Technical Know How
Posts tagged camcorder film making
CamGuru – Essential Camera and Video Production Advice
Nov 1st
In this post I would like you to make aware of a couple very important aspects, when it comes to purchasing and operating a new camcorder. You should put these points into consideration now as they can save you a lot of headache later.
- When it comes to choosing a new camera or camcorder, people are often overwhelmed by the choice of models and features. The prices for a brand new ‘Point and Shoot’ camera start as low as $100 and can exceed the $500 at the other end of the scale.
The video capabilities of photo cameras have improved that much over the last couple of years, that you may ask yourself if you need a separate camcorder. On the other hand some camcorders have an integrated flash light and deliver excellent still shots.
The choice of recording medium of camcorders is straight forward, Hard Disc Drive, Flash Card or both!
Tape-. and disc camcorder have been discontinued at most retailers. Going into a retail shop or surfing the internet for any camera advice is like asking a barber if you need a haircut. Information is often biased toward the special of the week. - At last, you have purchased a new camcorder, the first step towards your goal to produce a video of your upcoming holiday, new family member or any other special event. Even it may not be your first camera, the chances are high, that it records onto a different recording medium as the old one. It might be a change from tape to HDD, Disc to Memory card or any other combination. This fact alone can bring its own challenges, it can be the as simple as archiving and distribution of your videos or software/editing issues. The disc, which is included in the package of your new camera is often just an evaluation version or is limited to very basic functionality and features. In one way or the other you need to buy a full software version of it. If it is the right software for you, or if you can get away with a different free editing program for your purpose, is a whole different story.
- Finally, everything has been setup. The camera connection to the computer, the software and editing works perfectly. You try something new or differently, there it happens, and your setup doesn’t work properly or not at all! In some case it is not even obvious if it is a camera -, software- or computer problem. The camera retailer sends you to the manufacturer, the camera manufacturer to the editing software distributor and from here the blame goes to the computer hardware. Customers have approached me with this kind of faults, were nobody could give an answer to their problems.
- Here is another challenge you may face during a video production. - Camera, or any other hardware failure. Let us say, you are a technician or have knowledge on the subject and started to pull your camera apart in order to rectify the fault. Sometimes it looks so easy on these U-tube repair videos, but suddenly you realise you have a different camera model, or the cause of the symptom is a different one. Anyway, somewhere along the way you got stuck for whatever reason and need a little help to complete your repair. What do you do?
The right and a quick solution to any of the situations above can save you a lot of headache, money and time. In order to complete our services and cater for the issues mentioned above Allcam has launched the CamGuru division as a dedicated give online advice and assistance service.
To find out how CamGuru can help you with:
- Buying advice and assistance
- Setup and troubleshoot assistance
- General camera/camcorder topics
- DIY Repair assistance
Visit us on http://www.camguru.net
How to Video like a PRO / Part2 – Improve your filming
Jun 22nd
Learn how to make every shot count, whether you are filming a movie or a family gathering.
Video like a PRO
You have a camcorder, you know how to use it, but you want to learn the art of film making. Now you want to understand what film making is all about, so you can utilize your camcorder and its features to your advantage. Avoid common mistakes, add some flavour to your productions and get great results every time. Get started and learn the fundamentals of:
- Setting up shots
- Using manual controls
- Lighting and sound
- Preparing your camera
Video Know How is about following the right rules and guidelines of good filmmaking and applying it when needed for best effects.
Here are some film making rules, guidelines and tips you want to know about
- Rules of well composed shots
- Tips for shooting great video
- Avoid seven camcorder mistakes
- Mastering the art of lighting
- Tips and tricks of the industry
- How to add some spice
- Helpful audio recording tricks
- When and how to use manual adjustments
Of course you can surf the net, study the local paper and find a course in town or a local venue. But what if the course is spread out over a whole term, it doesn’t cover all your needs, or fits in your busy schedule. Learning from books, magazine or the internet has its challenges and often provides only little snippets here and there.
Are you on a tight budget and prefer to learn at home with your own equipment?
How about a home study…
- Which covers all the points mentioned above
- Self-Paced: no more rushing to complete assignments, or trying to squeeze your life in around your courses. Finish in your own time, when you can give it your full concentration.
- Comprehensive Reference Materials: have everything you need to reinforce your learning handy, and take it with you for on-location reference.
- Easy Formats: view the presentation using just your web browser, and the e-book only requires Adobe Acrobat, which is a free download.
