Camera Operation and Functions
Timecode:
The timecode symbol is located on the top right corner of the video camera screen. It is denoted in the format of hours:minutes:seconds: frames (a second is composed of 25 frames which is why this component of the timecode only goes up to 24)
White Balancing:
The camera cannot identify colours until it is familiar with the colour white. In order to do a white balance on the camera, you must show the camera a white object under the light that you will be filming it in. You must then press the 'WHT balance' button on the left side of the camera and adjust it to the right shade of white. If you choose to do this manually, you must do a white balance everytime you change your light source. By doing so, you ensure that colours are produced accurately.
Aperture Settings:
An aperture is the hole in the camera lens that allows light to enter the camera. It is expressed as F-Stop: the smaller the F-Stop, the larger the lens opening, the more light is let through and vice versa.
Focussing:
Focussing is the adjustment of the lens so that the image you are video taping is sharp and clear in your view finder or on your monitor. The ideal way to focus on an object is to zoom right into it, adjust the focussing until the object is perfectly clear (using the focus ring) and then zoom right out of it.
Tripod:
A tripod is a vital tool used in filmmaking. It is a three-legged object used to support a camera. It has adjustable height and the camera can be placed on it in various ways allowing you to film in different angles.
Bubbling the tripod:
Bubbling is the process allowing the camera to be in level with the tripod. It can be achieved by adjusting the lever under the tripod, making sure the bubble (at the front of the tripod) is in the center od the circle drawn.
Using the Camera:
Camera Shot Types:
Extreme Wide Shot (EWS): A wide frame in which subjects in the frame are small; a building, cityscape. This is often used as an establishing shot.
Very Wide Shot (VWS): The subject is barely visible. The emphasis is on placing the subject in the environment.
Wide Shot (WS): The subject takes up the full frame, or at least as much as possible. The same as a long shot.
Mid Shot (MS): Shows some part of the subject in more detail whilst still giving an impression of the whole subject.
Medium Close Up (MCU): Half way between a MS and a CU.
Close Up (CU): A certain feature or part of the subject takes up the whole frame.
Extreme Close Up (ECU): The ECU gets right in and shows extreme detail.
Cut Away (CA): A shot of something other than the current action.
Cut-In: Shows some part of the subject in detail.
Two-Shot: A comfortable shot of two people, framed similarly to a mid shot.
Over-The-Shoulder-Shot: Looking from behind a person at the subject.
Noddy Shot: Usually refers to a shot of the interviewer listening and reacting to the subject, although noddies can be used in drama and other situations.
Point-Of-View Shot (POV): Shows a view from the subject's perspective.
Weather Shot: The subject is the weather, usually the sky. Can be used for other purposes.
Here's a video summarising all the above:
Rule of Thirds:
The picture above is very well constructed in terms of rule of thirds. The wasp's eye is right at the intersection of the lines, catching our attention. It also gives us enough head space and looking space to absorb the image.
Continuity Editing:
Continuity editing refers to arranging the sequence of shots to suggest a progression of events. Its purpose is to smooth over the inherent discontinuity of the editing process and to establish a logical coherence between shots.
180 Degree Rule:
The 180° rule is a basic guideline in film making that states that two characters (or other elements) in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing the line. The new shot, from the opposite side, is known as a reverse angle.
Useful Video:
I made a lot of mistakes in the practice shoot, especially in terms of the 180 degree rule and focussing (I did not keep them in mind).
However, I corrected the mistakes in the real shoot by creating a checklist with the things I had to keep in mind before pressing the record button.
Industry Terminology:
Timecode:
The timecode symbol is located on the top right corner of the video camera screen. It is denoted in the format of hours:minutes:seconds: frames (a second is composed of 25 frames which is why this component of the timecode only goes up to 24)
White Balancing:
The camera cannot identify colours until it is familiar with the colour white. In order to do a white balance on the camera, you must show the camera a white object under the light that you will be filming it in. You must then press the 'WHT balance' button on the left side of the camera and adjust it to the right shade of white. If you choose to do this manually, you must do a white balance everytime you change your light source. By doing so, you ensure that colours are produced accurately.
