Unit 1

The Camcorder

Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition

Video Tapes:How They Work

Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition

Video, which is individual frames, 30 per second, Video, which is individual frames, 30 per second, are recorded on a diagonal. are recorded on a diagonal.

Two separate audio tracks are recorded, a left and Two separate audio tracks are recorded, a left and right track.right track.

A time track is also recorded: 0:00:00: 00 First zero is hour, A time track is also recorded: 0:00:00: 00 First zero is hour, minutes, seconds, frames minutes, seconds, frames (frames may only appear after it has been logged (frames may only appear after it has been logged and captured to a computer)and captured to a computer)

Left and Right Audio Channels

Video Track

2

Time Track

Video Tapes:6 second rule

Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition

Before and after each recording allow at least six seconds, with eight or ten being better, of tape to roll. This has two purposes, one to allow for a good Log & Capture which is how video can be transferred into the computer for editing and two if transitions are desired when editing.

3

Transition area

Digital formats

Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition

Advantages

Disadvantages

Outstanding picture and sound qualityIEEE-1394 (FireWire) connectorSmall camcorder size

Length of tape

Transfer to computer is linear not by file,

MiniDV and DV8mm

Non-videotape formats

Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition

DVD-RAM

DVD-R (DVD dash R)

Record on a DVDErase and re-use

Record on a DVDSingle-use

Direct digital recording

Internal hard driveNo tape or DVDConnect directly to your editing system

Common MicrophonesTelevision Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition

•There is no perfect microphone for all situations

Omnidirectional – collects sound from all around; 360 degrees. Good for a group

Unidirectional – collects most of the sound from the front, and very little from the back and sides.

Lavaliere Microphone Shotgun Microphone 6

Cardioid Pick-up pattern

Viewfinder and viewscreenTelevision Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition

Viewfinder – small video monitor mounted on camcorder, accessible by eyepiece

Viewscreen – larger (2”– 3”) LCD monitor mounted on the side of the camcorder Good for battery conservation and when in sunlight,

Viewscreen Viewfinder

Headphones and speakers

Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition

Important for hearing audio while recording, especially if external microphone is attached.

Focus Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition

Most camcorders have automatic focus and

manual focus. Manual focus

works better in situations

like these.

9

Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition

Important Operational Controls

Fade – pressing this button gradually changes the picture to a background color. Both Fades and graphics are NOT recommended to apply using the camera. Better to add in post edit