Production
Introduction
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Getting
good shots doesn't always come easy. You need to frame the shot, make
sure the focus is correct, make sure the exposure is correct and make
sure the shot is steady. Here are some general ideas and tips for
your next shoot.
Framing the Shot
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 picture 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!
Focusing
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.
How to Make the
Shot Steadier
Get a
tripod. 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.
Go Easy on the
Zooms
Zooming
in and out can make an audience feel dizzy. As a general rule, zoom
in only one direction per shot. Your audience will thank you for it.
Buy Good Equipment
Not all
DV video cameras were built equally, and because of this, the quality
can change dramatically from camera to camera. Here are some technical
factors that can change the quality of the image.
Size
of the CCD matters
The Charged Coupled Device(CCD) is the piece of electronics inside
a camera that translates the wave of light into electronic signals.
As a general rule, a larger CCD, will be able to have greater color
depth, and will have a better signal to noise ratio.(making the picture
will apear less fuzzy in low light situations)
Active
Pixel Elements on the CCD
The
higher number of Active Pixel Elements on the CCD, the greater level
of resolution the camera will be able to deliver.
Number
of CCD's
Many
higher end DV video cameras will have 3 CCD's. Each CCD is assigned
to record a specific color: red, green or blue. Doing so, gives greater
color separation to deliver a sharper, more vibrant picture.
Not all
video cameras are built the same. Start with the right equipment because
the video can only get shittier.
next >> Add the second dimension with sound.
Introduction
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| lighting
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