Canon 5d mark iii video, what do you do for professional quality?

I'm getting a 5d mark iii this weekend, I usually only take photos but I'm super curious as to what I can make video wise, what do you do to make your video go from "meh" to professional looking stuff? post processing? in camera settings?

I've actually looked into this a few hours ago since I'm getting a 5DIII too.

It looks like Magic Lantern RAW video is the way to go for best quality. And process it well too

gabebalazs wrote in post #16859475
I've actually looked into this a few hours ago since I'm getting a 5DIII too.

It looks like Magic Lantern RAW video is the way to go for best quality. And process it well too

I can't wait to get mine this weekend! Do you think ML Raw is really going to make a huge difference between the normal video? and what do you do for processing?

I think the main issue is going to be keeping things in focus and avoiding noise from AF and IS. If you really want to do video of moving objects, you probably won't get around buying one of those rigs that allow you to push/pull focus, doing this by hand with an AF lens is very hard. I use Premiere Pro for video, probably more than you want to spend, but I'm not familiar with other software. I think Adobe makes an elements version of Premiere? Worth looking into.

Using RAW video requires quite a powerful computer or lots of coffee and reading materials...

phantelope wrote in post #16859514
I think the main issue is going to be keeping things in focus and avoiding noise from AF and IS. If you really want to do video of moving objects, you probably won't get around buying one of those rigs that allow you to push/pull focus, doing this by hand with an AF lens is very hard. I use Premiere Pro for video, probably more than you want to spend, but I'm not familiar with other software. I think Adobe makes an elements version of Premiere? Worth looking into.

Using RAW video requires quite a powerful computer or lots of coffee and reading materials...

I don't do enough video to justify a rig, even a stabilizer wouldnt be justifiable for me yet, just a tripod which I already have, I wish I had the 70D for video, my problem would be solved haha, can you install push and pull focus systems without a giant rig? I have a macbook pro retina so check on the powerful computer, I might not have the patience to go through hours of reading but if it gets me the results ill be patient

If I was doing video, I'd pick up a cheap MF lens. Better MF ring, manual aperture, no noises. Also, since video is just 1080p, you won't really notice much if any impact on IQ.

To go from "meh" to good looking stuff - well, to me that hasn't much to do with technology today. Everything sensible gives good quality, from a technical point of view.

No, it's much more about planning, directing, cutting, adding music and such stuff. Random recording of kids running around in the garden is fun to have for yourself, but will inevitably bring at least 50% of external audience to sleep in less than five minutes.

jonathanheierle wrote in post #16859577
I don't do enough video to justify a rig, even a stabilizer wouldnt be justifiable for me yet, just a tripod which I already have, I wish I had the 70D for video, my problem would be solved haha, can you install push and pull focus systems without a giant rig? I have a macbook pro retina so check on the powerful computer, I might not have the patience to go through hours of reading but if it gets me the results ill be patient

Imagine how silly you would find someone who wanted to make pro photos, but didnt want to invest in that good camera stuff. You get out of it what you put in. While DSLR's have the sensor technology and access to superior lenses for video, its still not well suited to the task because of form factor. I understand that it might not be worth the investment, but you have to temper your expectations to fit the investment.

Lots of preparation.

Good light.

I think post processing is what I have the most trouble with, how exactly do you do good color correction? and using what programs?

Nail the focus and exposure. Make sure you have steady and useable video clips. Composition is also important. Keeping the shots simple may be a good start. Gliding, sliding, panning, and aerial shots may come later on. Also get to know your gear. You can always do more with less. Try to shoot at different angles. Try to have wide, mid, and close up shots of a specific subject. These thing will help you in editing your final video. Editing tools may be as simple as the imovie or final cut pro or premiere pro. Keep shooting.

external microphone. Sound is really important.

Really good editing, also very important. Video cant have gaps and move constantly. It's pretty hard to create good videos.

apersson850 wrote in post #16860297
No, it's much more about planning, directing, cutting, adding music and such stuff. Random recording of kids running around in the garden is fun to have for yourself, but will inevitably bring at least 50% of external audience to sleep in less than five minutes.

pretty much NAILS it. Video is an area where a guy with stupidly cheap handicam, can blow away high end systems easily. A well edited video is a million times better than a high quality video that's boring and lame.

Alright, how about color correction though??