BASIC CAMERA OPERATION

GEAR REQUIRED: Several video cameras, tapes and VCRs for viewing.

AIM: To introduce the student to the basic functions of the video camera including:- focus and zoom control.

INTRODUCTION

So far we have loaded tapes into a camera, set the operation to auto and begun recording. For the majority of shoots this approach works well. However a greater understanding of how the camera works allows us to shoot with a higher level of creativity. It also helps us to understand why sometimes the Auto function does not give the best results at times.

1) FOCUS

The lens system on a camera is a complex structure made up of several lenses in a row. The focus ring simply moves one of these lenses to alter the focal properties. Some cameras can be set to auto focus however most professional videographers would never use this feature. They prefer to have greater control over the shot. Focus is less critical if the light is strong and if the zoom control is set to wide. If you want to check your focus zoom fully in on the scene you are to video, set focus to the sharpest in close, zoom back out to the desired level and you will have the sharpest possible focus.

If you are going to zoom in on a shot, before you hit record, zoom in, check that you are in focus up close. When you have checked zoom out wide and start recording. Now as you zoom in you will notice that you will have sharp focus throughout your transition.

Pulling focus or throwing focus refers to the moving of focus from background to foreground. This is best done with the camera zoom control set to a close up-narrow shot.

2) ZOOMING IN

Makes thing look closer than they actually are. Zoom out does the opposite. This function can be used to develop context of a shot. Imagine this shot:-

The take begins with a shot of a student studying at a desk. The shot slowly zooms out to reveal the student and the desk is on a median strip in the middle of a highway!!!!!... how strange.

In this example the zoom control has been used to introduce an unexpected element into the shoot

The zoom function can be also be used to exclude unwanted parts of a scene. There are many reasons why the zoom control is used. Experimentation will allow you to develop your own reasons and eventually your own style.

ZOOM AND THE WOBBLES

If a camera is set to fully wide the amount of apparent wobble in the picture from an unsteady hand is greatly reduced. A wide angle is best for vox pops or news magazine type of shoot.

TIME TO SHOOT!

FOCUS ACTIVITY 1

• Set the zoom control to fully wide on a scene you have chosen around your school.
• Set the focus function to manual.
• Start recording and wind the focus ring through its full adjustment, stop recording.
• Zoom in fully on one part of your scene and repeat the procedure
• Look at your results and describe what you observe.

FOCUS ACTIVITY 2 PULLING FOCUS

See if you can set up the classic Home and Away shot:-

• For this exercise set the camera up on a tripod.
• Camera in sharp focus on boy and girl laughing in the foreground,
• Diner door is out of focus in the background.
• Boys jealous girlfriend comes in,
• focus throws to girlfriend in the background,
• (- music fades up, vision fades to black, throw to a commercial break. )

ZOOM ACTIVITY 1 ZOOM IN AND OUT

• Set the camera up on a tripod
• Select a scene in the school grounds and zoom fully in on it. Check focus.
• Start recording and zoom out.
• Hold the shot for 10 seconds and stop
• Choose another scene.
• Zoom in, optimize focus and zoom back out again
• Start recording, zoom in slowly, hold for ten seconds and stop.

ZOOM ACTIVITY 2 The Wobbles and the Zoom control. (hand held camera)

• Set the zoom control to telephoto. (zoom fully in),
• Take the camera out and video your friends for 2 mins. The zoom control must not be altered. Continually check focus.
• Set the zoom control to fully wide and repeat the exercise
• When you have finished look at your tape and compare the result.

At this stage if you are not enjoying your shooting there is something wrong!! Be creative with your shots AND HAVE FUN. Get all the normal types of shots you always see, but then do something a little different, perhaps daring!!

At this stage you are probably ready for an unstructured lesson that should be entitled:- Shoot What You Want The aim of this lesson is to play with and practice all the above principle. Be creative with what you shoot and how you shoot. The class could even have a mini Video Awards for creative and quality work.

CONSIDER AT THIS POINT THE ISSUES OF SAFETY AND CAMERA CARE. If you are in the playground be careful of other students trying to grab the camera. They've all seen it on tele and unfortunately most often someone will try it. Beware of stray balls, students running etc.