Introduction to Video Camera

Camera operation and Functions.

Time code Shows the amount of time the camera has recorded in minutes, seconds and the frames per second(25).

White-balancing Where the camera is told which colour is white, this should be done every time the lighting changes.

Aperture settings The size of the whole in the camera which lets the light in. If zebra lines come up on the screen this show to much or to little light is being let into the camera.

Focusing On the camera there is a option to use manual or auto focus. Manual focus allows you to choose which part of the film should be focused but the camera must be focused correctly on the object. Auto focus does this automatically but the camera does not know what you want to focus on which you could lead to focusing on the wrong object.

Setting up the tripod When setting up the tripod, you need to make sure its pulled up to the correct height. Then place the camera into the tripod shoe.

Bubbling This allows you to have the camera to have the write angle, you do this by turning the nobs under the tripod.

Benefits of tripod shots Allows you to shoot a steady smooth shot.

Benefits of handheld shots Allows you to shoot exotic shots.

Different camera shots can represent different things, ie close ups can show emotion and a wide shot can show the surrounding area. shots are also used regally to show juxtaposition. 

Basic shots-

Wide shot

Mid  shot

Close up

Cut away

Cut in

Over the shoulder shot

Industry terminology

STAND BY / STANDING BY -Gets 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

I found the move between normal camera and video cameras too be quite different, they work on the same in fairly similar ways in focus etc. but you still have a lot more to think about how the video looks and the continuity of it.