- Comprehensive: e-book, slide show, and podcast cover all the angles, and provide multiple study methods for different types of learners.
- Affordable: ALL-CAM courses are much more affordable than classroom driven courses in film school, so you can learn more for less.
Course Materials
The camera course comes complete with a PowerPoint presentation, as well as a full and complete e-book and complimentary podcast. The e-book provides an easy reference so you can find the information you need, quickly. The podcast is delivered as an mp3 file so you can easily listen to it from your computer, or on-the-go through an mp3 player or iPod.
This camera course is perfect for everyone – from amateur film makers to intermediate videographers – and will help you advance your camera and shooting skills to the next level.
The Presentation
At the core of the camera course is a comprehensive slide-show, which includes detailed graphics, pictures and sketches to fully illustrate each concept. The presentation is formatted as an interactive file, which can be viewed in any web browser – on your computer, laptop, or portable device.
The presentation format includes options to view with preview slides and without – so you can select the viewing style that suits your learning method. You can easily use the forward and back buttons to move through the presentation, so you can review a concept or skip to the section you want to view.
Demo – Click bottom left corner to start. All buttons are active, enjoy!
Summary
With the ALL-CAM Camcorder ‘Video like a PRO’ course you will receive:
- A complete and thorough reference that will teach you exactly how to work with your camera to get the best shooting results.
- A guide for shooting terminology and a reference of how your camera can be used in different situations.
- An easy-to-follow course that includes tons of photos and graphics, written in a clear, non-technical language.
With the ALL-CAM Film making estudy camera course you can quickly and easily learn to set up perfect shots, have great lighting and add interest to every shot. Make your next video look more professional than ever, for much less than attending a live class.
Manual camera adjustments – shutter speed
Jun 16th
Adjust your camera for best results and special effects.
The 3 Steps to Video like a PRO
Jun 15th
Know your camcorder
Step1 – Know your camera to maximize capabilities
Complement your film education by adding a base of technical knowledge.
You don’t have to know how the engine under the bonnet of your car works to be a good driver, nor do you need to know how a camera functions to take a good photograph or produce a video.
However, quite often good results are left to luck. To have more confidence and consistent good results in film making, it helps to know how your camera functions. By knowing the limitation of your equipment, you don’t have to waste time on experiments to make a certain scene work and look good. You know exactly what to do with your equipment, to achieve the desired result with video and sound.
Other advantages of the right camera Know How:
- To be able to rectify any little hiccups with your Equipment
- Camera Care and Damage Protection
- Choosing the Right Camera for You
- Enhanced Communication with Professionals
- Increased Confidence with Equipment
- Awareness of Equipment Limitations
So what should I know about my camera to be able to tick all the boxes above, isn’t it just a matter of reading the user manual of the camera?
The operation manual is certainly a good start and is a ‘must’ when you really want to utilise all features of your camcorder. However, it just covers a fraction of the topics listed above.
Keep in mind, that the camera is only one tool in the production chain. What happens when you need to change it? Suddenly a different camera can be a challenge to operate. You need to have a broader understanding of the whole concept in order to choose and adjust the settings on the camera to capture the best of the scene.
You can compare your cameras user manual with a city map. It only fits for the one model and no other. Your technical knowledge, on the other hand, works more like a compass, it supports you in every situation.
How about an ALL-CAM /e-Study home-study which covers this foundation of camcorder Know How?
A course with the following objectives:
- Principles and functions of camcorders
- Distinguishing different types of camcorders
- Features of different types of camcorders
- Components of camcorders
- Limitations of different types of camcorders
- Common handling mistakes
- Camcorder terminology
- Preparing your camcorder for shooting
- Features and benefits of your camcorder
Why ALL-CAM /e-Study
The course comes complete with a flash-presentation, as well as a full and complete e-book and complimentary podcast. The e-book provides an easy reference so you can find the information you need, quickly. The podcast is delivered as an mp3 file, so you can easily listen to it from your computer, or on-the-go through an mp3 player or iPod.
It is delivered straightforward in easy-to-follow language and includes many full-colour illustrations to ensure maximum comprehension.
Free updates
Technology is constantly changing – so fast that many courses are obsolete within a few months. This ALL-CAM /e-Study course is continually updated to incorporate changes in technology, and every course you sign up for includes access to all future material. Never have to worry about falling behind the latest trends as ALL-CAM /e-Study has you covered, at no extra cost.
