Video Camera Course - Week 2

• The CCD chip captures light falling on it and converts it to electrical signals.
• Chips usually contain from 270,000 to >700,000 pixels or dots.
• Consumer vidcams mainly have 1 CCD whereas High-End and Professional cams
• have 3 chips and are more expensive.

• Ratings for low light go from 1-6 lux.
• When using low light conditions video loses contrast and colour.
• Using Gain amplifies the signal but introduces noise that detracts from the video's quality.

• In most situations you should use the viewfinder when filming.
• Use the LCD monitor for playback viewing.
• They have levers/knobs that can be adjusted for personal eyesight.
• Make sure you check the setting before you start shooting, especially if someone else has been using the camera.
• In prolonged use a black and white viewfinder is easier on the eye.

1. Zoom into an object about 50 metres away , set focus to infinity, then adjust the diopter ring/knob until it is focused to your eye.
2. Adjust diopter until the indicator lettering inside viewfinder is in focus.

• Flips out and can swivel up to 360 degrees and even see yourself.
• It is Good to use in unusual angles.
• In bright sunlight you can't see it.
• It is colour so you can see if your exposure or white balance is correct.

• This allows the filming in 16:9 width/height ratio. Normal video is shot in 4:3 ratio.

• A separate hand held device that allows recording and playback from a distance.

• LP - Long Play , extends the recording time but is lower quality SP - Short Play , use this !

• DV format has CD quality sound, using either 12 bit or 16 bit PCM , or MP3.
• An External Mic Input Jack can place a microphone closer to the subject and improve sound quality.

• Some vidcams have low bass filters to eliminate the roar of the wind when shooting outdoors

• Otical zoom capability can be from 10x to 18-20x.
• Don't go past this using the Digital Zoom because they degrade the image quality quite considerably.
• Always stay with the Optical zoom unless absolutely necessary.
• Servo-operated zooms can use too much battery power but they are smoother.
• Manual zooms save power and can be handy for quick focusing.

• Optical Stabilisation balances shaky images by having lens elements that compensate for any camera movements.
• Digital Stabilisers work well but not as good as optical