WSQ Small is Powerful: Shooting Professional Video with Compact and Mirrorless Cameras

Course Title:

WSQ Small is Powerful: Shooting Professional Video with Compact and Mirrorless Cameras

SSG Course Reference Number:

TGS-2023036627

SSG Course Validity Period :

18-08-2023 to 17-08-2025


Introduction 

Compact and mirrorless cameras such as Sony’s Alpha, FX3 and FX30 range, Panasonic’s Lumix series and Blackmagic Design’s pocket cinema cameras have become very popular due to their powerful video performance and small form factor. However to use these compact cameras effectively for professional shoots we need to fully understand their characteristics.

This practical and hands on course delves deep into shooting professional quality video with these types of cameras.

Our instructors are working media professionals and they cover :

    • Camera setup and customisation

    • Advantages and limitations of these compact cameras

    • Picture Profiles and gamma curves such as S-log

    • Recording formats such as RAW and ProRes

    • Lens selection

    • Working with video tripods and stabilisers

    • Useful accessories

Course Duration:

Total : 22.5 hours  (21.25 teaching hours and 1.25 assessment hours)
3 Days (9.30 am to 6 pm)

Course Schedule :

Please contact us for upcoming dates. Custom courses can be arranged for your organisation.

Course Fee:

S$1650  per person before  9% GST

S$1798.50 per person including  9%  GST

Applicant  Course Fee Payable incl 9% GST
Self Sponsored Singapore Citizens (aged between 21 and 40 years )  PRs and LTVP+ Holders  S$ 973.50
Self Sponsored Singapore Citizens aged ≥ 40 years old ( SkillsFuture Mid-career Enhanced Subsidy) S$ 643.50
SMEs and Organisations (Enhanced Training Support for SMEs) S$ 643.50


This is a WSQ course which qualifies for various types of government funding including Course fee funding and Skillsfuture Credit.

Skillsfuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) and absentee payroll is applicable for SMEs and similar organisations.

More information is  available on our Funding page

Target Audience: 

DoP's, Videographers, Camera Assistants, Content Creators, Influencers, Photographers, Marketing Professionals ,Anyone who needs to shoot professional looking video 

Minimum Entry Requirements and equipment 

- Experience with photography and videography is useful but not strictly necessary

- Basic spoken and written English is  required as the course materials and camera menus  are in English

- WPLN Level 5 or above for all 5 skills (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing and Numeracy)

Equipment is provided but learners are more than welcome to bring their own camera equipment and lenses.

Participants should dress comfortably with covered shoes and be prepared to carry their own equipment.

Participants should have an internet capable mobile device (phone or tablet) with the Singpass app installed for attendance and written assessment 

About This Course

By the end of this course learners will able to operate cameras to frame and compose images according to technical specifications and production styles

They will be able to:

- Identify cinematography principles and techniques

- Interpret the technical specifications of compact cameras

- Set up and inspect compact cameras to ensure correct fitting and compliance with technical requirements

- Operate compact cameras to meet aesthetic and quality requirements in a variety of shoot scenarios while adhering to safety regulations and procedures.

- Mount and operate compact cameras for a range of camera movements in coordination with production teams

- Contribute feedback on camera angles and movement to elevate the visual impact of a shot

Detailed Course Outline:

Introduction-What is a 'Mirrorless compact camera'?

  • Video Characteristics, Form & Functions of the HDSLR
  • Other Compact professional video cameras

Video Properties

  • ISO Film Speed & Noise (vs Gain Settings)
  • Bokeh
  • Electronic Shutter Speed
  • Frame Rates
  • Progressive vs Interlace
  • Compressions & Bitrates
    Camera Features
  • The Image Sensor
  • What is 'Full Frame'?
  • Sensor Size comparison between  cameras
  • Price comparison between cameras

Video Characteristics of compact cameras

  • Defective Pixels
  • Aliasing & Moire
  • Rolling Shutter Effects
  • Overheating
  • HDMI Output

Choosing the Right Lens

  • Primes
  • Zooms
  • Still Photography vs Cine Lens
  • Crop Factor & Focal Length Multiplier

Storage

  • Choosing the right storage media (Compact Flash Card/SD card/SSD)
  • Transferring Files
  • Data Wrangling

Audio Support for compact cameras

  • On Camera Audio 
  • Separate System Audio Recording
  • Customizing/Modifying your compact camera 

Transforming the compact camera

  • Base Systems & Cages
  • Handheld Rigs
  • Focus Systems
  • Mattebox / Filter Holders
  • DSLR Viewfinders
  • Electronic Viewfinders
  • Field Monitors (HDMI)

Shooting with the Compact Cameras - Functions, Rules & Tips

  • Focusing with Photographic Lenses
  • Locking the Shutter Speed
  • Neutral Density Filters
  • Controlling the F/Stop
  • Disabling Auto Functions
  • White Balance
  • Canon DSLR Electronic ISO & Noise Levels
  • Panning
  • Understanding & Optimizing the Picture Styles
  • Stretching the Latitude ('Shooting for Post')
  • Choosing the Right Picture Style
  • Using & Understanding the Histogram
  • Shooting Time Lapse
  • Getting the 'Right Gear for the Right Job'

Camera motion with a compact camera 

  • Manual Sliders
  • Motion Control Sliders
  • Glidecam/Steadicam
  • Gimbals
  • Jib Arms

Post Production Workflow

  • H.264 Native Video Recording
  • Transcoding Methods
  • The compact camera Post Workflow
  • The Blackmagic RAW Post Workflow
  • Image Correction Softwares & Plug-Ins
  • Basic Editing
  • Basic Coloring & Exporting
  • Advanced Time Lapse (HDR & Post Production)

    Conclusion
  • Maximizing the camera's potential
  • Current & Future Role of the compact camera

Attendance and Assessment Requirements:

Learners need to

- Have  a minimum of 75% attendance
- Pass the assessment consisting of Practical Exam: Simulation (PE-S) and  Written Assessment- Online Test

to be declared competent in this course.

Instructors:

LIM TECK SIANG

Lim Teck Siang is formally trained in the discipline of filmmaking and currently pursuing his career in professional cinematography. In both commercial and independent work, he is known for his knowledge of narrative film techniques, expertise in cinematographic technology, as well as his strong collaborative spirit and effective team leadership.

DERRICK LOO

Derrick has conducted courses for various local institutions since 2011. This includes Lasalle College where he conducted camera operation and Lighting courses and Ngee Ann Polytechnic School of Film and Media Studies where he taught Practical Cinematography.

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