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Camcorder Cheat Sheet - 5 Tips for Capturing Great Videos

The quest for better home movies motivates many consumers to invest in digital video camcorders each year. Although these devices give consumers unprecedented ability to edit their home movies after the fact, the ultimate quality of the films they produce are still dependent upon the ability of the person to capture good video during the filming process.

For home movie enthusiasts who are just starting out, a few simple tips can help to produce films that they can be proud to share.

1. Use a tripod when shooting with a camcorder.

Handheld shots are fine in some situations but films will be dramatically improved if a tripod is used to steady the camcorder whether it is a stationary shot or one in which the film maker pans to follow the action.

2. Incorporate the same principles used for getting great photographs to get great video.

* Get in close to the subject of the shot.

* When outdoors, it's best to avoid shooting film at mid day when the sun is directly overhead
.
* Shoot with the sun or any bright light behind the camcorder rather than behind the subject. Bright light behind the subject will create a very dark image of that subject. If the bright light can't be eliminated, use an additional external light to brighten the subject.

* Because light can cause harsh shadows, its best to bounce light off of a wall or backdrop rather than shining it directly on the subject to avoid this. Diffusing the light using translucent plastic or thin tissue paper over the light can soften it as well.

3. Use the zoom function on the camcorder sparingly.

Zooming in and out is seldom used in scenes from professional videos. The image while zooming is often distorted or blurred and the movement is generally not very "viewable". When possible it is better to simply move closer to the subject. When zoom is used, it should be done slowly, or while the camcorder is off, to improve the quality of the shot. Digital zoom in particular should rarely be used when filming.

4. Don't be afraid to ask others to assist in the filming process.

Others can hold lights, direct unwanted traffic away from the filming scene, and perform other miscellaneous tasks to allow the film maker to concentrate on controlling the camcorder and the images it records.

5. Stay stationary.

Walking with a camcorder can create a very unsteady shot that can be difficult to view. It is better to remain stationary or to use some type of mobile stabilization device. If the film maker must move while filming, it is best to shoot wide as any movement while using telephoto settings is exaggerated. Some videographers fabricate their own slings to help them keep the camcorder stable when moving. Dollies can be useful when moving along a smooth surface and can be home made by devising a stable mount on a wagon.

Like any photography, getting the best images from a camcorder requires some study and considerable practice with lighting, focus, and various filming techniques. However, observing some of the simple suggestions above can help to produce an immediate and noticeable improvement in the quality of the video captured.

Christine Peppler
09 Dec 2006

Christine Peppler believes that consumers should not have to possess a technology degree to be able to choose home electronics and entertainment devices. Take advantage of the wealth of simple to understand, useful information and shopping available on her website at http://www.homemedias.info.

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Camcorder Cheat Sheet - 6 Tips for Getting Better Audio

Most consumers purchase a digital video camcorder in order to upgrade their equipment and hopefully, produce better quality home movies. Unfortunately, the quality of the movies we record with our camcorder has less to do with the equipment and more to do with how well we record the video and audio in the first place.

The important role of good audio in any film is often overlooked. Many consumers don't purchase an external microphone with their camcorder but instead rely primarily on an internal omni directional microphone which indiscriminately picks up and records sounds from the front, sides, and rear. This often results in a significant amount of "noise" and difficulty in discerning the voices or other sounds which home movies try to capture.

Without making a life study of film making, there are a few quick and simple things the average home movie maker can do to vastly improve the audio quality of films they record with their camcorder.

1. Move in closer to the subject or sounds which the film should capture.

This can mean using the zoom function less and instead, stepping nearer. When recording children, this can also mean getting down closer to their level from a vertical perspective. Getting closer with the camcorder not only allows the film maker to capture the sounds better but it helps to cut down on the amount of noise that will intrude from the background.

2. Home movies should be filmed in a quiet location when possible.

Controlling the environment is an obvious way of cutting down on the "noise" intrusion. Some environments in which we film may be naturally "noisy"; but assuring that the television is off, the dishwasher is not running, etc. certainly helps.

3. Engage the "wind screen" feature on the camcorder when filming outdoors.

The "wind screen" feature does exactly what its name implies; it helps to reduce wind noise. This is particularly useful at the beach.

4. Reduce noise by steadying the camera.

Jarring the camcorder around and moving about while filming can also create a great deal of noise. Using a tripod or another type of stabilization device can not only steady the picture but reduce noise.

5. Purchase an external microphone for your camcorder.

If your camcorder has a jack for an external microphone, this can be a great way of significantly improving the sound quality of your recordings. There are a variety of types of microphones available and each functions best in different situations. "Shotgun" microphones help to reduce noise by cutting out sounds from the side and rear of the camera and recording sounds primarily in front of the camera at a distance. For recording speakers/presenters, a lavaliere microphone is the best idea while Cardioid microphones record sound near, but directly in front of the microphone.

6. Reduce film maker noise.

This is common sense but the person with the camcorder in hand should remember to be quiet and avoid "fiddling" with the controls on the camcorder while filming.

Although none of these techniques are high tech, adhering to them can greatly enhance the quality of any home movie creation and allow owners to better enjoy their investment in a new camcorder.

Christine Peppler
09 Dec 2006

Christine Peppler believes that consumers should not have to possess a technology degree to be able to choose home electronics and entertainment devices. Take advantage of the wealth of simple to understand, useful information and shopping available on her website at http://www.homemedias.info.