Week 5 - Introduction to Video

Learn the fundamentals of video

This chapter teaches you to understand frame rates, shutter speed, exposure, basic lighting, audio, and file formats - so you can start filming with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This chapter

Introduction to Video

This lesson is your starting point for shooting video. We’ll cover the most important differences between photo and video, the camera settings that matter most, and the basics of composition, lighting, and audio - so you can shoot clean, consistent footage.

By the end of this lesson, you will understand:

  • The key differences between photography vs. video

  • Frame rates (24 / 30 / 60+) and when to use each

  • The basic shutter speed rule for natural-looking motion

  • How ISO and aperture affect video exposure and depth of field

  • Why white balance consistency matters (and when to avoid Auto WB)

  • Basic composition and simple camera movement types

  • Continuous lighting basics for video (vs. strobes)

  • Audio fundamentals and microphone options

  • Common resolutions (1080p vs 4K) and file formats (MP4 / MOV / ProRes)

chapter 5 Downloads

These are the digital notes and resources for this chapter.

Download them before watching the lessons so you can follow along and reinforce what you’re learning.

Save these to your computer for easy reference as you practice.

🎥 chapter 5 Videos

These Chapter 5 video lessons will guide you through the key concepts and techniques for this part of the course.

Take notes as you watch, and don’t worry about mastering everything all at once. You’ll build confidence through practice as you move through each lesson.

🎬 Week 5 task – Video Practice

This week is all about getting comfortable shooting simple video clips with the correct settings.
No editing yet — just focus on clean footage, good settings, and steady shots.

You will be filming:

  • A short clip of yourself speaking

  • A couple of b-roll clips of something around you

Keep it simple and don’t overthink it. The goal is to build confidence and consistency.

✅ Your Goals This Week

🎤 1. Film Yourself Speaking (Main Clip)

You will record one short speaking clip of yourself on camera.

Settings for this clip:

  • Frame Rate: 24fps

  • Shutter Speed: 1/50 (or as close as your camera allows)

  • White Balance: Set manually (no auto)

  • Exposure: Adjust using aperture + ISO so your face is properly lit

Lighting (use what we’ve learned so far):

  • Window light from the side

  • A light placed at a 45° angle

  • Bounced light off a wall or ceiling

  • Any simple, soft light setup that keeps your face evenly lit

What to say:
Introduce yourself and answer these:

  • Your name

  • Why you joined this course

  • One type of video you’d love to learn to make

Keep it around 15–30 seconds.

Tips:

  • Keep the camera steady (tripod or stable surface)

  • Make sure your face is well lit

  • Look at the lens, not the screen

🎥 2. Film 2–3 B-Roll Clips

Now capture a few simple b-roll shots of something around you.

This could be:

  • Making a coffee or tea

  • Walking through a space

  • Typing on a laptop

  • Someone doing an activity

  • Details like hands, objects, or movement

Settings for these clips:

  • Frame Rate: 60fps

  • Shutter Speed: 1/125 (or close)

  • Same white balance as your speaking clip if possible

Each clip should be about 5–10 seconds long.

Try to get different shot types:

  • One wide shot

  • One medium shot

  • One close-up/detail shot

🎧 3. Quick Audio Check

For your speaking clip:

  • Record in a quiet room

  • Get close enough so your voice sounds clear

  • If you have an external mic, use it — if not, that’s okay

🎯 What This task Teaches You

By completing this, you will practice:

  • Correct video frame rates

  • Proper shutter speed (180-degree rule)

  • Manual white balance

  • Locking in exposure

  • Basic lighting for video

  • Speaking on camera

  • Shooting simple b-roll

  • Steady camera work

This is your first step into real video shooting - keep it simple and focus on doing the basics well.

Next chapter

When you're ready, continue on to the next chapter.