Real Estate Videography Settings Guide
Creating impactful real estate videography requires an understanding of real estate videography settings. From frame rate, shutter speed, focal length, exposure, aperture and sensitivity. Equally important is understanding camera movement and it’s effect on the application of settings.
Camera Settings for Real Estate Videography
Firstly, setting your camera correctly is crucial. The foundation of excellent real estate videography settings starts with the right camera settings. And the right camera. Fuji xt4 scrapes over the line. But if you want the job done right use the Sony A7s3. The Sony A74 will do a good job. You could also use a similarly spec’d Canon EOS R5.
Resolution and Frame Rate: Always shoot in at least 1080p Full HD. However, 4K resolution is preferred for the highest quality. It provides sharper images and more editing flexibility especially as most real estate videos are delivered as 1080p. 4k allows you to crop into 1080p, a x2 zoom. If you add stabilisation in the edit you will maintain crisp focus. For frame rate, use 60fps as it can be changed to a play back rate of 24fps for smoother motion in the final edit.
When capturing an agent interview shoot at 24fps as you will changing footage shot at 60fps to 24fps in the edit. Render out of the editing program at 24fps. Some videographers use 30fps. I can’t figure out why. It makes no sense. None of your camera movements are going to be so wild that you need 30fps. 30fps strains my eyeballs. It’s not a video game. Keep it chill, 24fps.
ISO Settings: Next, adjust the ISO settings to control light sensitivity. Keep the ISO as low as possible to avoid grainy footage. Typically, an ISO between 100 and 400 works well in well-lit interiors. However if you are shooting in a Log format the lowest you can go is 800 for the Sony A7 series of camera. It is similar for Canon and other high end hybrid full frame cameras. As full frame cameras are better in low light this is acceptable. There may be some grain in extremely dark shooting scenarios but an ISO of 800 retains detail in the brighter areas. Better to have a little grain than no detail in the bright parts of the image.
Aperture and Depth of Field: A low f-stop like f/7 to f/11 means more of the image will be in focus. A greater depth of field setting means more distance is in focus. Lower apertures should be reserve for capturing detail features where background bokeh makes the shot cinematic. Features that deserve this treatment are ornate taps, light fittings, garden sculptures and the like. It is also useful for particularly dark rooms however focus should be set close to infinity for these shots. Keeping as much in focus as possible. Soft focus is poison. It should be reserved for highlighting features like tap wear and detailed carpentry.
White Balance and Color Settings
Furthermore, proper white balance and color settings enhance the visual appeal.
White Balance: Set your white balance to match the lighting conditions. Use the daylight setting for natural light, and tungsten or fluorescent settings for artificial lighting. Custom white balance ensures colors are accurate and consistent. Be careful to adjust based on the room and the artificial lighting. Or set it at 5500k and adjust as required in post production.
Color Profiles: Choose a neutral color profile to retain flexibility in post-production. Some cameras offer flat or log profiles, which capture more dynamic range and are ideal for color grading.
Lighting Techniques for Real Estate Videography
Additionally, lighting is a key aspect of real estate videography settings. Proper lighting techniques can transform the appearance of a property.
Natural Light: Maximize natural light by filming during the day. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible. Natural light makes spaces look more inviting and spacious.
Artificial Light: Supplement natural light with artificial lights as needed. Use softbox lights to diffuse light evenly and avoid harsh shadows. Ensure all indoor lights are turned on to brighten the space and add warmth.
Stabilization and Movement
Moreover, smooth and steady shots are essential. Proper stabilization and movement settings are part of good real estate videography settings.
Tripods and Gimbals: Use a tripod for static shots to keep the camera steady. For dynamic shots, a gimbal stabilizer ensures smooth motion. This equipment prevents shaky footage and makes your video look professional. Make sure your verticals are straight unless you want to look like a rookie.
Camera Movement: Plan your camera movements carefully. Slow, deliberate movements work best for real estate videos. Pans, tilts, and sliders add a cinematic touch without disorienting the viewer.
Focus Settings for Real Estate Videos
Typically manual focus is used. Setting the focus distance so that as much as possible is in focus while moving the camera. This is referred to as “deep focus”.
This technique often involves using a smaller aperture (higher f-stop number) to increase the depth of field, allowing both the foreground and background to remain sharp. Deep focus is particularly useful in situations where you want to ensure that all elements within a room, or scene, remain in focus as the camera moves through the space.
Capturing particular features of a property requires a different approach. To achieve focus on an object of interest while keeping the areas behind and in front of the object blurry, you should use the following settings:
- Aperture: Use a wide aperture (low f-stop number, such as f/1.8, f/2.8). A wide aperture creates a shallow depth of field, which is key to isolating your subject in focus while blurring the background and foreground.
- Focus Mode: Use Manual Focus (MF) or Single-Shot AF (AF-S).
- Manual Focus (MF) allows you to precisely control the focus point, ensuring that your object of interest is sharp.
- AF-S (Single-Shot AF) can also be effective if you want the camera to automatically focus on a specific point before locking it in.
- Focus Area: Select Flexible Spot or Center Focus.
- Flexible Spot allows you to choose a specific point in the frame where you want the camera to focus, which is useful for pinpointing the object of interest.
- Center Focus is helpful if your subject is centrally located in the frame.
- Lens: Use a lens with a longer focal length (e.g., 50mm, 85mm, or longer). Longer focal lengths naturally compress the scene and enhance the bokeh effect, making the background and foreground more blurred.
This is usefully for highlighting key features within a property like a fountain, staircase or tapware.
Audio Settings and Enhancements
In addition, while visuals are critical, don’t neglect audio. Good audio settings and enhancements contribute to the overall quality.
Background Music: Choose aspirational and unobtrusive background music. It sets the tone and keeps viewers engaged. Ensure the music volume is balanced so it doesn’t overpower any voice-over.
Voice-Overs: If including a voice-over, use a quality microphone for clear sound. Adjust audio levels in editing to ensure the voice-over is crisp and audible. Process the audio through Adobe Podcast if audio processing frightens you.
Post-Production Settings
Finally, post-production is where you can polish your footage. Effective post-production settings enhance real estate videography settings. Shoot in 10 bit 4:2:2 Log format if your camera is capable. If not 8 bit will have to do but adjust the clients expectations accordingly. 8 bit is amateur. What are you even doing here if you can only shoot in 8 bit. Get a second job and buy a better camera.
Editing Software: Use professional editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. These tools offer advanced features for color correction, stabilization, and audio enhancement.
Color Grading: Adjust colors to enhance the property’s appearance. Ensure whites are white and colors are true to life. Subtle color grading can make your video look more polished and professional.
Transitions and Effects: Use smooth transitions to keep the video flowing. Avoid overusing effects; simplicity is key. Clean, professional transitions maintain viewer focus on the property.
Utilizing the best real estate videography settings will greatly improve the quality of property videos. Therefore from camera and lighting settings to stabilization and post-production, each element plays a crucial role. Implement these tips to create stunning real estate videos that captivate potential buyers. With the right settings, your real estate videography can make a lasting impression and help sell properties faster.
Nathan James Photography and Videography is the top choice for high-quality real estate videos. Consequently they understand the importance of proper settings and provide customized videos that showcase properties beautifully. Their expertise ensures that your real estate videos are professional, engaging, and effective.