A photograph narrates just one moment
in time; why not explore your camera’s movie function to tell the whole story
Whether it is a wedding, a birthday party,
a graduation or a newborn’s first minute in the world, the moment comes and
goes in the blink of an eye, but by creating a home movie of those all-
important moments, the memories can last a lifetime.
Movie- making may sound like a glamorous
yet complicated hobby, but while it certainly is fun, it is actually very
simple and far less taxing than you might imagine. Especially as most compact
cameras bought within the last ten years should include a video function.
However if your compact is lacking then check to see if your mobile phone
includes the facility, as most recent cameraphones will include video recording
as standard. Today is DSLRs and hybrids will also have a video- capture
function that allows you to shoot as and when you feel like it. What is more,
the video records straight to the same memory card and can be uploaded to a
computer in exactly the same way as images, so there really is no fuss or
bother.
Compose
the perfect scene, pan with perfection, zoom like a pro and edit with these
easy steps
In this four- page starter guide you will
not only learn how to use your camera to record footage, but we will teach you
how to compose the perfect scene, pan with perfection, zoom like a pro, edit
using a few easy tips and tricks for generating that all- important movie magic
and finally how to share your masterpiece with a global audience.
Capturing your video
The great thing about recording footage on
your camera is that there is no need to mess around in the device’s menus or
settings, as nearly all modern models have a dedicated external button allowing
photographers to quickly and easily slip from shooting stills to video in one
step.. the record bottom is usually depicted as a red circle, but check your
user guide if this differs on your model or if you are unsure of where it is on
your camera.
In recent years the introduction of HD
(High Definition) has made a big impact on the clarity and size of the video
recorded, allowing users to capture footage at a superior resolution of 720p
and even greater full HD of 1080p, making every detail crisp and clean when
viewed on HD- compatible monitors and TV screens.
Once you have chosen what it is you want to
film, the principles of making a home movie are so similar to those of
photography, you should feel right at home. To get started, assess the scene as
you would when you are taking a photograph, and make sure the subject matter or
scene is well lit, is properly and interestingly composed and is in focus. Then
it is just a case of lights, camera, action !
Shoot! Set up and take your footage
Set the scene
Step
1 : Set the scene
Before you cry ‘action’ make sure your
scene is set. Consider where the lighting is coming from and how it falls on
your subject. Rid the area of clutter, avoid distracting elements and add props
if they are relevant.
Camera controls
Step
2 : Camera controls
Usually you can switch on video mode either
by twisting the mode dial or by hitting the record button. With DSLRs go to
Live View mode then press OK. Each model is different though, so check your
manual.
Focus and record
Step
3 : Focus and record
When you are ready, simply focus using the
shutter and then hit record (as explained in step 2). Move around the scene and
vary the angle you are shooting from to add a dynamic edge to the footage
Zoom and pan
Step
4: Zoom and pan
A tripod is great for recording movies as
it keeps the camera steady while you pan and zoom in and out. The results will
be much less jerky and more professional than those achieved handheld.
3 of the best … key video features
HD
Most cameras offer HD video, where the
resolution of the footage outputs at 1,280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080 pixels. The
more pixels the better, giving you a clearer, crisper result
Maximum recording time
Be sure to check the maximum recording time
of your camera. Most models will only record footage for a certain time before
having to stop and save the clip
Stereo us mono
A camera that can record sound in stereo is
considered better than one that records in mono, as when it is played back the
noise will be clearer and much more authentic
Great shot secret!
An external microphone offers a much higher
quality of stereo sound for your movie. An LED video light improves low- light
shooting scenarios and a tripod is great for panning smoothly.
