Video Camera Basics

Lens Cover – Check make sure the lens is clean

Open Screen – Auto on and off• Touch Screen

Home Button – Cabinet Icon – Delete Play

Play Focus Mode Button – Video vs. Photo Photo Button

Use the hand strap at all times Do not touch the lens Do not hold the camera by the screen Hold the camera straight To avoid ‘camera shake’:

• Use two hands• Hold the camera close to your body• Lean against something stable• Ideally use a tripod

Think about you positioning of yourself and the camera

Think about your audio Learn how to walk with a camera Press stop before moving Shoot from different angels http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/video

Long Shot Full Body shot, Feet to Top of Head. Subject

is dominant but background remains.

Amputation Rule:Do not cut peoples heads or feet off. It looks strange, as if they are amputated

Medium Shot Waist or Lower Chest to Top of Head (most

common shot for reports). The subject is more dominant and background less

important.

Close-up Shoulders to Top of Head. Subject becomes the main

focus and background is minimal. Used to show the features of the subject.

*Note: Never film a “floating head” shot where you see a person’s entire head, but not their neck and shoulders.

Extreme Close-up Close-in on just a body part.

Used to convey emotion.

Use Rarely to Never: Extreme close-ups are ok for some “B” Roll but generally not to be used on people.

You never want to put your subject against a busy background. Each scene should contain a single story. To simplify the shot you may need to alter your background or camera position.

It is used to create a more interesting photo.

It is the idea of breaking a photo down into thirds (both vertically and horizontally), there are 9 parts.

This grid creates four main points, which you should consider placing points of interest in.

LightingIncrease the lighting as much as possible and direct

towards the subject. Never film with bright light behind the subject, including light from windows. Also

do not film against a solid white wall.

Anytime you film ANYTHING, include at least 5 full seconds of static footage at the beginning and end of your recording.•This allows room for editing later,

ensuring that needed words or footage aren’t cut off

Experiment Take lots of shots at different angels Review and critique your video