Introduction To Video Camera

Last week we began using the cameras and firstly we learnt how to set up the tripod so that we could have the camera at adjustable levels of height and angle. It would also be more steady than using handheld camera work. To adjust the height of tripod we twisted the nuts and raised the heights of each leg. We then locked the nuts once done. To adjust the tripod further we had to make sure the camera would first sit level on the top of the tripod. There is the equivalent of a built in spirit level on the tripod known to us as the 'bubble' so we would 'bubble' the tripod to set the spirit level straight. When putting the camera on we also had to make sure that the camera was locked in so it wouldn't fall off whilst filming. Once the tripod was set up and locked in, we learnt about the functions of the camera.
Firstly was the timecode. Every camera has a time code and it shows the time used filming. It counts in hours, minutes, seconds and then frames and in each second there are 25 frames but the time code only displays up to 24 as the next frame will be zero. It also helps during playback as you can take down the timecode of the exact shot and go back to it later.
We then learnt about white balancing. Every time the setting of a shot is changed (ie. going somewhere else to film it like another room) the white balance needs to be set. White balance sets the colours of the camera to match the white in the room so if it is not set the shot may be off color and look strange. To set white balance you zoom in on something white or a piece of blank paper so that the camera is only looking at the white object. You then press the white-balance button on the side of the camera and wait until it adjusts. When you see a number on the screen of the camera the white balance is set.
When zooming the camera we learnt the camera may not always be in focus. Focus determines how sharp a shot is, if not focussed then a shot will be blurry. So to focusthe shot zoom in on the subject and use the focus wheel on the front of the camera. Adjust it until focussed.
We also learnt about aperture. Aperture controls how much light goes into the camera and can be adjusted with the coordinating wheel on the front of the camera. All of these are operations of the cameras.

Next we discovered some camera skills including basic camera shots such as establishing shots which show the setting or character within a setting to establish the location of the film. Other types of shot include medium shot which shows the subject in some detail but still has the overrall view of them, close up which shows the subject in great detail and two-shot which is a shot that houses two subjects within a frame at a similar distance to a medium shot. How things are framed is also an important camera skills and we learnt about the rule of thirds; when a screen is divided into three both horizontally and vertically the square in the middle is the focus of attention so when framing a subject put the thing that you want to be focussed on in this square. Moreover when filming continuity editing must be considered as otherwise a film may end up out of order and confusing to an audience. To achieve temporal and spatial continuity you can use dissolves and fades when editing so that each shot moulds into the next however they cannot always be used so cutting through shots is used more. Another way to stop viewer disorientation is to use the 180 degree rule. This rule states that when filming the camera should not move more than 180 degrees around the subject. This keeps the action flowing but still gives space for different shots. The rule is sometimes deliberately broken to confuse the audience but more often the camera pans around enough to switch sides and keep the continuity intact and the 180 degree then applies again, but on that side.

We then moved on to practice filming by holding a practice shoot. This shoot was open to mistakes and we probably commited more than one of the 'Deadly sins of Filming' as shown below:



We also learn the industry terminology for a shoot, starting with the standby. When everyone is position for a take they call 'standby'. Next is Turn over or Roll Film (Rolling). This is called by the director and tells the camera operator to start filming. The few seconds that run before strating are known as the lead in and help the process of continuity editing. The cameraman thus responds with the same call to show that he is up to speed. The director then calls action, which is the cue for the actors and crew to start filming. Finally. when happy with the take, the director will leave a few seconds at the end, called Lead out and then call cut. This is the sign for the crew to stop the camera.