Aperture Settings:
An aperture is the hole in the camera lens that allows light to enter the camera. It is expressed as F-Stop: the smaller the F-Stop, the larger the lens opening, the more light is let through and vice versa.
Focussing:
Focussing is the adjustment of the lens so that the image you are video taping is sharp and clear in your view finder or on your monitor. The ideal way to focus on an object is to zoom right into it, adjust the focussing until the object is perfectly clear (using the focus ring) and then zoom right out of it.
Tripod:
A tripod is a vital tool used in filmmaking. It is a three-legged object used to support a camera. It has adjustable height and the camera can be placed on it in various ways allowing you to film in different angles.
Bubbling the tripod:
Bubbling is the process allowing the camera to be in level with the tripod. It can be achieved by adjusting the lever under the tripod, making sure the bubble (at the front of the tripod) is in the center od the circle drawn.
Using the Camera:
Camera Shot Types:
Extreme Wide Shot (EWS): A wide frame in which subjects in the frame are small; a building, cityscape. This is often used as an establishing shot.
Very Wide Shot (VWS): The subject is barely visible. The emphasis is on placing the subject in the environment.
Wide Shot (WS): The subject takes up the full frame, or at least as much as possible. The same as a long shot.
Mid Shot (MS): Shows some part of the subject in more detail whilst still giving an impression of the whole subject.
Medium Close Up (MCU): Half way between a MS and a CU.
Close Up (CU): A certain feature or part of the subject takes up the whole frame.
Extreme Close Up (ECU): The ECU gets right in and shows extreme detail.
Cut Away (CA): A shot of something other than the current action.
Cut-In: Shows some part of the subject in detail.
Two-Shot: A comfortable shot of two people, framed similarly to a mid shot.
Over-The-Shoulder-Shot: Looking from behind a person at the subject.
Noddy Shot: Usually refers to a shot of the interviewer listening and reacting to the subject, although noddies can be used in drama and other situations.
Point-Of-View Shot (POV): Shows a view from the subject's perspective.
Weather Shot: The subject is the weather, usually the sky. Can be used for other purposes.
Here's a video summarising all the above:
Rule of Thirds:
The picture above is very well constructed in terms of rule of thirds. The wasp's eye is right at the intersection of the lines, catching our attention. It also gives us enough head space and looking space to absorb the image.
Continuity Editing:
Continuity editing refers to arranging the sequence of shots to suggest a progression of events. Its purpose is to smooth over the inherent discontinuity of the editing process and to establish a logical coherence between shots.
180 Degree Rule:
The 180° rule is a basic guideline in film making that states that two characters (or other elements) in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing the line. The new shot, from the opposite side, is known as a reverse angle.
Useful Video:
I made a lot of mistakes in the practice shoot, especially in terms of the 180 degree rule and focussing (I did not keep them in mind).
However, I corrected the mistakes in the real shoot by creating a checklist with the things I had to keep in mind before pressing the record button.
Industry Terminology:
STAND BY / STANDING BY - readys everyone into position for the take. The AD calls STAND BY and the response tells them that everyone is prepped
TURN OVER / TURNING OVER (Roll film/Rolling etc) The director tells the camera operator to start filming - a few seconds of film is then run as the camera gets up to speed - this is often referred to as LEAD IN. Once done the Camera operator will respond TURNING OVER or ROLLING (etc) to indicate being up to speed
ACTION! - Cue for the actors to perform the take, and the crew to do their jobs. It is good practice for the Director to let the film run on a further few seconds after the take is completed before cutting - this is referred to as LEAD OUT
CUT! - Cue for the camera to stop running film. Industry practice expects that the camera operator does not CUT before being told
My Video Camera Experience:
Moving from a still camera to a video camera unleashed a whole new world for me which I can get more creative with. I really enjoyed the whole experience and I look forward to shooting more footage!
No comments:
Post a Comment