Webcasting 101

Why do they call it a camcorder?

The word takes its "cam" from "camera" and its "corder from "videotape recorder". The camcorder is a combination camera and recorder.

How much should I pay for a camcorder?

They start at around $220 and go higher than you can afford. For $300 - $600 you can get a basic model with most everything you’ll need.  The picture quality will be average, this is a home-style camera.   For $350 - $1,200 you get mostly the same features but better picture quality.  You also enter the realm of digital.  Digital is the way to go IF you can afford it.   For $1,200 - $2,400 you are getting more quality and more bells and whistles.  We also want to know where you’re getting that kind of money in a school.  If you purchase one of these, please have your school accountant contact the State Department or just turn yourself in.  After $3,000 you enter the professional ranks.  

Start small and learn how to use the camera.  Composition is the same no matter how much the camera costs.  Good technique is most important.  Students may be using your camera.  When it gets dropped or bumped into a wall you won’t have as big a heart attack over a $300 camera as you would one that cost $1200.

Which brand should I buy?

Every manufacturer has made some lemons, but they are usually very reliable.  Recognized brands are Sony, JVC, Panasonic, and others.  Bear in mind that RCA cameras are usually made by JVC.  Check into a cheaper brand and see if it is made by a more reputable company.

Which tape format should I choose?

If you are buying your first camera, digital is the best choice.  Picture quality is higher and the images are easier to get into a computer for editing.  Analog is still a viable medium and a lot cheaper.  VHS-C format tapes are playable in standard VCRs by using a tape carrier.  These cost $10-$15 and are readily available.  Digital tapes can only be replayed through that type of camera.  You may want to consider the newer cameras that record on a mini-DVD.

Which viewfinder should I choose, internal or external?

Almost all camcorders on the market today will have both types of viewfinders.  You will be using both, depending on your preferences and sometimes the situation.  An LCD screen is difficult to use in bright sunlight but if you need to hold the camera above your head or in some other awkward position, it is a lifesaver.  Bear in mind the LCD screen is using your battery, cutting down recording time.  Zooming also uses battery time.

What's image stabilization and do I need it?

Image stabilization attempts to take some of the shake out of your pictures through mechanical and electronic methods.  If you can afford it, buy it.  The best thing to do is use a tripod to make all your pictures steady.  The pros use a harness setup called a Steadicam and costs around $20,000.

What should I look for in a lens?

Check the zoom ratio.  It will be something like 10:1 or 20:1, the larger the difference, the better, and the more expensive.  It simply means that zooming in on an object will make it 10 times larger than when the lens is at its widest angle.  Optical zoom is a physical movement of the glass in the lens. Digital zoom is done within the electronics of the camera.

Do I need manual controls?

There are times when manual is the only way to get a picture the way you want it to be.  While you are learning the craft use everything in automatic.  It is best to have a way to control everything manually if you can afford it.

What should I look for in a tripod, and do I really need one?

I don’t see how you can live without a tripod!  A tripod holds the camera steady and avoids the Blair Witch look of so many amateur productions.  A decent tripod can be purchased at Wal-Mart for $40.  A better tripod will cost around $100.  The best way to go is to have a fluid head.  This makes camera movement smoother and steadier.  Some people prefer a monopod.  This device, as the name implies, has only one leg.  Shooting rapidly on the fly is a great time to have a monopod.  Try using your regular tripod with the legs folded in to achieve the same effect and you only have to buy one item.

What accessories should I start with?

The main thing to have is a spare battery.  Keep your batteries fully charged, one on the camera, one on the charger.  Always have three or four videotapes labeled and ready to go in your bag.  You noticed I said in the bag.  A camera bag is a must to protect your equipment when moving from one place to another, for storage when not in use, and to have a place to keep everything you need organized and ready to use.

What is a filter?

Filters are used to manipulate lighting or color in a scene to achieve a desired effect.  At this point you have enough to worry about.  You have several filters built in on most cameras.  Read your manual to learn more about each one of them.  Use filters sparingly.  During editing is a better time to alter footage for an effect.  It’s very easy to make your footage unusable by trying the wrong filter during shooting. 

What is pre-production?

Pre-production involves planning and preparing everything necessary for a finished project.  It can be everything from writing a script to casting to scouting locations.  Building sets and getting news stories together are part of pre-production.  Being orgnaized at this point saves a lot of trouble and complications later.

What should I do to be ready to shoot in the studio or on location?

Batteries charged, tape ready, actors ready, equipment on and wired correctly, plenty of extension cords, scripts for all that need one, and more according to your production. 

What’s an iris or aperture, and what does it do?

The iris moves to allow a certain amount of light through the lens into the camera.  If you are shooting in a bright area, the iris will contract (just like your eyes) or open wider in a darker area.  The aperture (f-stop) is a combination of the iris opening and the focal length of the lens.  This will be handled automatically unless the camera is set in the manual mode. 

