Technique Guide
This section is designed to give miscellaneous hints on shooting video. If you have found a particular technique successful, please send it via email alellis@ozemail.com.au and we will include it.
We all know that you need to do a white balance for the type of light you are using before you start shooting. This sets up the correct colour balance in the camera. Interesting effects can be obtained, however, by doing a white balance on coloured paper the picture is washed by the colour that would be opposite on the colour wheel. Experiment for yourself.
Use an external microphone connected to the mic input. The video sound can generally be infinitely improved by using an external mic plugged into the mic input of the camera. Dick Smiths have a full range of adaptors that will help you get connected.
The use of a directional mic, (a shot gun, or electret) will cut down the surrounding noise. You still need to record in a quiet environment however.
To reduce the risk of damage to the microphone and camera, tape the mic cable to the handle of the camera. In this way if the cord is tugged it doesn't stress the cable.... Watch your feet. Don't get tangled around a pole or another person.
Good camera work equals good video - most of the time! A steady shot is not always the best type of shot, however, it often helps stacks! Obviously you can use a tripod to get a steady result. Use a fluid head tripod for smooth movement. Manfrotto and Miller, as well as other brands have low cost tripods that suit domestic cameras normally found in schools. Check them out.
If you can't use a tripod steady the camera against any solid object eg, a tree, a pole, a desk, the ground, another students head!@#$%. Brace yourself in the shape of a pyramid arms wedged into your chest.
The wobblies in hand held camera work can often be reduced by setting the lens angle (zoom control) to fully wide. This reduces apparent movement, and gives you an NYPD Blue effect to your shooting, great for vox pops. You will need to keep close to your subject. With the camera lens set wide the focus also will become far less critical...BONUS!
This approach will not always get you the type of shot you want, use only as directed and if pain persists...
Running out of battery power is the biggest pain! If you need to shoot outdoors, away from power supplies, normal batteries keep you in power only for a short time. A Lead-Acid motorbike battery can be used and will keep the camera running for hours. They only cost around A$40 and you can also buy a shoulder carry bag for them.
CAUTION: you will need to make sure that you connect it up the right way. Get someone who knows their way around electronics and consult your manual if in any doubt.
DOUBLE CAUTION: These batteries only work with a 12 volt system.
Email Allan Ellis if you want any help!
If you want a soft blurred edge around your shot, place glad wrap plastic film over the lens and smear some Vaseline around the edges... Works best if you are zoomed in on your shot rather than wide. If candlelight is involved, a stocking stretched over the lens gives a star filter effect. (Also best if the camera is locked on a tripod with no movement.) Recommended uses - romance, dream sequences, flash backs
If you use the indoors camera settings (ie High gain, open iris and indoor colour balance) for shooting outdoors, the result looks mad! This is not the technically correct way to shoot but it gives an interesting result. Check it out!
If you really need to, simply use a large umbrella and/or a wet weather cover... about A$20.00 from places like Brashes.
A video production studio needs some free standing lights that can be easily moved around. A standard lighting kit consists of 3 lights that are used as 'key', 'fill' and 'back' lights. (see SCHOOL TORQUE LESSON PLANS) A standard kits normally cost around $1200. Arlec make a light stand with two 500 watt floods that sells for around $120 and they work great as they are. Your technics dept. could also make up shutters for them so you can shape your light. You can get them from most hardware stores or call Tim from HERKIES ELECTRONICS on 02 319 3133.
A complete lighting kit for under A$400!... I'd like to see that!
A dolly shot is one that is taken from a moving platform... The secret is out and you DIDN'T hear it here first! Library trolleys, because of their large wheels, make great dollies for that moving shot you just have to have!
The great escape! Another useful piece of information is that the librarian is usually NOT in the library the period just before lunch!
When you line up your shot, zoom in as far as your camera will allow, focus, and then zoom out to the desired degree. Cameras are 'para focal' so what is in sharpest focus in close will give the best focus out wide.
Obvious... But its not that hard to do when you are just carrying it between shots. Could make for a very expensive day!
There is never any substitute for an edit suite. One of these magical pieces of equipment allows you to accurately control each edit you make. Unfortunately not all schools have access to this most basic of video tools. With a little love and care you can get a fair result from two V.C.R.s.
Instructions as follows:-
OK, it's rough but if its all you have, with a little practice it works!
You can record effects and fades on the camera prior to editing... GOOD LUCK:-) You can get away with using only one monitor connected to the recorder.