Rita Lindsay Jnr records her Elder during Coorong Bushwalk
Change Media Training Toolkit: 4 – Camera
Get to know your gear and how you can get the most from it before you start shooting.
Carl mentors Daryl during shoot for Murrundi River Spirit
Change Media Training Toolkit: 4. Camera – Basics
Basic information about setting up a camera.
Participants demonstrate how to set up several different digital video cameras.
OVERVIEW:
Each camera is different – so get to know yours before you start filming.
These videos cover: Basic camera assembly
[Sony A1 HDV, Sony PDX-10, Sony Z1 HDV]
• Insert battery
• Insert tape
• Attach microphones
• Locate record button
• Check focus, viewfinder, display, sound
Printable PDF materials
Coming soon.
Watch video demos by clicking on the links below:
Rita sets up the Sony A1 HDV camera
Rita demonstrates how to set up the Ngarrindjeri Media Team Sony A1 miniDV tape camera.
Jeremy sets up the Sony A1 HDV camera
Jeremy demonstrates how to set up the Ngarrindjeri Media Team Sony A1 miniDV tape camera.
Craig sets up the Sony Z1 HDV camera
Craig demonstrates how to set up a Sony Z1 High Definition miniDV tape camera.
Arnold sets up the Sony A1 HDV camera
Arnold demonstrates how to set up the Ngarrindjeri Media Team Sony A1 HDV miniDV tape camera.
Laurie sets up the Sony A1 HDV miniDV camera
Laurie demonstrates how to set up the Ngarrindjeri Media Team Sony A1 miniDV tape camera.
Cyril sets up the Sony PDX-10 camera
Cyril demonstrates how to set up a Sony PDX miniDV tape camera.
Chris sets up the Sony Sony PDX-10 camera
Chris demonstrates how to set up a Sony PDX-10 miniDV tape camera.
Junior sets up the Sony Z1 HDV camera
Junior demonstrates how to set up a Sony Z1 HDV miniDV tape camera.
Pam sets up the Sony A1 HDV camera
Pam demonstrates how to set up the Gumala Media Team Sony A1 miniDV tape camera.
Training Tips: Camera set up
Rita sets up the Sony A1 HDV camera.
Rita demonstrates how to set up the Ngarrindjeri Media Team Sony A1 miniDV tape camera.
In Recording My Elders Pam sets up an interview with her uncle in the Pilbara in Western Australia. On this page you also find her tutorials on setting up a tripod and how to upload your footage to computer.
The day before a shoot ALWAYS check:
- the camera batteries are charged
- you have enough tapes or empty memory cards
- attach battery [check it is charged]
- label and insert tape / memory card
- attach microphone/s
- attach headphones
- check levels listen and on screen [make sure the channels are set correctly]
- check lens is clean
- attach L-bracket or tripod [always aim to get the most steady shot possible]
- pack spare batteries, tapes or SD cards and a lens cleaner
- pack release forms, storyboard and / or shot list, clip board and pen
Ngarrindjeri student recording interviews during canoe making in Kalangadoo
Change Media Training Toolkit: 4. Camera – Audio
Basic information about attaching external microphones and checking audio levels.
Johanis outlines how to get the best sound on location and what microphones to use.
OVERVIEW:
It is helpful for each person to set up the microphones from scratch and then explain the steps to the next person.
• Check for noises and reduce ambient noise if possible
• directional and omni-directional mics
• radio mics
• Always wear headphones
Printables/ PDF
Coming soon.
Watch video demos by clicking on the links below:
Johanis discusses sound recording basics.
Johanis demonstrates what to look out for to record good sound quality. We would encourage your group to borrow the different microphones listed and test them out.
Johanis explains microphones
Johanis demonstrates how each microphone works.
LINKS
Find other useful web resources here soon.
Training Tips: Sound Recording
Johanis discusses sound recording essentials.
Recording good sound quality is the most important thing for a documentary or film. We would encourage your group to borrow the different microphones listed and test them out.
Without good sound your film can become wallpaper, unfortunately it is common to overlook sound recording.
Some sounds you can eliminate, others you will have to show.
For example, you can turn off the fridge, air conditioner, fluoro lights, telephone, radio or TV. On the other hand, an airplane or the sound of waves will need to be shown as cut-away, to establish for the audience where the irritating noise comes from. The moment we see the source of the noise, our brains accommodate for it.
For example, in Moogy’s Yuki the team had to show a lot of the chiseling process as to explain where the hammering noises came from, so that the audience wouldn’t get distracted by unexplained noise.
Jen and Pam set up tripod for Marlpa Holiday documentary in Tom Price
Change Media Training Toolkit: 4. Camera – Tripods
Basic information about setting up a tripod.
Rita and Pam demonstrates how to set up their tripods.
OVERVIEW:
Each camera tripod is slightly different – so get to know yours before you start filming.
• Attach camera to tripod plate and tripod head
• Pan and tilts
• Adjusting your tripod
Printable PDF
Coming soon.
Watch video demos by clicking on the links below:
Rita explains tripod set up
Rita demonstrates how to set up the Ngarrindjeri Media Team tripod.
Pam explains tripod set up
Pam demonstrates how to set up the Gumala Aboriginal Media Team tripod.
Johanis explains camera handling.
In this Change Media Training Demo, Directing the Hero Within – Camera Handling, our host and peer mentor, Johanis, explains the basics of camera handling for community and youth film making.
Training Tips: Camera Tripod
Make sure that your camera is safely attached to the tripod head before you start filming.
With bigger cameras it is best to move the tripod separately from the camera for every new set up.
If you have to carry tripod and camera when attached, make sure that you always hold the camera with one hand.
In Recording My Elders Pam sets up an interview with her uncle in the Pilbara in Western Australia. On this page you also find her tutorials on setting up a tripod and how to upload your footage to computer.
Special tip: buy a spare tripod attachment plate, they can get easily lost – without this small screw-in plate your tripod is useless…
It is best to use a tripod that has a spirit level at the tripod head – once your spirit level is centered, your shots will be straight.