The Canon T6i (also known as the EOS 750D) is a fantastic entry-level DSLR that’s more than capable of capturing stunning video footage. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of professional cinema cameras, with the right knowledge and techniques, you can create high-quality videos that stand out. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from basic settings to advanced techniques, to maximize your T6i’s video capabilities.
Understanding Your Canon T6i’s Video Capabilities
Before diving into settings, let’s understand what the T6i can actually do. It shoots in Full HD (1920×1080) at frame rates of 24p, 30p, and 60p. The “p” stands for progressive scan, meaning the entire frame is captured at once. 24p is often used to achieve a cinematic look, while 30p is common for general video recording, and 60p is great for capturing smooth slow-motion footage in post-production. The T6i also offers lower resolution options, but for the best quality, sticking to Full HD is recommended.
The T6i uses an APS-C sensor, which is smaller than a full-frame sensor. This means it has a crop factor, which affects the field of view of your lenses. The crop factor also influences the depth of field, making it easier to achieve a shallow depth of field compared to smaller sensor cameras like smartphones. Understanding these basic specifications is crucial for making informed decisions when shooting and editing your videos.
Choosing The Right Lens
The lens you use can significantly impact the quality and style of your videos. Consider your subject and the look you want to achieve when selecting a lens. A wide-angle lens (e.g., 10-18mm) is great for landscapes and vlogging, while a standard zoom lens (e.g., 18-55mm) is versatile for general use. A prime lens (e.g., 50mm f/1.8) offers a wide aperture for shallow depth of field and better low-light performance.
Experiment with different lenses to see what works best for your style. A lens with image stabilization (IS) is highly recommended, as it helps reduce camera shake, especially when shooting handheld. Investing in a good lens or two is often more beneficial than upgrading the camera body itself.
Essential Camera Settings For Video
The T6i offers a range of settings that need to be adjusted for video shooting. Understanding these settings and how they affect your footage is crucial for achieving the desired results. Let’s explore the key settings:
Setting The Mode Dial: Movie Mode
The most obvious step is to switch the mode dial to the movie mode icon. This puts the camera into video recording mode, allowing you to access the necessary video settings.
Frame Rate And Resolution
As mentioned earlier, the T6i shoots in Full HD (1920×1080) at various frame rates. To access these settings, navigate to the Movie Rec. Size option in the menu. Choose the frame rate that best suits your needs. For a cinematic look, select 24p. For general video recording, 30p is a good choice. If you plan to slow down your footage in post-production, 60p is ideal. Ensure you’ve also selected the desired resolution here (Full HD).
Aperture, Shutter Speed, And ISO
These three settings form the exposure triangle and work together to control the brightness of your video. Understanding how they interact is essential for achieving the correct exposure.
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Aperture: Controls the amount of light entering the lens and affects the depth of field. A wider aperture (smaller f-number like f/1.8) lets in more light and creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background. A narrower aperture (larger f-number like f/8) lets in less light and increases the depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus.
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Shutter Speed: Controls how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. A common rule of thumb for video is to use a shutter speed that is twice your frame rate. For example, if you’re shooting at 24p, aim for a shutter speed of 1/50th of a second. This helps create a natural motion blur.
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ISO: Controls the sensitivity of the camera’s sensor to light. A lower ISO (e.g., ISO 100) results in cleaner footage but requires more light. A higher ISO (e.g., ISO 3200) allows you to shoot in darker environments but can introduce noise or grain into your video.
Experiment with these settings to find the right balance for your scene. In bright conditions, you may need to use a narrower aperture or a lower ISO. In low-light conditions, you may need to use a wider aperture or a higher ISO.
White Balance
White balance ensures that the colors in your video are accurate. Different light sources have different color temperatures, which can affect the color of your footage. The T6i offers several white balance presets, such as Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, and Fluorescent. You can also use the Auto White Balance (AWB) setting, but it’s often more accurate to choose the appropriate preset or manually set the white balance.
To manually set the white balance, you can use a white card or a gray card and adjust the color temperature until the card appears neutral in the camera’s display. This ensures that your colors are accurate and consistent throughout your video.
Picture Styles
Picture Styles are preset color profiles that affect the overall look and feel of your video. The T6i offers several Picture Styles, such as Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, and Monochrome. Experiment with different Picture Styles to find one that suits your preferences.
The Neutral Picture Style is often a good starting point, as it provides a relatively flat image that gives you more flexibility in post-production. You can also create your own custom Picture Styles by adjusting parameters such as sharpness, contrast, saturation, and color tone.
