It?

Frame rate indicates how many frames per second are recorded—and how smooth the video looks. Some quick references:

• 24 fps: classic cinematic look

• 30 fps: standard for YouTube and TV

• 60 fps and above: perfect for sports, action, or slow motion

The higher the frame rate, the more light the camera needs—so in low light, open the aperture or increase ISO.

Pro tip: shoot at a high frame rate and play back slower = beautiful slow motion effects. It also helps hide small shakes when shooting handheld..

Shutter Speed – The Secret to Natural Movement

A simple rule: your shutter speed should be about double your frame rate.

Example:

• 30 fps → 1/60 second

• 60 fps → 1/120 second

If shutter speed is too fast, motion looks unnatural and choppy. A slightly longer shutter speed gives your video smoothness.

Focal Length & Field of View – How to Set the Mood

• Wide angle: more environment, more depth, more dynamic

• Telephoto: narrow view, lots of bokeh, strong subject focus

Playing with perspective is fun: wide angle makes close objects look bigger and backgrounds farther away. Telephoto compresses space—great to make the subject pop.

Depth of Field & Bokeh – Working with Blur

Depth of field depends directly on your aperture (f-number):

• Wide aperture (e.g. f/1.8): shallow depth of field, lots of bokeh

• Narrow aperture (e.g. f/8): more sharpness across the image

If you want to isolate your subject with a soft, dreamy background, go for a wide aperture.

ISO – Use Just Enough Light Sensitivity, Keep ISO Low

Higher ISO makes the sensor more sensitive—but also increases noise. So keep ISO as low as possible and adjust exposure with aperture or ND filters.

Correct Settings for Video – How to Nail It

• Mode: manual (M)—for full control

• Set your frame rate first → then adjust shutter speed

• Choose aperture based on desired look and bokeh

• Raise ISO only if necessary

• Use ND filters if it’s too bright (e.g., shooting outdoors in sunlight)

White balance: better to set manually—so colors stay consistent even if lighting changes.

Three Things That Instantly Improve Your Videos

1. Stabilize the camera.
   Handheld footage often shakes. Better to keep it steady—or use smooth moves with a gimbal or slider.

2. Use zoom wisely.
   Too much zooming looks unprofessional. If you want different angles, shoot multiple takes and edit later.

3. ND filter = your best friend in daylight.
   If you want wide aperture but don’t want overexposure, ND filters help get the right exposure.

Use wide angle, like 16–35mm—to capture a lot of space. Add variety with slow motion, time lapse, or slider moves. A tripod helps keep the shot stable.

Timing and speed matter here:

• High frame rate (at least 60 fps)

• Telephoto for distant subjects

• Tripod or gimbal to reduce shake
  Choose your position well and check if tripods are allowed where you shoot!

• Brightness: the lower the f-number, the better for low light & nice bokeh

• Look: every lens has its own colors and vibe

• Focus breathing: less is better for video

• Autofocus performance: important for moving subjects—fast and quiet is best

• Image stabilization: very useful for handheld or telephoto shots

• Durability and handling: key if shooting outdoors or often using manual focus

Shooting video with an interchangeable lens camera is a total game-changer—if you know how to set it up and use it well. Good preparation, the right lenses, and conscious technique make all the difference. Start now, experiment, and have fun finding your personal style.