While we were visiting NAB 2019, we took the opportunity to have another chat with Ben from Syrp. We wanted to find out more about how camera sliders and motion control heads can be used in practical situations. Typically, we see sliders being used for timelapse creation, but we wanted to know more about how they could be used for video. So, here Ben shows us how we can use the Syrp Genie II 3-Axis Pro Slider Kit to add a B camera to an interview.
So why would you want to set up a second camera for an interview? Well, sit interviews with just one camera angle and no b-roll can sometimes get a little boring – especially if they’re of the sit-down variety. Having the second camera allows you to shift perspective at key points during an interview and add a little more visual interest. Using a slider to add this second camera is a simple but very effective technique.
The principle is quite simple. You have your main camera locked off on a tripod pointing towards your subject. This is the camera you’ll mostly be using in your final video. The B camera sits on top of the camera slider, continually bouncing from one end to the other. In this case, the positions at either end of the slider are set using keyframes from within the Genie II app for iOS and Android. Then it’s just a case of leaving it to run throughout the entire interview. While you can add a second camera simply locked off on a tripod for an extra perspective, using a motorised slider adds a dynamism that just isn’t possible with a static camera on a tripod. We would love to send a shoutout to our sponsors who helped bring you this NAB 2019 coverage: Artlist, StoryBlocks Video, SYRP, B&H, Spiffy Gear. Don’t forget to check out our NAB Giveaway, where we’re offering over $8,500 worth of cinema goodies.
