Video Camera Course - Week 3

• Firewire - IEEE 1394 - iLink
  • allows the transfer of DV video captured on tape.
  • You can use your software to control the camera (play, stop, rew, ff, etc).
  • In some cases it can also allow the camcorder to stream to MS Messenger(e.g) for video conferencing.
• USB Streaming
  • Used for transferring photo and MPEG files over to your PC
  • you can use it as a webcam with MS NetMeeting allowing streaming and video conferencing over the internet
• Blue Tooth
  • allows Network function and live uploads to the web. E.g. Sony DCRIP55
  • Can transfer compressed e-movies from camcorder to computer via wireless
  • Can transfer via a Bluetooth-enabled Mobile Phone (e.g. Ericson T68) or a Bluetooth modem.
• Composite -analog RCA cables
• S-Video - brightness and color are sent via separate analog lines. Gives better image than RCA cables.

• Lets you connect a TV, VCR, or analog camera to capture or transfer older analog tapes(VHS, HI-8) to DV tape, CD, DVD or your hard drive.

• Also known as Flash Cards, Memory cards.
• Usually 16-32 Mb or greater
• Panasonic SD cards can store MPEG video as well as stills.
• If you dont have a Memory card, still images can be stored on tape as freeze frames.

• Older Analog VHS, VHS-c, HI-8 , 8 mm, S-VHS.
• Mini-DV -Most popular format - 525 Lines of Resolution
• Digital 8 - D8 - Sony format - allows the use of older HI-8 tapes. E.g. Sony HANDYCAM DCRTRV140
• DV - form of data compression to 1/5th original size with very little loss in image quality.
• DVD-Ram - 8cm DVD-R. Discs can be played in home DVD players. MPEG2 (FINE: 6Mbps/STD: 3Mbps) - holds approx 30 minutes of footage. e.g. Hitachi DZMV208E
• MicroMV - Sony's proprietary format that was developed as a smaller alternative to MiniDV. But this format is incompatible with MiniDV, Most popular Editing applications failed to recognise it, and you must use Sony's MovieShaker for Post-Production. MicroMV cassettes contain a 64kb memory chip that can index shots, allowing easy access to specific clips.
• MPEG EX - sony minidv
• MPEG-4 - JVC GR DVL920U

• Digital is a quantum leap in quality from older analog formats.
• There is no quality loss when copying
• It is easier and faster to transfer and easier to edit.
• With a firewire card or USB port your home computer is a Cheap Editing Suite.
• Better Image quality - compare VHS with Mini-DV.
• Time Base Correction gives stabler pictures.

• Keep your camera out of the dust, sun, heat and cold.
• Beware salt spray near the ocean.
• Don't leave it in the car on a hot day !
• Look after your batteries. Don't leave them in the camera. The charge may leak.
• Clean the lens with a Proper lens blower brush . Never touch the lens with your fingers
• Beware of condensation in wet, misty conditions. Keep your camera in a dry spot.
• Buy a camcorder case, and use it.

• Don't leave power on if not necessary
• Use the viewfinder instead of the LCD screen
• Use manual zoom if possible
• Don't use Autofocus, use manual focus.
• Use Stand-by mode if applicable
• Buy an extra large battery
• Take your AC adaptor on a shoot and recharge while waiting