Health & Safety Tutorial

Camcorder 

Before we began creating our blogs, our AS Media teacher informed us on how to use a video camera, in order for us to fully understand how to use it during our practicals. During this event we learned:

The Memory Card

1. How to insert a memory card into the camcorder, our teacher also established this piece of equipment is expensive so needs thorough looking after. Soon after, Mary (our AS Media teacher) went around the class watching to see whether or not every student could slot the card in correctly, if not she would again demonstrate and watched us try again. 

The Battery

2. We then began learning where and how to place the battery, in which the battery clicks into place when sliding it into the compartment and moving it to the left. To remove the battery you have to press the button and slide it to the left, whereby it will be released from the camcorder. (You are provided with 2 hours of recording time) 

Camera Functions

3. The class was then given the basic information such as how to on/off the camcorder and how to record. For instance, the location of the on/off button is at the side of the camera, you have to hold the blue dial whilst turning it to switch the camera on or off. (If the camera is running and hasn't been used in 5 minutes it will automatically switch itself off) Moreover, the record button can be identified by the left of the "mode button", you must press to begin and to stop recording. (A new recording is made each time you press record) 

4. Furthermore, Mary then discussed with us on how to switch between auto and manual shooting modes. The class was recommended to stick with "auto" except when shooting in the dark, in which we will have to change to the "manual shooting mode". 

5. After, the class where told how to use the ND filter and how to zoom. Firstly, the ND filter reduces the light coming into the camera the most appropriate times to use the "ND filter" is during the Summer when there is immense sunlight and possibly when its snowing. Moving on, the zoom control is positioned at the top of the camcorder, the best times to use it; is when your shooting in a "manual mode".  

6. To find out how much battery power and recoding time you have left, you must click on the "index" button continually, which will then show on the screen the information you need.  

Playback

7. To find out how to play your footage back, you must press "CAM/ MEDIA" to switch between your recording and playback. In the "playback"mode each clip is displayed on the screen, to scroll through your clips you need to press the toggle switch, which will allow you to view all the footage you have recorder, to select a clip press the toggle  switch to play. 

8. We where then told on how to save all the footage on the video drive, in which you must create a folder on the "video drive" and copy all your saved footage onto it, to do this you will need a "SD card reader" (available at the technicians office). 

The Tripod

9. After, learning how to use to camcorder we where then  shown how to use the "camera release button", "tilt adjustment", "pan adjustment" and the "spirit level".

10. Finally, the class then discovered how to insert and remove the camcorder off the tripod, whereby the camcorder will slide onto the tripod and is locked into place with the lever. To remove the camcorder off the tripod you unlock the lever, hold down the red button and slide the camera back. During this whole process Mary watched us to see whether we where comfortable doing it or not. 

Warnings...

• Don't change the menu settings (changing it could result in incompatible footage and will create problems during editing)
• Look after the camera (responsibility of the camera rests with the whole group)
• Check before you leave the building (make sure all the equipment is working before you leave the college)
• Bring all equipment back on time (failure to bring it back on time results in being banned from using the equipment again)