The Backlight Button is a useful control if you are forced to shoot with a great deal of light behind the subject.  The automatic iris reads the general amount of light in a scene.  If there is lots of light behind your subject, the iris closes down too much because it goes by the general lighting.  Using the backlight button will open the iris more, keeping your footage from being too dark. 

What is the lens?

The Lens is made up of several pieces of glass that focus and size a scene onto a sensing element in the camera.  The most common lens control is focus.  This adjusts the various elements of the lenses to sharpen the image.  Most cameras have an automatic focus and usually a way to override that system and manually focus if needed.  In low light situations the automatic focus has trouble deciding where to focus and shifts in a very irritating manner.  For the auto-focus to work, a sonar-like signal is sent out and reflected back.  This determines how the lens will focus.  Many cameras have a square in the viewfinder.  This is the area where focus is determined.  Manual focus can be used to clear an area other than the center.  Resizing the image is accomplished through the use of the zoom.  At wide angle, the largest area possible is seen by the camera.  At this setting focus is sharper and camera shake is the least noticable.  As you zoom in objects become larger, focus is more critical and shake becomes more obvious.   Zooming can be controlled on most cameras through one switch.  The amount of pressure applied determines the speed of the zoom.  Avoid overuse of the zoom.  One of the easiest ways to notice an amateur at work is to count zooms.  

How can I make my pictures look better?

Take the time to plan your shots and compose them for the maximum effect.  Use the center of the screen for the most important aspect of  the picture.  Get in close.  Don’t waste a lot of space with headroom.  Don’t just let things happen in front of the camera.  Plan how you want the action to go and pick the best angle, size of the frame (zoom) and composition to make a pretty picture and show what you want to show.  Avoid shooting head-on.  You need to shoot from an angle to give your picture a three dimensional look.  Use the angle to emphasize depth.  When composing, use the Rule of  Thirds. 

What is a jack?

A jack is a connector on the end of a wire.  This allows several devices to be hooked together.   Some of the most common you’ll be using include RCA, S-Video, RF, Quarter Phone and Mini-plugs.  The RCA is the type used in most stereo component systems.  They are usually color-coded, yellow for video and red or white for audio.  S-Video is for a particular type of video signal, RF (also called F fitting) is the standard cable jack, Quarter Phone is like those used for guitars and the miniplug is commonly used for headsets. 

How do I move the camera smoothly on its tripod?

To pan, move the camera from side to side.  Move your feet to the center of the pan and

turn your body. Start camera moves slowly, speed up as you continue, then slow down again as you complete the move.  Practice, practice, practice

What is the Rule of Thirds?

The Rule of Thirds is a guideline that visual artists use to create compositions that are

easy for the eye to digest.  Simply break the screen into three rectangles vertically, then three more horizontally.  Place your subject along one of the inner lines or a point where two lines meet.  Use the outside lines only for effect and very sparingly.  The inner lines and points make a more aesthetically pleasing picture.

What are cutaway shots and do I need them?

 Cutaways are shots used to conceal gaps in the action not covered by footage.  They also serve to break up long boring shots.   If a long action is taking place such as filling a swimming pool, show a shot of water going into the pool, then a CU (close-up) of the person filling the pool, then back to the full pool.  

When do I need extra light to improve picture quality?

Most of the time there is enough light in a room for a decent picture, but more is better!  When the contrast between the brightest and darkest elements in the viewfinder is low, several different methods can be used to improve the scene.  The easiest is to move the camera to a different angle.  Another idea is to add fill light by bouncing.  In this technique a light is pointed toward a ceiling or a white reflector and the light bounces around the room.  This adds an even fill light to everything in the scene.  The hardest way is to add light directly where it is needed.  This requires several light sources and electrical power.  The basic idea is a key light, slightly above and to one side (no more than 45 degrees), a fill light to the opposite side and a backlight behind the subject.  This is the standard for studio lighting.  These lights could consist of clamp lights mounted to the suspension ceiling, to quartz lights on stands, to professional lights or a combination.  There are also lights available that mount directly on the camera.  These lights use an enormous amount of battery power to operate.  Another method is to use reflectors to direct fill light to dark spaces.  This can be made of white poster board or cardboard covered in aluminum foil.  This works indoors and out.  Yes, you do need fill light outside. 

How can I improve the sound?

Place the camera as close to the subject as possible if you are using the built-in microphone.  It is usually better to use an off-camera mic if possible.  There are boom mics that a sound man holds out of the picture, hand-held mics such as news reporters use, and lavaliere mics that clip onto the subject.Why do they call it a camcorder?

The word takes its "cam" from "camera" and its "corder from "videotape recorder". The camcorder is a combination camera and recorder.

How much should I pay for a camcorder?