Whether you are a video amateur, new to film and TV or just want a refresher, ALL-CAM’s Camcorder Technology course is a great choice. This easy-to-use camera course covers the technical side of camcorder use thoroughly, and includes photographs and diagrams to ensure each concept is clearly understood.
Each topic contains easy-to-follow steps and illustrated diagrams, and will allow you to increase your knowledge of, and confidence in your camcorder.
Help – How do I utilise my camcorder for best results?
Jun 11th
The 3 Steps to Video like a PRO
Switch to record, aim, press the start button, zoom in/out and stop. This is how you do film making, don’t you?
We all have done it this way and found the results of our video can be rather poor and boring.
To produce a compelling video of a birthday, wedding or your holiday memories, you have to follow a proven plan, the rules of good video and apply a few tricks which add a little spice to your production.
The user manual doesn’t explain how to shoot an interesting video. On the internet you may find little pieces of advice, but hardly anything which shows or explains the basic concept of film making.
On the other hand, who wants to go to school again spending hundreds of dollars and many hours of traveling to attend a camera course in town?
How about a film making home e-study, which offers the following advantages:
1. Self-Paced: no more rushing to complete assignments, or trying to squeeze your life in around
your courses. Finish each module on your own time, when you can give it your full concentration.
2. Reference Materials: have everything you need to reinforce your learning handy, and take it with
you for on-location reference.
3. Easy Formats: view the presentation using just your web browser, and the e-book only requires
Adobe Acrobat, which is a free download.
4. Comprehensive: e-book, slide show, and podcast that cover all the angles, and provide multiple
study methods for different types of learners.
5. More affordable than classroom driven courses, so you can learn more for less.
Last but not least, you follow an easy proven plan ‘The 3 Steps to Video like a PRO’
- Maximize camera capability
- Improve your filming
- Fine tune your editing
By following this formula you are able to produce a video production, which leaves your audience in awe and admiration.
Find all your filmmaking, camera and video know how from the one address – ALL-CAM /e-Study.
- Well structured straight to the point, easy to follow downloadable ‘How to…’ film making and camera courses for the beginner and intermediate camera user.
- Constantly updated material keeps you abreast with latest developments in the industry.
- The latest articles and videos about film and television technology widen your horizon on the subject.
- Support and backup to resolve any technical or film making problems you may encounter in the future.
- Courses focused on the technical aspects of film and television, which complement your film making skills.
- Technical television and camera know how from high school-, and college-, up to university level.
Whether you are a home video maker, an amateur filmmaker or an aspiring producer, you can benefit from ALL-CAM’s e-Study courses. Learn how your camera and equipment works and utilise all features for outstanding results.
Complement your existing film knowledge by integrating the technical aspects of filming, and have the base knowledge you need to get the most out of every filming opportunity.
Make your camera work for you, instead of working around it.
ALL-CAM ‘s unique e-Study camera course topics:
- Camcorder Technology
- Shooting
- Camera Care
- Damage Protection
- Film & TV Technology
- Television Production
- And more…
DON’T WAIT! Grab special offers, free videos and articles while available. Learn online, at your own pace, while you attend film school, or just whenever you want to improve your technical film knowledge.
ALL-CAM courses offer:
- Unique Content: Learn tried and proven methods from an experienced camera technician. Find out how to manage your camera with confidence – whether you are using it for movies, TV, or your own personal entertainment. Get only the valuable information you need to enhance your skills, instead of having to muddle through filler content to get to the good stuff.
- Several Delivery Methods: videos, podcasts, and e-books cover all the angles in a fun, easy to learn manner. Photos and diagrams help you understand the lessons at hand.
- Free Updates: become a lifelong learner, and keep abreast of all the new trends in film technology today with a lifetime of free learning updates on any course you purchase.
Don’t wait another minute – start improving your technical filming knowledge and see just how far a great background in camera technology can take you!
Stay tuned for The 3 Steps to Video like a PRO
Part1 Know your camera to maximize capabilities
Sharing video on the internet YouTube – Step by Step
Jun 7th
Everybody does it, from kids and vacation travelers to pros. It is fun and it’s easy.
Here are some quick tips to getting started.
Putting Your Video Online
- Sign Up
Go to www.youtube.com and click the Sign Up button at the very top of the screen.
When you are done, you will get an email asking you to confirm your registration, and then you are in. - Preparing Your Video
YouTube will accept most popular video formats: AVI, MOV, MPG and WMV. - Uploading Your Video
After you have logged into YouTube, click on My Account at the top of the screen and then select Videos. From there, click on the button that says Upload Videos and enter a description for your video (Standard accounts are limited to 10 minutes or 100MB). This description will help people decide whether or not they want to see your video, so be as descriptive as possible.
