Panasonic AG-HMC150 User Manual - Page 21

Browse online or download pdf User Manual for Camcorder Panasonic AG-HMC150. Panasonic AG-HMC150 35 pages. Avchd camcorder
Also for Panasonic AG-HMC150: Brochure & Specs (8 pages), Menu Information (20 pages), Brochure & Specs (12 pages), Brochure (16 pages), Product Manual (22 pages), Basic Instructions (20 pages)

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Documentary camera

techniques

Mastering basic technique

A solid technical understanding of the camera is only

a foundation. e art of documentary depends on

your personal vision and your relationship with your

subjects and their world. It's important to master

basic camera craft, but more importantly, to develop

the craft so that it becomes second-nature, almost

transparent, so that it does not interfere with your

connecting with your subject. Learning good

camerawork is a lot like learning how to ride a bike:

at rst you'll fall, and then fall again, and then fall

again. en eventually you get it. You're able to

balance and ride without falling. It becomes second

nature. Now your attention can be focused on your

journey. Learning the technical aspects of the camera

simply helps you keep your balance while riding the

bicycle, the journey with your subjects—that's where

the magic happens. But you don't want the magic

spoiled by poor technique. So in this section we'll

cover the fundamental starting points. Like any

technique, you have to eventually make it your own,

break the rules, do your own thing. But for starters,

master the basics.

Exposure and white balance

Maintain good focus on your subject and properly

white balance the camera whenever the light changes

for the most natural color reproduction.

Shoot to edit

Allow for at least ve-second pre-roll time. Take into

consideration with all shots in relation to how they

may look in an editing situation.

Make sure that there is enough room in the shot to

add titles, graphics, lower thirds, or other possible

adjustments in the editing process.

Pre-production check-list

• Story outline

• Shot list

• Interview questions

• Subject releases

• Location releases

• Location agreements (if needed)

• Shooting permits (if needed)

Introduction to the Panasonic AG-HMC150 AVCHD camcorder (rough draft)

Shooting in the Field

Stable shots, unless there's meaning in the

movement.Find a stable body position: leg spacing,

kneeling arm support, hold view nder up to your eye

for the steadiest hand-held shot (you head is very

steady), or use a tripod if it's more appropriate for

what you're shooting. e "handicam" technique of

holding the camera with you hand away from the

face is not the most stable manner to hold the

camera.

Camera support. For support use a wall, step, chair

or whatever you can nd. Use your environment to

your advantage. A monopod provides an interesting

alternative to a tripod, and when used hand-held oﬀ

the ground, helps to lower the camera center-of-

gravity, which makes for a more stable shot.

Shoot a variety of angles. Find a unique angle, the

more variety and mix of shots you have the more

interesting your nal piece will be. Not everything

should be shot at eye level. Documentary is an

expressive medium. Experiment, nd a unique

perspective for the situation at hand. en nd an

alternative perspective. In the editing room you'll be

so happy to have choices, alternative angles to cut to.

Focusing: diﬀerent types: setting focus, depth of

eld, deep focus.

Zooming

• Telephoto: perspective at, narrow eld, lacks

depth

• Wide angle: emphasize space and depth,

distortion

• Manual vs. servo zoom (can be very smooth)

Framing and shot composition

• Rule of thirds: put subject in the "interest areas"

at the intersection of the lines that divide the

frame into thirds:

http://kino-eye.com/dvb/

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