They start at around $220 and go higher than you can afford. For $300 - $600 you can get a basic model with most everything you’ll need.  The picture quality will be average, this is a home-style camera.   For $350 - $1,200 you get mostly the same features but better picture quality.  You also enter the realm of digital.  Digital is the way to go IF you can afford it.   For $1,200 - $2,400 you are getting more quality and more bells and whistles.  We also want to know where you’re getting that kind of money in a school.  If you purchase one of these, please have your school accountant contact the State Department or just turn yourself in.  After $3,000 you enter the professional ranks. 

Start small and learn how to use the camera.  Composition is the same no matter how much the camera costs.  Good technique is most important.  Students may be using your camera.  When it gets dropped or bumped into a wall you won’t have as big a heart attack over a $300 camera as you would one that cost $1200.

Which brand should I buy?

Every manufacturer has made some lemons, but they are usually very reliable.  Recognized brands are Sony, JVC, Panasonic, and others.  Bear in mind that RCA cameras are usually made by JVC.  Check into a cheaper brand and see if it is made by a more reputable company. 

Which tape format should I choose?

If you are buying your first camera, digital is the best choice.  Picture quality is higher and the images are easier to get into a computer for editing.  Analog is still a viable medium and a lot cheaper.  VHS-C format tapes are playable in standard VCRs by using a tape carrier.  These cost $10-$15 and are readily available.  Digital tapes can only be replayed through that type of camera.  You may want to consider the newer cameras that record on a mini-DVD.

Is it a good idea to use head-cleaning cassettes on my VCR or camcorder?

Having a professional clean your tape heads will run into some money, probably around $30.  For $15 you can buy a head-cleaner and do it yourself.  This will not be the same quality, but it does well.  Do not use a dry system.  This method consists of an abrasive tape running over your heads and possibly scratching them.  Instead use a wet tape, one where you add a solvent to the tape.  Let the fluid do the work.  With your own head-cleaning tape you can regularly do this chore once a month or more. 

Which viewfinder should I choose, internal or external?

Almost all camcorders on the market today will have both types of viewfinders.  You will be using both, depending on your preferences and sometimes the situation.  An LCD screen is difficult to use in bright sunlight but if you need to hold the camera above your head or in some other awkward position, it is a lifesaver.  Bear in mind the LCD screen is using your battery, cutting down recording time.  Zooming also uses battery time.

What's image stabilization and do I need it?

Image stabilization attempts to take some of the shake out of your pictures through mechanical and electronic methods.  If you can afford it, buy it.  The best thing to do is use a tripod to make all your pictures steady.  The pros use a harness setup called a Steadicam and costs around $20,000.

What should I look for in a lens?

Check the zoom ratio.  It will be something like 10:1 or 20:1, the larger the difference, the better, and the more expensive.  It simply means that zooming in on an object will make it 10 times larger than when the lens is at its widest angle.  Optical zoom is a physical movement of the glass in the lens. Digital zoom is done within the electronics of the camera.

There are times when manual is the only way to get a picture the way you want it to be.  While you are learning the craft use everything in automatic.  It is best to have a way to control everything manually if you can afford it.

What should I look for in a tripod, and do I really need one?

I don’t see how you can live without a tripod!  A tripod holds the camera steady and avoids the Blair Witch look of so many amateur productions.  A decent tripod can be purchased at Wal-Mart for $40.  A better tripod will cost around $100.  The best way to go is to have a fluid head.  This makes camera movement smoother and steadier.  Some people prefer a monopod.  This device, as the name implies, has only one leg.  Shooting rapidly on the fly is a great time to have a monopod.  Try using your regular tripod with the legs folded in to achieve the same effect and you only have to buy one item.

What accessories should I start with?

The main thing to have is a spare battery.  Keep your batteries fully charged, one on the camera, one on the charger.  Always have three or four videotapes labeled and ready to go in your bag.  You noticed I said in the bag.  A camera bag is a must to protect your equipment when moving from one place to another, for storage when not in use, and to have a place to keep everything you need organized and ready to use.

What is a filter?

Filters are used to manipulate lighting or color in a scene to achieve a desired effect.  At this point you have enough to worry about.  You have several filters built in on most cameras.  Read your manual to learn more about each one of them.  Use filters sparingly.  During editing is a better time to alter footage for an effect.  It’s very easy to make your footage unusable by trying the wrong filter during shooting. 

What is pre-production?

Pre-production involves planning and preparing everything necessary for a finished project.  It can be everything from writing a script to casting to scouting locations.  Building sets and getting news stories together are part of pre-production.  Being orgnaized at this point saves a lot of trouble and complications later.

What should I do to be ready to shoot in the studio or on location?

Batteries charged, tape ready, actors ready, equipment on and wired correctly, plenty of extension cords, scripts for all that need one, and more according to your production. 

What’s an iris or aperture, and what does it do?