Focusing Modes
The T6i offers several focusing modes for video, including One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, and Manual Focus. One-Shot AF is suitable for stationary subjects, while AI Servo AF is designed for moving subjects. However, autofocus during video recording can sometimes be distracting, as the camera may hunt for focus or make sudden adjustments.
Manual focus is often the best option for video, as it gives you complete control over the focus point. Use focus peaking (if available through third-party firmware like Magic Lantern) or magnification to ensure that your subject is sharp. Practicing manual focusing will greatly improve the quality of your video work.
Audio Settings
Audio is just as important as video. The T6i has a built-in microphone, but its quality is limited. For better audio, consider using an external microphone. You can connect an external microphone to the T6i’s 3.5mm microphone input.
The T6i also has audio level controls, allowing you to adjust the recording volume. Monitor your audio levels to ensure that they are not too loud (which can cause clipping) or too quiet (which can result in a weak signal). Using headphones to monitor your audio while recording is highly recommended.
Shooting Techniques For Better Video
Now that you understand the camera settings, let’s discuss some shooting techniques that can help you create better videos.
Composition
Composition refers to the arrangement of elements within the frame. A well-composed shot can be visually appealing and draw the viewer’s eye to the subject. Some common composition techniques include the rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry.
The rule of thirds involves dividing the frame into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Placing key elements along these lines or at their intersections can create a more balanced and interesting composition. Leading lines can guide the viewer’s eye through the scene. Symmetry can create a sense of order and balance.
Camera Movement
Camera movement can add dynamism and interest to your videos. However, it’s important to use camera movement sparingly and purposefully. Common camera movements include panning (moving the camera horizontally), tilting (moving the camera vertically), and zooming (changing the focal length of the lens).
Avoid jerky or shaky camera movements. Use a tripod or a stabilizer to create smooth and stable shots. Practice your camera movements to ensure that they are smooth and controlled.
Lighting
Lighting is crucial for creating a visually appealing video. Good lighting can enhance the mood, create depth, and highlight the subject. Natural light is often the best option, but you can also use artificial lights to supplement or replace natural light.
Avoid shooting in direct sunlight, as it can create harsh shadows and blown-out highlights. Overcast days or shaded areas provide softer, more even lighting. If you’re shooting indoors, use lamps or softboxes to create a balanced and flattering light.
Using A Tripod
A tripod is an essential piece of equipment for shooting video, especially for static shots. A tripod provides a stable base for your camera, eliminating camera shake and allowing you to capture smooth and steady footage.
Choose a tripod that is sturdy enough to support your camera and lens. Look for a tripod with a fluid head, which allows for smooth panning and tilting movements.
Shooting Handheld
While a tripod is ideal for static shots, there are times when you may need to shoot handheld. When shooting handheld, try to keep your camera as stable as possible. Use your body as a support by keeping your elbows close to your sides and your feet firmly planted on the ground.
Consider using a stabilizer or a shoulder rig to help reduce camera shake. Practice your handheld shooting technique to improve your stability and smoothness.
Tips And Tricks For Getting The Most Out Of Your T6i
- Use manual mode for maximum control. While the T6i has automatic modes, shooting in manual mode allows you to have complete control over the exposure settings. This gives you the freedom to create the look you want.
- Practice, practice, practice. The more you shoot, the better you’ll become at understanding your camera and capturing great video. Experiment with different settings, techniques, and styles.
- Invest in good audio equipment. As mentioned earlier, audio is just as important as video. An external microphone can greatly improve the quality of your audio.
- Learn to edit your videos. Editing is an essential part of the video production process. Use video editing software to assemble your clips, add music and sound effects, and correct any errors.
- Watch videos from other filmmakers. Observing how other filmmakers use composition, lighting, and camera movement can give you inspiration and ideas for your own videos.
- Utilize external monitors and recorders: Although not necessary to get started, adding an external monitor can help with focusing, while an external recorder can bypass the camera’s internal compression for higher-quality footage.
By following these tips and techniques, you can unlock the full potential of your Canon T6i and create high-quality videos that you can be proud of.
What Are The Best Video Settings To Start With On My Canon T6i?
When beginning your video journey with the Canon T6i, a great starting point is shooting in 1080p at 24 or 30 frames per second (fps). These settings offer a cinematic look (24fps) or a smooth, realistic feel (30fps), and are widely compatible for online platforms. For the aperture, consider starting around f/2.8 to f/5.6 depending on your lens and desired depth of field, aiming for a blurred background for a more professional look. Keep your ISO as low as possible (ideally 100) to minimize noise and adjust your shutter speed to roughly double your frame rate (e.g., 1/50th of a second for 24fps).
