Transcript The Video Camera - Greater Latrobe School District

Media Journal
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Describe your personal experience using a
video camera.
The Video Camera
Basic Elements and Camera Care
GLSHS Video Cameras
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Panasonic GS-14
Panasonic GS300
Panasonic AG-DVC7
Canon ZR-800
Canon FS200
Canon GL-1
Canon GL-2
Basic Camera Function
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Regardless of their size, cost, and quality,
all video cameras operate on the same
principle:
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to translate the optical image that the lens sees
into a corresponding video picture.
Three Basic Elements
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To fulfill the basic camera function, each
video camera needs three basic elements:
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The lens
The camera itself
The viewfinder
Viewfinder
Camera
Lens
The Lens
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The lens selects a portion of the scene at which
you point the camera and produces a sharp
optical image of it.
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Classified by focal length, which is a technical
measure of the distance from the iris inside the lens
to the place where the projected image is in focus.
Usually measured in millimeters (mm)
Also classified as a wide-angle or narrow-angle lens
Zoom Lens
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The zoom lens on a camera can change
from a wide-angle position to a narrowangle position in one continuous move.
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Because the zoom lens offers a great variety of
focal lengths between its extreme wide-angle
and narrow-angle positions, it is also called a
variable-focal-length lens.
Zoom Range (Zoom Ratio)
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Refers to how close a view you can
achieve when zooming in from the farthest
wide-angle position to the closest narrowangle position.
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The higher the first number of the ratio, the
closer you can get to the object from the farthest
wide-angle position.
Ex. 20:1
The Camera
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The first main component within the
camera itself is the Beam Splitter, which
separates ordinary white light into the three
primary light colors- red, green, and blue.
The Camera
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The second main component inside the camera is
the Imaging Device. It changes light into electric
energy.
The imaging device in all cameras is a CCD.
(Charge-coupled device or “Chip”)
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Contains horizontal and vertical rows of thousands or
millions of light-sensing pixels.
High quality consumer and all professional cameras
contain three CCDs- one for each of the light beams
delivered by the beam splitter.
The Viewfinder
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A small video monitor attached to the
camera that shows an image of what the
camera sees. Most cameras have:
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An adjustable viewfinder tube
A flat-panel LCD (liquid crystal display)
viewfinder that can be folded out and reversed
Camera Care
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Don’t expose the camera to the elements.
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Never leave it in the hot sun or a hot car or in a
car when it is cold outside.
Watch so the viewfinder is not pointed into the
sun; the magnifying glass in the viewfinder can
collect the sun’s rays and melt the electronics.
Use a large umbrella when shooting in the rain or
extreme cold.
Camera Care
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Leave the camera with care.
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Never leave the camera unattended especially while on a
tripod.
When putting the camera down, place it upright. Laying it
on its side may damage the viewfinder or attached
microphone.
Detach the camera from the tripod when transporting the
equipment.
Only Broadcast students are permitted to use the class
video cameras.
Camera Care
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Use the lens cap.
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The lens cap protects the delicate front surface
of the lens.
Never touch a lens with your bare fingers.
Never use a cloth or tissue moistened with saliva
to wipe a lens clean. Saliva ruins the lens.
Use compressed air from a can to blow dirt off a
lens. Never try to blow the dirt off with your
breath.
Camera Care
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Use fully charged batteries.
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Some batteries develop a “memory,” which
means they signal a full charge even when only
partially charged.
Do not drop batteries or expose them to extreme
heat or cold.
Camera Care
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Verify the tape format.
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All GLSHS cameras use Panasonic MiniDV
tapes. Other brands of tapes such as TDK can
get caught in the camera and ruined.
Review the previous footage on the tape before
recording so that you do not record over
important footage.
Camera Care
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Examine all connections.
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Make sure the microphone jack is fully
connected.
When importing to a computer, make sure the
USB or Firewire cable is connected securely.
Camera Care
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Test the camera.
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Even when in a hurry, always do a brief test
recording to verify the camcorder operates
properly.
Bring headphones to check the audio.
Check the full range of the zoom lens and focus.
Camera Care
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Heed the warning signs.
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Take note of caution signals and try to address
the problem immediately.
For example, you cannot ignore a “low battery”
warning.
Camera Care
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Put all tools away properly.
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Remove tripod plate and return to tripod.
Remove batteries and place on designated
charger.
Place the camera in the camera bag and make
sure ALL clasps are closed.
Notify Mrs. Houck if you experience any
problems or issues while filming so that the
camera can be diagnosed and fixed.