The iris moves to allow a certain amount of light through the lens into the camera.  If you are shooting in a bright area, the iris will contract (just like your eyes) or open wider in a darker area.  The aperture (f-stop) is a combination of the iris opening and the focal length of the lens.  This will be handled automatically unless the camera is set in the manual mode.

The Backlight Button is a useful control if you are forced to shoot with a great deal of light behind the subject.  The automatic iris reads the general amount of light in a scene.  If there is lots of light behind your subject, the iris closes down too much because it goes by the general lighting.  Using the backlight button will open the iris more, keeping your footage from being too dark. 

What is the lens?

The Lens is made up of several pieces of glass that focus and size a scene onto a sensing element in the camera.  The most common lens control is focus.  This adjusts the various elements of the lenses to sharpen the image.  Most cameras have an automatic focus and usually a way to override that system and manually focus if needed.  In low light situations the automatic focus has trouble deciding where to focus and shifts in a very irritating manner.  For the auto-focus to work, a sonar-like signal is sent out and reflected back.  This determines how the lens will focus.  Many cameras have a square in the viewfinder.  This is the area where focus is determined.  Manual focus can be used to clear an area other than the center.  Resizing the image is accomplished through the use of the zoom.  At wide angle, the largest area possible is seen by the camera.  At this setting focus is sharper and camera shake is the least noticable.  As you zoom in objects become larger, focus is more critical and shake becomes more obvious.   Zooming can be controlled on most cameras through one switch.  The amount of pressure applied determines the speed of the zoom.  Avoid overuse of the zoom.  One of the easiest ways to notice an amateur at work is to count zooms.  

How can I make my pictures look better?

Take the time to plan your shots and compose them for the maximum effect.  Use the center of the screen for the most important aspect of  the picture.  Get in close.  Don’t waste a lot of space with headroom.  Don’t just let things happen in front of the camera.  Plan how you want the action to go and pick the best angle, size of the frame (zoom) and composition to make a pretty picture and show what you want to show.  Avoid shooting head-on.  You need to shoot from an angle to give your picture a three dimensional look.  Use the angle to emphasize depth.  When composing, use the Rule of  Thirds. 

What is a jack?

A jack is a connector on the end of a wire.  This allows several devices to be hooked together.   Some of the most common you’ll be using include RCA, S-Video, RF, Quarter Phone and Mini-plugs.  The RCA is the type used in most stereo component systems.  They are usually color-coded, yellow for video and red or white for audio.  S-Video is for a particular type of video signal, RF (also called F fitting) is the standard cable jack, Quarter Phone is like those used for guitars and the miniplug is commonly used for headsets. 

How do I move the camera smoothly on its tripod?

To pan, move the camera from side to side.  Move your feet to the center of the pan and

turn your body. Start camera moves slowly, speed up as you continue, then slow down again as you complete the move.  Practice, practice, practice 

What is the Rule of Thirds?

The Rule of Thirds is a guideline that visual artists use to create compositions that are

easy for the eye to digest.  Simply break the screen into three rectangles vertically, then three more horizontally.  Place your subject along one of the inner lines or a point where two lines meet.  Use the outside lines only for effect and very sparingly.  The inner lines and points make a more aesthetically pleasing picture.

What are cutaway shots and do I need them?

 Cutaways are shots used to conceal gaps in the action not covered by footage.  They also serve to break up long boring shots.   If a long action is taking place such as filling a swimming pool, show a shot of water going into the pool, then a CU (close-up) of the person filling the pool, then back to the full pool.  

When do I need extra light to improve picture quality?

Most of the time there is enough light in a room for a decent picture, but more is better!  When the contrast between the brightest and darkest elements in the viewfinder is low, several different methods can be used to improve the scene.  The easiest is to move the camera to a different angle.  Another idea is to add fill light by bouncing.  In this technique a light is pointed toward a ceiling or a white reflector and the light bounces around the room.  This adds an even fill light to everything in the scene.  The hardest way is to add light directly where it is needed.  This requires several light sources and electrical power.  The basic idea is a key light, slightly above and to one side (no more than 45 degrees), a fill light to the opposite side and a backlight behind the subject.  This is the standard for studio lighting.  These lights could consist of clamp lights mounted to the suspension ceiling, to quartz lights on stands, to professional lights or a combination.  There are also lights available that mount directly on the camera.  These lights use an enormous amount of battery power to operate.  Another method is to use reflectors to direct fill light to dark spaces.  This can be made of white poster board or cardboard covered in aluminum foil.  This works indoors and out.  Yes, you do need fill light outside. 

How can I improve the sound?

Place the camera as close to the subject as possible if you are using the built-in microphone.  It is usually better to use an off-camera mic if possible.  There are boom mics that a sound man holds out of the picture, hand-held mics such as news reporters use, and lavaliere mics that clip onto the subject.