How We Film Life-Size Extraction Videos

People ask “what camera is that?” in almost every comment section. Here’s the whole setup.

The lens: 1:1 macro from a distance

We shoot with the Canon EF 180mm Macro. It records at true life size (1:1), and because it’s a long lens, we can do it from about 10 inches away. That leaves room for hands, tools and lights.

The camera

A Canon EOS M50 with an EF-to-EOS M adapter. The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is the current version. What matters most is clean HDMI output to a monitor.

The monitor: the camera is the magnifier

A FEELWORLD T10 monitor shows the live macro frame, so whoever is extracting watches exactly what’s being recorded. Focus peaking makes staying sharp much easier.

Light

Two amaran Ace 25c panels, one on each side of the lens at about 45 degrees, set to the same color temperature. Macro eats light, so you need plenty to stop down.

Settings we start from

• Manual exposure and manual focus.
• Aperture around f/8 to f/11 for more depth of field.
• Move the camera, not the focus ring, for fine focus.
• A sturdy stand or boom arm so framing is repeatable.

See the full studio on our Gear We Use page.

General information, not medical advice. Our videos show one person’s skin. If something is red, painful or inflamed, leave it alone and talk to a dermatologist. Some links are affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, Pore Tube earns from qualifying purchases.