Filming Tips Part 1
Getting the best quality out of your Camcorder
In case you don't have your camcorder manual, you can probably read it here:
http://camcorders.about.com/od/camcordermanuals/
Lighting -
Ideally, it would be best to get 'three point' lighting.
'Three point' lighting consists of using three sources of light in order to illuminate the subject of a shot.
By positioning three lights strategically in a shot, one can control or eliminate any unwanted shading or shadows from a shot that is produced by direct lighting.
Key Light - The main light used to illuminate the subject.
Fill Light - positioned at a side angle in relation to the key light. Used to . The light itself is usually less bright and softer then the key light.
Back Light - positioned behind the subject in order to create a separation between the subject and the background. Ideally, using a back light will help cause your subject to pop out and look much better.
If you do not have access to three point lighting, there are some other tips I have.
Desklamps can work great for fingerboard shots.
Try not to film a shot where the camcorder is facing the lamps light.
If you want to get a more powerful lamp but don't want to spend a lot of money, then you can get a work lamp from Home Depot, Lowes or any hardware store.
This flash animation allows you to see what the three point lighting system can do for a shot:
http://www.mediacollege.com/lighting/three-point/simulator.html
White Balance -
1) Typically, camcorders have either a white balance button or an option in the menu.
2) Use a white piece of paper, or wall that is lit with the same light that is going to be used for your shot.
3) Make sure to zoom in so your viewfinder is filled with the image of the white object.
4) Press your white balance button, or choose the option from the camcorder's menu.
The camercorder should be white balanced ^_^.
Focus -
1) Change your focus settings from Automatic to Manual (If it isn't done so already).
2) Zoom in to the object pretty close.
3) Then adjust the focus settings until the image is as clear as possible.
4) Zoom back out to your desired zoom setting.
In case you don't have your camcorder manual, you can probably read it here:
http://camcorders.about.com/od/camcordermanuals/
Lighting -
Ideally, it would be best to get 'three point' lighting.
'Three point' lighting consists of using three sources of light in order to illuminate the subject of a shot.
By positioning three lights strategically in a shot, one can control or eliminate any unwanted shading or shadows from a shot that is produced by direct lighting.
Key Light - The main light used to illuminate the subject.
Fill Light - positioned at a side angle in relation to the key light. Used to . The light itself is usually less bright and softer then the key light.
Back Light - positioned behind the subject in order to create a separation between the subject and the background. Ideally, using a back light will help cause your subject to pop out and look much better.
If you do not have access to three point lighting, there are some other tips I have.
Desklamps can work great for fingerboard shots.
Try not to film a shot where the camcorder is facing the lamps light.
If you want to get a more powerful lamp but don't want to spend a lot of money, then you can get a work lamp from Home Depot, Lowes or any hardware store.
This flash animation allows you to see what the three point lighting system can do for a shot:
http://www.mediacollege.com/lighting/three-point/simulator.html
White Balance -
1) Typically, camcorders have either a white balance button or an option in the menu.
2) Use a white piece of paper, or wall that is lit with the same light that is going to be used for your shot.
3) Make sure to zoom in so your viewfinder is filled with the image of the white object.
4) Press your white balance button, or choose the option from the camcorder's menu.
The camercorder should be white balanced ^_^.
Focus -
1) Change your focus settings from Automatic to Manual (If it isn't done so already).
2) Zoom in to the object pretty close.
3) Then adjust the focus settings until the image is as clear as possible.
4) Zoom back out to your desired zoom setting.
Labels: filming tips
posted by Chris Daniels at
9:28 PM
3 Comments:
Don't forget to include shutter speeds, higher it is the less motion blur.
Good article though.
it's nice to see that someone told the kid's how to better film...
sooo cool!
...more
This helped sooo much thanks, Oh and can someone advertise my rendezvous on this webpage? I was just wondering, it's the second canadian fingerboard rendezvous!
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