| The quest for better home movies motivates many | | | | not very "viewable". When possible it is better to |
| consumers to invest in digital video camcorders each | | | | simply move closer to the subject. When zoom is |
| year. Although these devices give consumers | | | | used, it should be done slowly, or while the |
| unprecedented ability to edit their home movies after | | | | camcorder is off, to improve the quality of the shot. |
| the fact, the ultimate quality of the films they | | | | Digital zoom in particular should rarely be used when |
| produce are still dependent upon the ability of the | | | | filming. |
| person to capture good video during the filming | | | | 4. Don't be afraid to ask others to assist in the |
| process. | | | | filming process. |
| For home movie enthusiasts who are just starting | | | | Others can hold lights, direct unwanted traffic away |
| out, a few simple tips can help to produce films that | | | | from the filming scene, and perform other |
| they can be proud to share. | | | | miscellaneous tasks to allow the film maker to |
| 1. Use a tripod when shooting with a camcorder. | | | | concentrate on controlling the camcorder and the |
| Handheld shots are fine in some situations but films | | | | images it records. |
| will be dramatically improved if a tripod is used to | | | | 5. Stay stationary. |
| steady the camcorder whether it is a stationary shot | | | | Walking with a camcorder can create a very |
| or one in which the film maker pans to follow the | | | | unsteady shot that can be difficult to view. It is |
| action. | | | | better to remain stationary or to use some type of |
| 2. Incorporate the same principles used for getting | | | | mobile stabilization device. If the film maker must |
| great photographs to get great video. | | | | move while filming, it is best to shoot wide as any |
| • Get in close to the subject of the shot. | | | | movement while using telephoto settings is |
| • When outdoors, it's best to avoid shooting | | | | exaggerated. Some videographers fabricate their |
| film at mid day when the sun is directlyoverhead. | | | | own slings to help them keep the camcorder stable |
| • Shoot with the sun or any bright light | | | | when moving. Dollies can be useful when moving |
| behind the camcorder rather than behind thesubject. | | | | along a smooth surface and can be home made by |
| Bright light behind the subject will create a very dark | | | | devising a stable mount on a wagon. |
| image of thatsubject. If the bright light can't be | | | | Like any photography, getting the best images from |
| eliminated, use an additional external light tobrighten | | | | a camcorder requires some study and considerable |
| the subject. | | | | practice with lighting, focus, and various filming |
| • Because light can cause harsh shadows, its | | | | techniques. However, observing some of the simple |
| best to bounce light off of a wall orbackdrop rather | | | | suggestions above can help to produce an immediate |
| than shining it directly on the subject to avoid this. | | | | and noticeable improvement in the quality of the |
| Diffusing thelight using translucent plastic or thin tissue | | | | video capture |
| paper over the light can soften it as well. | | | | Anyone can capture better images with their |
| 3. Use the zoom function on the camcorder sparingly. | | | | camcorder or digital camera if they learn a few basic |
| Zooming in and out is seldom used in scenes from | | | | skills. Find out more or shop for new equipment by |
| professional videos. The image while zooming is often | | | | visiting homemedias.info, the author's home |
| distorted or blurred and the movement is generally | | | | electronics store. |