Experimenting with these initial settings allows you to understand the basics of exposure and their impact on your video. Pay close attention to the exposure meter in your camera and adjust your ISO or aperture accordingly to achieve a well-exposed image. Remember to use manual mode to have full control over these settings and learn how they interact to create the desired look and feel for your videos. Once you become comfortable, you can explore higher frame rates for slow-motion footage or different resolutions depending on your specific needs.
How Do I Achieve Proper Focus While Filming With The Canon T6i?
Achieving sharp focus is critical for professional-looking videos. The Canon T6i offers both autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF) options. While autofocus can be convenient, especially for beginners, it’s often best to use manual focus for more control and to avoid the camera “hunting” for focus during recording. When using MF, take your time to carefully adjust the focus ring on your lens until your subject appears sharp and clear in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
Focus peaking, if available, can be a valuable tool for confirming accurate focus, highlighting the in-focus areas with a distinct color. Consider using a stable tripod to minimize camera shake, making it easier to achieve and maintain sharp focus, especially when filming static scenes or interviews. Also, experiment with different focus points within the scene to create visual interest and guide the viewer’s eye.
What Are Some Essential Accessories To Enhance My Video Quality With The Canon T6i?
Several accessories can significantly improve the quality of your videos shot with the Canon T6i. A good external microphone is paramount for capturing clear and crisp audio, a vast improvement over the camera’s built-in microphone. Consider a shotgun microphone for directional sound or a lavalier microphone for interviews. Investing in a sturdy tripod is another essential, ensuring stable footage and opening possibilities for smooth panning and tilting movements.
Additionally, a variable neutral density (ND) filter can be incredibly useful for controlling exposure in bright sunlight, allowing you to shoot with wider apertures for shallow depth of field. A good lighting kit, even a basic one, can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of your videos, providing better control over shadows and highlights. Finally, spare batteries and SD cards are always a good idea to avoid interruptions during longer shoots.
How Can I Improve The Audio Quality Of My Videos Shot With The Canon T6i?
Audio quality is just as important as video quality, and improving it is crucial for engaging your audience. The built-in microphone on the Canon T6i is typically subpar, so investing in an external microphone is the first and most significant step. Consider a shotgun microphone that can be mounted on the camera or a separate boom pole, or a lavalier (lapel) microphone for capturing clear audio from subjects speaking directly to the camera.
Beyond the microphone itself, pay attention to your recording environment. Minimize background noise as much as possible by choosing quiet locations or using sound dampening materials. Consider using audio editing software to clean up your audio tracks, reducing noise and improving clarity. Always monitor your audio levels while recording to ensure they are neither too quiet nor peaking (distorted).
What Are Some Techniques For Achieving Smooth And Stable Shots With The Canon T6i?
Stable footage is essential for creating professional-looking videos. The most fundamental technique is using a good tripod. A stable tripod will eliminate unwanted camera shake and allow for smooth panning and tilting movements. Practice these movements slowly and deliberately, aiming for consistent speed and fluidity.
For handheld shots, try to keep your arms close to your body and use your legs to absorb any bumps or vibrations. A monopod can provide additional support and stability for longer handheld shots. Consider using a gimbal stabilizer for incredibly smooth, floating camera movements, especially when walking or running with the camera. Finally, utilize the image stabilization feature, if your lens has one, to further reduce camera shake.
How Can I Use The Canon T6i’s LCD Screen To My Advantage When Filming?
The Canon T6i’s LCD screen is a valuable tool for composing your shots and monitoring your video while recording. The articulated screen allows you to easily frame your shots from various angles, including low angles or high angles, which can add visual interest. Use the screen to ensure your subjects are properly framed and that the background is visually appealing.
The LCD screen also displays important information such as your exposure settings, audio levels, and focus status. Use the screen’s histogram feature to evaluate your exposure and avoid overexposed or underexposed shots. Consider using the screen to manually focus on your subject, especially when using manual lenses or when autofocus is not performing optimally. Finally, remember to adjust the screen’s brightness to ensure accurate viewing in different lighting conditions.
What Is The Importance Of White Balance And How Do I Adjust It On The Canon T6i?
White balance is crucial for accurate color representation in your videos. It ensures that white objects appear white, and all other colors are rendered correctly. Incorrect white balance can result in videos that have a color cast (e.g., too warm or too cool), making them look unnatural and unprofessional. The Canon T6i offers several white balance presets, such as daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, and fluorescent.
Experiment with these presets to find the one that best matches the lighting conditions in your shooting environment. For more precise control, you can use custom white balance by pointing your camera at a white or gray card under the same lighting as your subject, then setting that as the white balance. This method provides the most accurate color rendition. Pay attention to changes in lighting throughout your shoot and adjust the white balance accordingly to maintain consistent color accuracy.