I'm working on a video project with college at the end of november, and the people who did it before never bothered to set up cameras etc properly, and it was always out of focus & poorly shot, Now, we've had a demo from a guy who uses the same equipment and shot amazing, high quality footage. We unfortunatly didn't see how he set it up, but we would like just a few ideas on what we would need to do, what we would need to use.
As a very very basic checklist when using cameras, I presume this is a single camera setup.
Check white balance; that is what temperature the camera is seeing white as. Different lighting, florescent/tungsten has different white balance levels in kelvin, getting this right will ensure the picture isn't overly orange or blue and the colour will look correct.
Check the iris, this effects the amount of light going into the camera and also its depth of field. Ideally never go above F5 if you can help it, you can, no harm in doing so, but I think it looks better (smaller depth of field) with an open iris.
Check the focus, depending on the camera lens this can be as simple as zooming into the subject, usually on the eyes, focusing and zooming out. As long as it's a decent lens you won't loose focus when wide or tight. If it's a camera with an auto focus or a non physical focus ring such as the Z1 and the like the same process applies, zoom, get focus, pull out again. But bear in mind that the focus may shift and its good to check and recheck every so often of in between takes.
If its a professional camera and lens (removable) make sure the back focus is correct, Google can help you further.
Lighting. Make sure there is some, try and follow standard 3 point lighting setups where possible, key, fill and back light. Google can help explain how and why you should do this.
Framing, make sure you compose your shoots correctly, you can be as crazy as you like but master the basics first, learn the standard shot sizes and how to frame for them quickly and easily, mid shots, close up, etc etc.. Google for "shot sizes" for more.
Depending on the camera check the recording setup, are you filming on MiniDV, DVCam, HDV, Digibeta etc etc etc... Make sure the record mode fits the tape stock in use (if you're shooting to tape) are you shooting 4:3 / 16:9, which do you need? Adjust accordingly.
Sound. How is the subjects audio to be recorded, using the inbuilt/topmic alone is not enough. For interviews and controllable environments use a lapel mic or a boom, is the action happening in front of camera or in a wide area, use an appropriate microphone, directional or omidirectional.
Tripod. Use one. Fairly simple, learn how to get conventional coverage of a scene on a tripod before going on to get the more "modern" hand held shots etc. And on that subject learn how to get coverage of a scene. Shot reverse shot, crossing the line, are keywords to Google and understand. Make sure you have enough material to cut a scene together.
That’s the very basics that I can think of, if you have any more questions please ask them.
