Simple Video settings for Canon 60D

Recently I drilled through the Canon 60D to provide my client with some setup Simple Video settings for Canon 60D instructions that the staff could carry with them for shooting video with this camera. It is a wonderful camera for shooting video. Here you go.

Canon 60 D SLR camera

Simple Video settings for Canon 60D

SHOOTING VIDEO

Automatic:

These Automatic notes apply to shooting photos in AUTO as well:

• You get no control over any settings like, shutter speed, white balance, f stop, ISO or focus.
• However, if you have had a margarita and don’t want to deal with settings AUTO mode will give you acceptable video quality.
• The only concern you may have is not having control over focus unless you set the lens to Manual Focus and focus the lens manually by zooming in to the subject, focusing and then zoom back out to wherever you like.

Shooting Video on AUTO

• If you have a lavaliere mic, clip it onto the subject and plug the mini jack into the mic port on the under the rubber flab on the left side of the camera. Otherwise sound will be recorded from the camera mic (not great sound quality). The lav may need a micro mini adapter to fit the mic in port.
• Power up camera (left thumb)
• Turn Main dial above power switch to the video camera icon. (last one)
• On the lens select AF (Auto Focus)
• On the lens select stabilizer OFF if you are on a tripod. ON if you are hand holding .

If nobody has messed with the camera settings these should stay in place for AUTO. But if you want to double check these AUTO settings:

MENU

• SCREEN 1
  • Movie exposure – AUTO
  • AF Mode – Live mode (lets you see the image on the camera window.)
• SCREEN 2
  • Movie REC Size 1920 x 1080 / 30p is fairly standard HD video. 24p is best for cinematic footage.
  • Sound Recording – AUTO

You can start shooting now

• Focus on subject by placing the square in the middle of the window on the subject and press the shooting tigger button (right forefinger) half way to set focus. (or press the AF ON button with thumb.)
• Increase or decrease exposure by rotating the Thumb Wheel.
• Push camera icon by viewfinder to start recording.
• Push again to stop recording

Shooting VIDEO on Manual

Rotate top dial to the video camera

Press Menu (there are 3 VIDEO screens for settings. Select them with the wheel on the top right on  your right forefinger)

• SCREEN 1
  • Movie exposure – Manual
  • AF Mode – Live mode (lets you see the image on the camera window.)
• SCREEN 2
  • Movie REC Size 1920 x 1080 / 24. This is the most cinematic setting.
  • Sound Recording – Manual. Adjust the sound level so that it is not hitting 0 Just above 12 is fine.
• SCREEN 3
  • White balance. For indoor office setting choose SUN – Daylight.

(Most of these menu items can also be accessed from the Q button (Quick Menu). Move up and down these icons by pressing the top and bottom of the outer ring on the SET button.

Then you can set your shutter speed, aperture and ISO just like you would if shooting photos.

• Set your shutter speed to 60
• Adjust your f stop to get a good exposure.
• Adjust your ISO up if you need more light.
• Press the i button to get the histogram to see your exposure
• Focus on subject
• Press the camera icon to start recording.