Practical DV FilmMaking

Loss of power creeps up on you and almost always happens when you are about to shoot a crucial scene that can't wait. Some cameras in the upper range tell you when you are low on power or have a power meter to keep you informed constantly. Check whether your camera warns you when your battery is running low. If you are on location and have no access to mains supply, conserve power by restricting the amount you rehearse on camera or play with different camera set-ups and do not use the LCD display if your camera has one fitted. Try using a dummy lens, such as a still camera, to try out different compositions or framing, so that when you use the video camera you use less power looking for shots. If you do get stuck without power suddenly, hold the weak battery under your armpit for a short time; sometimes body warmth is all it needs to give you that last bit of power to finish the shoot.

Audio inputs

These will allow you to use external microphones for recording, or the use of audio mixing boards (on some models). Using external mics is strongly recommended.

Listening to audio

Most cameras have built-in speakers so that you can hear what is being recorded. These are no substi­tute for earphones, though. Make sure you always use earphones every time you shoot. Interference from power cables and mobile phones will affect the quality of your sound and if you have headphones you will hear this straight away.

Timecode

Most consumer-level models do not refer to timecode as such, but do have functions to allow you to start recording right after the last frame of the last take you shot, thereby ensuring that you don't break timecode. Models above this level will all allow you to record with timecode. Always 'stripe' your tapes before shooting - record continuously throughout the whole tape with the lens cap still on. This lays down a constant timecode track before you use the tape.

The Crunch

• Be in control of the camera

• Use timecode

• Learn how to move with it

• Get a tripod but don't overuse it

• Zooming in or out does not look great

• Always get the image in focus

• Always use an external mic.

Type of work

Lens type

Manual focus

Manual iris

control

Manual shutter speed

Image stabilizer

Colour LCD monitor

Timecode

Format

Optical or digital zoom

DV input/ DV output

(FireWire)

3-CCD

Head phone output

External

mic

output

Shooting for

broadcast,

cinema,

DVD

Interchangeable lenses for maximum flexibility

Yes

Yes

Yes

Not

essential

Not

essential as you will use an external monitor

Yes

HDV

Digi-Beta Mini-DV DV Pro

Optical

Both

Yes

Yes

Yes +

XLR

audio

Short films for more experienced filmmakers

Interchangeable if possible

Yes

Yes

Yes

Not

essential -use a tripod

Not essential as you will use an external monitor

Yes

Mini-DV

Optical

Both

Yes

Yes

Yes

Short films to raise your profile or develop skills (intermediate level of experience)

Carl Zeiss lens or

interchangeable

Yes

Yes

Yes

Useful

Yes

Yes

Mini-DV

Optical

Both

Yes

Yes

Yes

Documentary (any level below broadcast)

Any

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Mini-DV

Optical

Both

Yes

Yes

Yes

Your first short films (beginners)

Any, fixed

Yes

Yes

Yes

Useful

Yes

Useful

Mini-DV

Either, but optical is better

Both

Not

essential

Yes

Yes

Educational work

Any

Not

essential

Not

essential

Not

essential

Yes

Yes

No

Mini-DV

Either

DV output

No

No

No

Web films

Any

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Mini-DV

Either

DV output

No

No

No

Domestic

home

movies

Figure 2.5 Camcorder buying guide: features needed in DV filmmaking.