This is the English edition of a how-to video from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I make gadget and camera videos from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
At my kids’ sports day I want both video and photos, but carrying two cameras (or asking someone else to shoot one of them) rarely works. With one mirrorless camera and one zoom lens, I use two methods: switch modes with a flip-open ND filter when there is time, and shoot video only and pull stills from it when an event is over in seconds. It is a compromise, but a good one.
What I tested
- A Sony mirrorless camera with the Tamron 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 Di III RXD
- A flip-open ND filter adapter (a “rapid filter”) for switching between video and photos
- A variable ND filter for setting exposure while recording
- Test footage at 4K 60p to see which frames work as stills
What I found
| Method | Best for | Photo quality |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Switch between video and photo modes | Dances, marches and other events where you have a moment to spare | No compromise on either |
| 2. Shoot video, pull stills from it | Sprints and relays that are over in seconds | A video frame, not perfect. About 8 MP from 4K |
- Video needs ND. Without it, outdoors you have to raise the shutter speed or stop down and lose background blur, which defeats the point of shooting video on a mirrorless camera.
- Photos need it off. With ND on, you can’t get a fast enough shutter speed and running kids blur. A flip-open adapter is far quicker than screwing a filter on and off.
- For frame grabs, raise the shutter speed. A “normal” video shutter speed leaves too much motion blur in individual frames. Push it as far as the footage still looks acceptable.
My settings for frame grabs:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution / frame rate | 4K 60p |
| Shutter speed | 1/400 s |
| ISO | About 400 |
| Aperture | F5.6, fixed at the zoom’s long end |
| Exposure | Adjusted with the variable ND |
- On a variable-aperture zoom, fix the aperture at its largest number (F5.6 on this lens). Otherwise brightness changes every time you zoom, and juggling zoom and ND while tracking a running child is too much.
- If your camera can’t do 4K 60p, choose 4K 30p over Full HD 60p. A 4K frame is about 8 MP; a Full HD frame is about 2 MP, which looks thin even on a phone.
Who it’s for
Parents who want both video and photos from school events without carrying two bodies. Also anyone shooting fast, unpredictable action where switching modes is too slow. If your school or nursery sells official photos or video, lean on those too and don’t bring more gear than you need.
Watch the video
The video is in Japanese. Useful points: 1:00 the two methods, 1:45 the flip-open ND filter, 5:15 test frames, 7:00 camera settings.
Limitations
This is my own workflow, and the test footage was not shot at an actual sports day. Frame grabs are never as good as dedicated stills. Which method is faster for you depends on your camera and how quickly you can switch modes.
Products
Rapid filter adapter, 67 mm (flip-open ND filter holder): on Amazon Japan
Tamron 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD (Model A071): on Amazon Japan
The 67 mm adapter matches the filter thread of the Tamron 28-200mm. Choose the size that fits your own lens.
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Camera & Desk Setup (42) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.