Here you can also select options to make your video public or private and to allow people to comment, make video responses, rate your video, embed your video on web pages and blogs. Click next and use the browse button to find the video on your computer. YouTube takes your uploaded video and converts it automatically to a flash animation – this may take several hours or just a few minutes.
When your video is on the YouTube servers, you will see URLs you can send to people, so they can see your video directly. You will also find the HTML code necessary to embed your video on a web page or blog.
Sharing and Watching Your Video
There you go. Clicking on My Videos will take you to your collection of online videos. You can email the URL to all the people in your Address Book, you can embed the video into a web page and you can share, save and re-watch favourite videos of your own.
HDD and Flash-memory Video to DVD – The easy way!
Jun 7th
This method is ideal, when you need to produce a DVD quickly without a computer.
First of all use the camera features to delete scenes you don’t want and put the ones you like to keep in order. If your camera has a feature to shave off the beginning and the end of a scene, do so. Of course you can connect your camera via fire-wire or USB to the computer, open moviemaker or your favorite editing program, start importing your footage and you are ready to go. However, if you don’t want to do too much editing, the fastest and easiest way is to use a standalone DVD recorder hooked up to a TV monitor.
First generation copies are not too critical, so you can connect the camera with the AV cables instead of the digital connection. Set the recording settings in the menu of the DVD recorder for best quality and you are ready. Simply press playback on your camera and record on the DVD recorder.
Summary
For multiple DVD copies record the tape onto the HDD of your DVD recorder first and use the fast copy feature to burn multiple DVD’s. Additional copies are produced in a fraction of the time!
Once you have completed the DVD and you are happy with the result, you can go ahead and delete the scenes on the camera to make room for new recordings.
Camera Check & Maintenance – Camera Technician Advice
Jun 7th
There is no maintenance as such with cameras. Even tape – or disc camcorders, which use moving parts in the media compartment, are usually maintenance free.
However, do the following when you want to get the most out of your camera or haven’t used it for a long time. Do it before an important shoot, holidays or testing a 2nd Hand camera.
General advice:
1) Do not overuse head cleaning tapes, as the can be abrasive to the video heads.
2) Use quality Tapes – I recommend camera manufacturer tapes.
- Try to use the same brand only
- Discard damaged tapes
3) Have at least 2 batteries. Battery test. Run batteries fully flat before recharge. You have to
know how long batteries last for proper shoot planning. If batteries behave odd or don’t last
very long, repeat a discharging and charging procedure a few times.
Even though modern batteries supposedly don’t develop a memory, I did resurrect some
batteries with this procedure.
Camera check:
Tape cameras
1) Fast forward and rewind a whole tape.
2) Play back a pre-recorded at the beginning and at the end of the tape.
3) Perform a test recording by constantly panning and zooming the camera in and out. Here you
look for distortion and pixilation in playback of the recording. If it does show up, you may
have an issue with the video head drum or tape path. A remedy can be a cleaning tape, if
unsuccessful, see a repairer.
4) Do this recording test in SP (Standard Play) and LP (Long Play)! A tape-path or video head
issue is much more obvious in LP.
Disc cameras
Do the test recording and playback procedure as described above for tape cameras.
If you do have any issues with the recordings, you may clean the laser lens. If unsuccessful, see a repairer. Repairs can be expensive, as in most cases the whole disc drive needs to be replaced. This drives are a lot dearer compared to computer disc drives!
HDD and Flash Memory cameras
Test record and playback. There is nothing else to do.
Lens check
- Test the iris by checking scenes on a bright sunny day outdoors and indoors under low light conditions.
- Check the optical zoom for smooth zooming from wide angle to full zoom in. Do this in both directions and observe the auto focus tracking.
- Sensor check, DSLR Cameras: Try to take a photo of a blue sky and look out for little dark spots in the picture on playback. Do this by zooming in on different sections of the picture. Any dark spots indicate dust and dirt on the sensor.
Fire-wire port This is an important issue, particular when buying a 2nd Hand camera. Make sure the camera is recognised by the computer. If not, there are in the most cases only two things which can go wrong. When you are lucky, it is the socket itself with broken pins or much worse the computer on the main circuit board. These circuit boards are none serviceable items and need to be replaced, which is extremely expensive.
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