In this section we have listed all the documentation we have written about use of video cameras and the video editing software we have available in the Trible Library Media Center.

Please consider the following:

Do you need a tripod?  We have two main types - regular and fluid head.  Fluid head tripods allow for smoother tilting and panning.  We also have tripod dollies to allow you to put the tripod on wheels so you can roll it around easily.

External microphone needed?  Lavaliers are great for one person shots, but we also have shotgun microphones for better pickup.  Not all of our cameras work with these so ask if they are compatible.  Lavalier/lapel mics are also available as wireless. 

SD Card?  Most of our cameras have internal memory.  We also have SD cards of many sizes for you to capture footage on.  Ask about them if you feel you may need one.

More lighting for filming?  We have LED lighting kits and on camera lights that help with giving more light when needed.

Panasonic HC-WXF991

Canon Vixia R32/R42/M

Canon XA10

Canon G20/G30

Canon VIXIA HF G21

GoPro

Rylo

Samson Zoom Q8

Half the battle of starting any new project is knowing where to begin.

The Seven Deadly Camcorder Sins

1. Headhunting–placing every subject in the center of your frame.
2. Motorzooming–overuse of on-screen zooms.
3. Rooting–staying in one spot instead of looking for interesting angles.
4. Firehosing–panning all over the scene.
5. Upstanding–shooting everything from standing eye-level.
6. Snapshooting–taping only two or three seconds per shot.
7. Backlighting–too much light falling on the background instead of on the subject.

Ten Helpful Tips for Recording Great Audio

1. Use an external microphone if you have one.
2. Get the microphone close to the talent.
3. Listen through headphones while you shoot.
4. Keep hand movements on the camcorder to a minimum.
5. Use a handheld mike for man-on-the-street interviews.
6. Use a lavalier or boom mike for studio settings.
7. Use a wireless mike to avoid cable hassles.
8. Keep audio in mind when scouting locations.
9. Don’t move mike cables while recording.
10. Avoid long cable runs to minimize interference.

Preparation Tips

1. Set a goal to include yourself on videotape for 1 minute for every _______ minutes that you shoot of others.
2. Store your camcorder in a visible location if possible with blank tape and charged batteries handy.

Packing Checklist

1. Camcorder
2. Charged batteries
3. AC power supply
4. Microphone batteries
5. Microphones
6. Lens cap
7. Cables
8. Lens cleaning cloth
9. Headphones
10. White-balance cloth
11. Script
12. Tripod
13. Lens filters

Shooting Checklist

1. Battery power
2. White balance
3. Sound check
4. Talent release
5. Lighting check
6. Tape check
7. Tripod lock-down
8. Time/date stamp on/off
9. Image stabilization on/off
10. Zoom in/Focus/Zoom out
11. Compose image
12. Rehearse
13. Shoot!

Adapted from https://www.videomaker.com/tips-to-get-started