Capturing the essence of a car in motion—its sleek curves, roaring engine, and the thrill of speed—is an art form in itself. With the right tools and techniques, you can create cinematic automotive videos that evoke emotion and tell a story. One of the best tools for this purpose is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, a compact yet powerful gimbal camera that’s perfect for on-the-go filmmakers. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how to maximize the potential of the Osmo Pocket 3 for automotive videography, focusing on the importance of ND filters, camera mounts, and other essential accessories.
The Power of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a game-changer for filmmakers, especially those who need a lightweight, versatile camera that can be used in a variety of situations. Its 3-axis gimbal stabilization ensures smooth, professional-quality footage even in dynamic environments like moving vehicles. The Osmo Pocket 3’s compact size makes it easy to mount in tight spaces, making it an ideal choice for automotive videography.
However, to truly unlock its cinematic potential, you’ll need a few key accessories: ND filters, camera mounts, and additional stabilization tools. Let’s explore how these can elevate your automotive videos.
Why ND Filters Are a Must-Have
Neutral Density (ND) filters are essential for controlling the exposure of your footage, especially when filming in bright sunlight. The Osmo Pocket 3’s small sensor can easily overexpose when capturing fast-moving cars in broad daylight. ND filters help reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing you to maintain a cinematic shutter speed (typically double your frame rate, e.g., 1/50th of a second for 24fps).
By using ND filters from BRDRC, you can achieve that motion blur effect that adds a dynamic, professional look to your shots. Whether you’re filming a car speeding down a highway or taking tight turns on a racetrack, ND filters ensure that your footage remains smooth and evenly exposed, enhancing the overall cinematic quality.
Securing the Perfect Shot with Camera Mounts
To capture the best angles, you’ll need to mount your Osmo Pocket 3 securely on various parts of the vehicle. This is where camera mounts from Craven Speed and Ulanzi come into play.
• Craven Speed: Known for their robust, high-quality mounts, Craven Speed offers versatile solutions that can be attached to different parts of the car, like the hood, bumper, or even inside the vehicle. These mounts are designed to withstand high speeds and vibrations, ensuring your camera stays in place while capturing stable footage.
• Ulanzi: Ulanzi provides a range of mounts and accessories that are perfect for more creative shots. Their suction cup mounts are particularly useful for capturing unique perspectives, such as low-angle shots from the car’s exterior or wide-angle interior views. Ulanzi’s mounts are easy to install and adjust, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different angles and compositions.
By combining the stability of Craven Speed mounts with the versatility of Ulanzi mounts, you can film a wide variety of shots, from dynamic driving sequences to detailed close-ups of the car’s interior.
Here is a video detailing all of the mounts I use and recommend!
Tips for Filming Cinematic Automotive Videos
1. Plan Your Shots: Before you start filming, plan out the shots you want to capture. Consider the story you want to tell and the emotions you want to evoke. Whether it’s the exhilaration of speed or the elegance of a luxury car, having a clear vision will guide your shot selection and camera movements.
2. Use Slow Motion: The DJI Osmo Pocket 3’s slow-motion capabilities are perfect for highlighting the details of a car in motion. Use slow-motion to capture moments like the wheels spinning, the reflection of sunlight on the car’s surface, or the flow of air over the bodywork. This adds a dramatic effect that enhances the cinematic feel of your video.
3. Experiment with Angles: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your camera angles. Try mounting the camera low to the ground for a sense of speed, or position it on the car’s roof for a bird’s-eye view. The Osmo Pocket 3’s small size makes it easy to place in spots that would be difficult for larger cameras.
4. Capture the Environment: Don’t focus solely on the car—capture the environment around it as well. Scenic backgrounds, winding roads, or urban settings can add context and depth to your video, making it more engaging for viewers.
5. Edit for Impact: Once you’ve captured your footage, the editing process is where you can truly bring your cinematic vision to life. Use color grading to enhance the mood, add sound effects to emphasize the engine’s roar, and edit to the rhythm of your chosen music track. For inspiration and more detailed tips, check out my YouTube video where I delve deeper into the process of editing automotive videos.
Conclusion
Filming cinematic automotive videos with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is an exciting challenge that can yield stunning results when done right. By incorporating ND filters from BRDRC, using reliable camera mounts from Craven Speed and Ulanzi, and following the tips outlined above, you can create professional-quality videos that captivate your audience.
Remember, the key to success is preparation, creativity, and a willingness to experiment. So, get out there, start filming, and watch as your automotive videos reach new cinematic heights!
