Camera Knowledge

[Myke013]

Hey! My media studies teacher has instructed me with the task of amassing information on video cameras, different techniques you can use, mounts and basically everything about using a camera I can find.

Can any of you guys lend some info for me to use for this? I'm sure there are some things you know that I may not find on the interwebs :D

[nooneimportant77]

Take the lens cap off before shooting?

I think you'll get a better idea of tips and tricks if you go shoot movies with someone who already knows the tricks. It's a little tricky to word things, and even harder when you're not actually applying the technique. Though here's one that people constantly ask about- there's next to no difference between HD DV tapes, and regular DV tapes, so save your money.

[WesScog]

Well as far as mounts...

Steadicams, Fig-Rigs, Tripods, Jibs, Handheld, Turtlerigs, Shoulder Rigs, Monopods, there are literally hundreds of different manufactures throwing their own little spin on different mounts and rigs, so I guess it would behoove you to narrow it down a bit and specify what kind of rigs and mounts you're Teacher would like you to cover specifically, or you'll write a book.

Also, what does he mean Video Cameras? There are literally many thousands and thousands of video cameras that have been in production for the last 60+ years, so once again to properly cover ALL video cameras, that would require at the very least a small book.

As far as major video FORMATS (which would be significantly easier to cover), there are a few dozen different types, aimed at different markets, trying to accomplish different things.

Compact Flash, P2, DVCam, MiniDV, Betacam, HDCAM, XDCAM, VHS, S-VHS, Digital-8, DVD, Blu-Ray, Compact Cassette (Yes, there are cameras that utilize Audio Cassettes as their acquisition format), Hard-Drives, Solid State memory of all types, etc. etc. The list goes on.

While it would be easier to talk about simply formats, (or like the 10 ten most popular ones in regards to professional acquisition) it would still take up significant room.

So what specifically do you want to know about these topics, narrowing it down would help a little.

[Myke013]

Well we're just starting out with the course, so the bare basics of filming techiques and stuff. Like the rules of line of action or types of shot. I mean I know a couple but thats only coz some of my friends took the course last year.

[Andy Leonard]

Your teacher gave you that assignment? Ask him for a more specific project.

Unless he's asking you to tell him what you know so he knows what you know so he knows what to teach... my head hurts.

[Myke013]

Your teacher gave you that assignment? Ask him for a more specific project.

Unless he's asking you to tell him what you know so he knows what you know so he knows what to teach... my head hurts.
lol

No, he gave everyone in the class a 'sepciality' and told them to go away and gather info together about that subject and mine was camerawork and cameras.

[DigitalVideo]

Most of those specific little details that any filmmaker could give are purely by habit. Meaning that we can't just think of them off the top of our head, you'd have to observe one of us doing what we do. Just gather some broad topics to talk about like rigs, mics, you know, all the technical stuff and gear. Then just go into the types of shots. I'd suggest seeing if your local library has the book "The Five C's of Cinematography".

[yugosaki]

I'm going to go on a limb here and assume that he wanted you to go over the basics. So here's a link for the basic camera shots and etc:
http://www.mediaknowall.com/camangles.html

[cyrax037]

Steadicams, Fig-Rigs, Tripods, Jibs, Handheld, Turtlerigs, Shoulder Rigs, Monopods, there are literally hundreds of different manufactures throwing their own little spin on different mounts and rigs, so I guess it would behoove you to narrow it down a bit and specify what kind of rigs and mounts you're Teacher would like you to cover specifically, or you'll write a book.

They make this kind of tripod, I've seen it at wal-mart. Its mostly for still cams, but it could work for small video cams too. It can act like a regular tripod, but the legs can bend, so you can wrap it around trees, or poles, or whatever it will fit around. I bet you can get some really wacky shots with that!:D

[yugosaki]

They make this kind of tripod, I've seen it at wal-mart. Its mostly for still cams, but it could work for small video cams too. It can act like a regular tripod, but the legs can bend, so you can wrap it around trees, or poles, or whatever it will fit around. I bet you can get some really wacky shots with that!:D

You're probably describing the gorillapod. They are really sweet.

[Myke013]

They make this kind of tripod, I've seen it at wal-mart. Its mostly for still cams, but it could work for small video cams too. It can act like a regular tripod, but the legs can bend, so you can wrap it around trees, or poles, or whatever it will fit around. I bet you can get some really wacky shots with that!:D

That is SWEET!

Yeah thanks for the tips everyone, I'm actually looking for my local library on the map lol, I haven't been there in, like, ever. So yeah, thanks again.