Setting up the camera

Ok so this post applies to any current Canon DSLR with video mode.

Shooting any kind of video you want as much manual control as possible otherwise your settings are likely to change halfway through a shot with unpleasant consequences. The first step then is to go through the camera and turn off everything auto. First make sure camera is set to either manual or video mode depending on the model. Auto ISO should be off, auto white balance off, auto lighting optimizer off.. you get the idea.

Next make sure your video mode is set to the correct system and frame rate. PAL for us Europeans or NTSC for the US (it's worth noting that to shoot at 720p 60fps for slowmo footage you want to be set to NTSC). After you've set your Video System, the frame rate is really up to you.

Next is something that really shouldn't be underestimated. Setting a picture profile. I strongly advise creating a custom picture profile in camera for shooting video. This is the setup I use (click to enlarge), which is similar or identical to that of many Pro DSLR users.

Reducing the sharpness is a must do, as it will help prevent aliasing in a big way. If you worry about losing sharpness it can always be dialed back in during post. 

By bumping down the contrast and saturation you are creating a 'flatter' looking image. Whilst this is less appealing straight out of the camera it gives you a lot more latitude in post meaning you have many more options when colour correcting and grading. This can mean the difference between and unusable shot and an acceptable one, or more ideally a good shot and a great one.

The last camera setting to consider is Highlight Tone Priority. Many people more experienced than myself cannot decide whether it is better to have it on or off so I really can't give a definitive answer on this one. The theory behind it is that it helps control light in areas with high dynamic range (i.e. shooting a dark subject with a bright window behind them). Results seem to be a little variable so if unsure leave it off, it can however be a useful tool and is worth knowing about. For more in-depth info about HTP check out this excellent post on ProLost.

And that's about it. Your camera is now ready to go out and start shooting video.