Filming Tips

By: Mike Paladino - Revised: 2006-06-27 devin

Introduction

Covers a number of filming techniques that can be used to ensure quality recording.


Camcorder Operation

MiniDV camcorders have 2 modes: VTR and camera. VTR is basically the same as VCR. It plays the tape on the display and rewinds and fast-forwards just like a VCR. VTR mode does not use the lens. Camera mode records over the tape. It does not play the tape like VTR mode. Some camcorders may offer a brief replay in camera mode, but you shouldn't expect it to act like a VCR. There is no way to cover all camcorder operations here. You must READ YOUR MANUAL. Most of the time they have many languages and so even though the book may be very large, there is actually very little reading. Most of it can be skimmed as well. But, every camcorder is different. YOU MUST READ THE MANUAL.

Filming Techniques

All of the following techniques require prior practice and testing to ensure quality recording.

Foreground and Background
The easiest single and most important consideration should be given to your surrounding foreground and background. Always consider the option of moving yourself to another location or even another angle of view at the same location to avoid undesirable backgrounds.
 
Audio
Get an external microphone.

Stabilization
  • Use a tripod, monopod, or clamp.
  • Put left hand UNDER camcorder.
  • Use image stabilization.
  • Stay zoomed out.
Panning
  • Only do when needed.
  • Linger; pan; linger.
  • Start on good scene, end on good scene.
  • Practice panning.
  • Pan right.
  • Follow moving objects or visual "lines".
  • Turn image stabilizer off.
Zooming
  • Don't zoom while recording.
  • Instead, use dolly shots, with a wheelchair or bike or whatever.
  • Or, record and linger; pause recording and zoom; record and linger.
  • Exceptions: zoom as slow as possible, zoom when panning.
Lighting
  • Make sure there is enough, but not too much
  • Setup extra lights if needed.
  • Use backlight mode if needed and if camcorder has the feature.
  • Learn the camcorder exposure settings.
Focus
  • Auto focus is ok most of the time.
  • When there are no defined edges, or there are objects between the camcorder and the subject, use manual focus.
Angles
  • Use a variety of them.
  • Don't break the 180 degree rule, unless the camera is rolling whole time.