🎥Filmmaking for Journalists Unit 2 – Camera Techniques and Equipment

Camera Basics

• Understand the fundamental components of a camera including the lens, sensor, aperture, and shutter
• Learn about the exposure triangle which consists of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO and how they work together to control the amount of light entering the camera
• Aperture controls the amount of light passing through the lens and affects depth of field (larger aperture = shallower depth of field)
• Shutter speed determines how long the sensor is exposed to light and impacts motion blur (faster shutter speed = less motion blur)
  • Shutter speed is typically measured in fractions of a second (1/60, 1/250, etc.)
• ISO refers to the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light and affects image noise (higher ISO = more noise)
• White balance ensures accurate color representation by adjusting for different light sources (daylight, tungsten, fluorescent)
• Focal length is the distance between the lens and the sensor and determines the angle of view and magnification
  • Shorter focal lengths (wide-angle) capture a broader view, while longer focal lengths (telephoto) provide a narrower, more magnified view

Types of Cameras

• DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras are versatile, offering interchangeable lenses and manual control over settings
• Mirrorless cameras have similar capabilities to DSLRs but are typically smaller and lighter due to the absence of a mirror mechanism
• Point-and-shoot cameras are compact and user-friendly, often with fixed lenses and automatic settings
• Action cameras (GoPro) are small, rugged, and designed for capturing immersive footage in extreme conditions
• Smartphone cameras have become increasingly capable, offering high-resolution video and built-in stabilization
• Cinema cameras are professional-grade tools with large sensors, high dynamic range, and advanced color science
• 360-degree cameras capture immersive, spherical footage for virtual reality and interactive experiences

Essential Camera Settings

• Frame rate determines how many frames are captured per second and affects the smoothness of motion (24fps, 30fps, 60fps)
• Resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image or video and impacts the level of detail and clarity (1080p, 4K)
• Codecs are algorithms used to compress and decompress video data, balancing file size and quality (H.264, H.265, ProRes)
• Picture profiles allow you to adjust parameters like contrast, saturation, and sharpness to achieve a desired look
  • Log profiles (S-Log, V-Log) capture a wider dynamic range for greater flexibility in post-production
• Focus modes include manual focus, where the operator adjusts focus, and autofocus, which uses the camera's technology to maintain focus
  • Continuous autofocus (AF-C) is useful for tracking moving subjects, while single autofocus (AF-S) is better for static shots
• Metering modes help determine the correct exposure by measuring light in different ways (spot, center-weighted, matrix)
• Zebra patterns are on-screen overlays that indicate areas of overexposure, helping to avoid clipping highlights

Composition Techniques

• The rule of thirds is a guideline that suggests placing key elements along imaginary lines that divide the frame into thirds horizontally and vertically
• Leading lines are visual elements (roads, fences, rivers) that guide the viewer's eye through the frame and towards the subject
• Framing involves using elements in the foreground (doorways, windows, arches) to create a frame within the frame, drawing attention to the subject
• Depth can be created by including foreground, middle ground, and background elements, adding visual interest and a sense of scale
• Symmetry and patterns can create visually striking compositions by emphasizing balance, repetition, and order
• Negative space is the area around the subject that can be used to create a sense of isolation, scale, or context
• The golden ratio is a mathematical principle (1:1.618) that can be used to create aesthetically pleasing compositions

Lighting for Video

• Three-point lighting is a standard setup consisting of a key light (main source), fill light (softens shadows), and back light (separates subject from background)
• Natural light can be used effectively by positioning subjects near windows or shooting during golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset)
• Soft light is diffused and creates gentle shadows, often achieved using light modifiers like softboxes or diffusion panels
  • Soft light is flattering for interviews and close-ups
• Hard light is direct and creates strong, defined shadows, often achieved using bare bulbs or focused light sources
  • Hard light can be used for dramatic effect or to emphasize texture
• Color temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvin (K)
  • Daylight is around 5600K, while tungsten light is around 3200K
• Practical lights are sources that appear within the scene (lamps, candles, screens) and can be used to motivate lighting or create ambiance
• Reflectors and bounce boards can be used to redirect light and fill in shadows without the need for additional light sources

Audio Recording Essentials

• Microphone types include shotgun mics (directional), lavalier mics (small, clip-on), and handheld mics (interviews, presentations)
• Recording levels should be set to avoid clipping (distortion caused by overloading) while ensuring a strong, clear signal
  • Aim for peaks around -6dB to -12dB to allow headroom for unexpected loud sounds
• Monitoring audio with headphones is crucial to detect issues like background noise, wind, or distortion
• Audio synchronization is the process of aligning audio and video tracks in post-production, often using a clap or slate as a reference point
• Room acoustics can greatly impact the quality of recorded audio, with reflective surfaces causing echoes and reverb
  • Use soft furnishings, carpets, and acoustic treatments to absorb sound and reduce unwanted reflections
• Wind protection, such as foam covers or furry windscreens, is essential when recording in outdoor or windy environments
• The proximity effect is the increase in bass frequencies that occurs when a microphone is close to the sound source, which can be used creatively or mitigated with EQ

Camera Movement and Stabilization

• Pan refers to a horizontal camera movement, often used to follow action or reveal a scene
• Tilt is a vertical camera movement, used to emphasize height, scale, or to follow a subject
• Zoom is the adjustment of focal length to change the magnification of the image, either optically (lens) or digitally (sensor crop)
  • Zooming in can be used to focus attention, while zooming out can reveal context or create a sense of space
• Dolly shots involve moving the camera towards or away from a subject, often on a track or wheels, creating a sense of depth and perspective
• Handheld shooting can create a sense of immediacy, intimacy, or tension, but requires careful technique to minimize shakiness
• Tripods provide stability for static shots and smooth pans or tilts, and are essential for long exposures or precise framing
• Gimbals are motorized stabilizers that use sensors and motors to counteract camera movement, allowing for smooth, fluid motion
• Sliders allow for controlled, linear camera movements and can be used to create parallax effects or reveal subjects

Practical Shooting Tips

• Pre-production planning is essential to ensure a successful shoot, including location scouting, shot lists, and equipment preparation
• Set up shots thoughtfully, considering composition, lighting, and camera movement to effectively convey the desired message or emotion
• Use a variety of shot sizes (wide, medium, close-up) to create visual interest and guide the viewer's attention
• Establish a scene with a wide shot, then move in for closer shots to provide detail and context
• Shoot cutaways (b-roll) of relevant details, actions, or environments to provide visual variety and support the story
• Capture clean, ambient audio to use as a background track or to provide a sense of place
• Be prepared for unexpected challenges by having backup equipment, extra batteries, and a flexible mindset
• Review footage regularly to ensure you have the necessary shots and to identify any technical issues that need to be addressed