Elstree Film School - Essential Digital Video Camera Techniques - Scheduled Courses

Get the most out of your digital video with our one-day course in essential Digital Video Camera Techniques.

If you wish to get to grips with the latest digital video equipment then this course will provide you with all the information you need to get up to speed, gaining a solid foundation of practical knowledge. We will present an overview of the equipment currently available and show you the best ways of setting up your camera to get the shot you want - the way you want it to look.

Many modern cameras feature automatic 'press to film' functions that appear to offer a one step solution to filming your subject but don't be fooled, the results often look lacklustre and unprofessional. In this course we will guide you through the myriad of options available on your camera, navigating the menus to broaden your skills and provide practical solutions to achieving the best results. We will teach you professional techniques to enhance the look of your productions by careful use of white balancing, as well as showing you practical tripod techniques and the basics of sound recording.

Run by a professional camera operator and cinematographer who has worked in film and television for over two decades, this course is the ideal way to gain confidence with your camera, quickly and simply.

Duration: 1 day.

Location: 21st Century New Media (Production Offices), Elstree Film Studios, Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 1JG. [MAP]

Prerequisites: For anyone interested in learning how to use a DV camera or for those with some experience who wish to build on their skills.

Why Take This Course? This course will equip you with a thorough grounding in the operation of DV cameras, including the technical aspects, as well as basic shooting methods and techniques.

About the Tutor: David Read is a member of the Guild of British Camera Technicians and his TV credits include World in Action, The Bill, Family affairs and the Hithcockesque film noir 'Room 36' amonst others. With more than twenty years as a film and television cameraman, David is ideally placed to offer professional training in all aspects of camera and lighting.

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction

The various formats and how they differ - DV, DV-Cam and HDV.
The pros and cons of using these formats.

Starting out

Setting time code and user functions - setting up your camera to work for you.
Checking back focus.
Setting up the monitor.

Focus

Auto/manual - what are the pitfalls of using one form of focus over another?
Peaking.
Hyperfocus.

White Balance

Pre-sets - the pros and cons.
Using A and B settings.
Balancing under fluorescent lighting.
Using white and coloured cards to white balance.

Exposure

Using manual/auto exposure - whats the right choice for you?
Using a light meter.
Using a grey scale.
Setting zebra bars.
Gain settings.

Operating Your Camera

Setting up the tripod.
Shot sizes.
Hand held.
Panning and tilting.
Lighting situations.

Basic Sound Recording

The camera mike and when to use it.
Boom mikes and their operation.
Lapel mikes.

Review of the day

5-20% discount if you book for more than one delegate!
Further discounts are available when booking multiple courses,
Please call our training secretary on 0844 844 2428.

DV Cameras Essential Training Courses
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