Operating a Digital Video Camera

Objectives

Identify appropriate camera angles and placements

Identify the different camera framing used

Understanding the motivational reason when using

camera movements

Objectives

Interpret the effect of lines

Demonstrate the rule of thirds in composition

Identify the various camera angle placements

Aspect Ratios

Horizontal Camera Placement

Front view

Side view

Back view

Portrait Shooting

More susceptible to noise.

Consumes less power than CCD, as much as 100 times less.

CMOS cameras are usually less expensive and have great battery life.

Main Camera Features

Viewfinder

LCD Monitor

LCD Monitor

Larger view

Swiveled angles

Touch screen

Consumes more battery

LCD Monitor

Record cue light

Battery indicator

Tape

Shutter speed

Gain level

White Balance preset

Filters

Audio meter

Battery Life

LCD indicator

Recording time left

Warning indicator

ALWAYS CHECK!

Backup plans - AC

Main Camera Features

Zoom (optical & digital)

Focus

Exposure

White balance

Back light

Optical Zoom

W = Wide

T = Telephoto

Digital Zoom

Reduced image quality

Pixilation

Focus Control

Clear / Sharpen

Off / Soft focus

Zoom in to the eye

NEVER Set to Auto!!

Focus Control

A Blurred Image

A Sharp Image

Exposure Control

Aperture

Amount of light

Shutter speed

NEVER Set to Auto Exposure!!

Exposure Control

Depth Of Field

Small Aperture =

large f-stop number =

large depth of field

Large Aperture =

small f-stop number =

shallow depth of field

Depth Of Field

Which picture is taken on a larger aperture?

Notice how the focused image gives more attention to

the words on the fridge.

White Balance

True white

Different colour temperatures

Indoor / outdoor

NEVER Set to Auto White Balance!!

Colour Temperature Chart

Other Camera Features

These other features are also present in the

camera.

However, knowledge or application of these

features are not necessary to achieve high

quality video images.

Sometimes, using these features can result in

poorer images.

Backlight Function

For use on silhouetted images

Engaging the button will brighten the foreground and

darken the background to give a more even image

Adjust your lights to achieve your desired image!

Image Stabilization

Steady shot

Smoothen shake and jitter

Optical / Electronic image

stabilizer

Use a tripod or rig if you

want steady camera

movements!

Input / Output Connectors

XLR connectors (Audio)

Headphone & MIC

Output connectors 1. Firewire/i-link/IEEE-1934

2. USB

3. S-video

4. RCA

Still Photo Capabilities

Why are you taking still

photos using a video

camera??

Interval Recording

Records footage in segments

E.g. every 10, 20, 30 minutes

This function is very useful for filming time lapse sequences

However, the camera cannot be left on its own, and must still be looked after all the time!

Low Light / Gain Boost

Grain / Pixels

Poor image quality

Short cut!

Tripod Components

Extendable height

Number of sections

Fluid head

Lever balancing