Cameras

• Camera Checklist - Also has a list of rarely-used terminology.
• Setting Up a Shot - Including framing, white balance, exposure, focus etc..
• How To Interview - Does. Says. Tin.
• Sony HDV Camera Operation Guide - A more detailed guide to using the HD camera.
• FAQ - Common issues using a camera - Fill it in as you make mistakes!

List of Cameras:

Canon DV: We have two of these, they are good for portability, and give a decent picture. Some of the buttons do many different things, depending which menu/operation you're in, so they take a while to get used to. They can be used to record to DV tape for editing later, or can be used in the studio or on an OB to give a live video feed via a breakout cable.

Sony HDV: We have three of these

Old Sky Camera, (Sony?): This was obtained second hand by Anna Bucks from Sky News. It came with a large dedicated tripod, batteries, and charger - at the time there was the suggestion that a function doesn't work, however we haven't been able to determine which function this is so it doesn't matter. This has a very nice lens on, and a good zoom. It is a very mechanical camera, with 2 internal ND filters, and 3(?) internal filters for white balancing. It can have two (or three?) sets of custom settings saved under different names for quick configuration - however there's no instruction manual so good luck on figuring out how to achieve this. The batteries are Ni-Cad and old so don't last very long. We have four batteries and the charger (which can charge 1,2,3, or 4 batteries simultaneously). We also have a 12V, 2.5 Amp power supply for it. NB, the other 12V power supplies will power it for only a couple of seconds, before the camera turns off because it can't draw enough current. It would be good on OBs as a static wide shot, tripod-mounted camera, or for long zooms.

MS4/MS5: We should have at least three of these. they're old, but were used in various OBs in 2008/2009. If necessary they can be used to give an 'okay' output. They're very mechanical, but with less functionality than the Sky camera. The viewfinder is black and white, and not very good which makes it difficult to tell if the shot has the correct white balance, is in focus, and correctly exposed. The camera operator is very dependent on instruction from the director in these respects. In terms of weight they are lighter than the Sky Camera but Heavier and less comfortable than the HDVs.

Panasonic DV: