Instruction manual

camcorders. The video gear was distributed at a concert, and the fans shot it! Then, the
video footage was transferred to broadcast videotape, and edited with broadcast editing
equipment. The clip has appeared many times on MTV.
Footage shot with home camcorders can be transferred (“bumped up”) to
broadcast tape, and edited with broadcast equipment. Many newscasts and reality-based
TV shows often include home camcorder video footage.
Always save the videotapes of the performers that you shoot! In the event that
they become successful, there’s always the possibility that some of your footage could be
used in a future TV broadcast.
In a nutshell, here are the requirements for The Least Expensive Method:
1) A Camcorder and a Blank Videotape
2) A Camcorder Operator
3) Lighting
4) Shoot location
5) Performer(s)
6) Audio
7) Special Audio Cables and Adapters
Now, let’s go through them...
1) A CAMCORDER AND A BLANK VIDEOTAPE - The camcorder must
have an external microphone input jack to record Master audio. If you don’t own a
camcorder, options include rental, libraries (some treat camcorders like books), school,
and borrowing one from a friend or relative. As for rental, check your local telephone
company’s Yellow Pages, and look under Video Tapes & Discs - Renting & Leasing or
Video Recorders & Players - Renting & Leasing or Audio-Visual Services. If a company
says they don’t rent home camcorders, ask if they can refer you to a company that does.
Obtain a copy of the camcorder’s instruction manual, and read it at least twice.
When shooting with a rental camera or an unfamiliar borrowed model, ask if an
instruction manual is available. If not, ask the owner for advice.
It’s best to use a camcorder that has an earphone jack, so that audio can be
monitored during the shoot. (Some models don’t have one!) A small, plastic earphone
that fits in one’s ear, or personal stereo Walkman-type headphones with a 1/8” plug can
be used. However, the sound will be in Mono (monaural), and will be heard through only
one side of the headphones. For sound in both sides, a stereo-to-mono plug adapter is
available through electronic stores like Radio Shack.
A camcorder is a video camera and video cassette recorder (VCR) combination,
and designed as one unit. There are many makes and models of home camcorders. A
modern home video camcorder contains an image sensor called a Chip, which converts
optical images into electrical energy, which can be recorded onto magnetic videotape.
Early model home cameras came with a separate VCR, and used a vacuum Pickup Tube
as the image sensor. Newer home camcorders have one chip; early model video cameras
have one tube. Avoid using a 1-tube home camera, as chip camcorders make better