Video FAQ's
Video Editing, Exposure Issues, Lens Issues, Lighting Issues, Quality Issues, and more.
| Video Camera Techniques | |
| 1. | How do I get a steady shot? |
| 2. | What is the best way to keep everything in focus? |
| 3. | How do I frame the shot? |
| Video Camera Techniques | |
| 1.How do I get a steady shot? | |
| Tripods are
generally the first place to start making your shot steady.
Putting your camera on a tripod allows you to not think
about the camera and start thinking about the shot. But
tripods are not just great way to get stationary shots,
they are also good for movement.
Attach a tripod to the camera for moving handheld shots. The extra weight will help steady the shot because more force will be required to change the direction of the momentum of the camera allowing your camera to be steadier. Almost all DV video cameras have a flip out LCD screen. While using the flip out LCD screen greatly reduces the life of your battery, it can greatly increase the steadiness of your shot. With the screen flipped out, you are afforded the ability to hold the camera closer to your mid section. At this position you have much more strength than holding the camera up at eye level. Another trick to making a shot steady is to lean on some object, like a wall, a car, or a tree. The added support will show in your steadier shot. Try to avoid walking during a shot. If it is necessary for the camera to move during a shot, try to find a way to roll the camera or yourself. Try sitting in a wheel chair and getting a friend to push. The shot will become smoother and lack the bouncing motion you get when walking with the camera. |
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| 2. What is the best way to keep everything in focus? | |
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| Every
DV video camera is equipped with auto focus. However,
auto focus is not "auto-perfect." Many times
auto focus will constantly readjust itself depending
on what is going on in the shot. It could be a lighting
change, or a moving object that could change the focus.
To assure your focus is steady, it is best to turn off the auto focus whenever possible. After turning off auto-focus you need to manually focus. Use a technique called "Rack Focusing." To Rack Focus, zoom in on the object as close as possible, turn off auto focus, then manually set the focus. When the camera is zoomed in, the depth of field is reduced, allowing you to have a better idea of what is in focus. As you zoom out, you will find that your object stays in focus as long as neither the object you are shooting nor the camera move. If you know that the distance between the camera and the objects you are shooting will be moving, it is best to zoom out as far as the shot will allow. This ensures that you will have the largest depth of field possible, allowing your objects to appear less blurry. |
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| 3. How do I frame the shot? | |
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A common mistake for many beginners is to place the subjects head directly in the middle of the picture. This is very displeasing to the eye because you have just left half the picture with empty space. Instead think of the viewfinder as having a 5 x 7 grid. Then watch your favorite television shows and see how the people fit in on the grid. TV shows aren't necessarily the ultimate "framers," but it is a good place to start.Take notes and practice, practice, practice! Framing is one of the most important things to remember when getting a good shot. Imagine a 5 x 7 grid and keep your subject within it.
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