Instruction manual

tape.
CREDITS - Some camcorders have a built-in Character Generator, which creates
electronic lettering on the videotape. If your camcorder has flying erase heads, there will
be a Cut ( a clean and instant transition) between shots every time the camcorder is
paused.
Credits can be shot after the music video. Before the shoot, print the lettering with
a large Magic Marker on a sheet of paper, or with a typewriter or computer desktop
publishing system. Tape each sheet to a wall. Use a camcorder tripod for steady shots.
Shoot about 5 seconds of each page. For multiple pages, pause the camcorder as you
change each sheet, or shoot continuously as a hand removes each page. Credits could be
printed with chalk on a chalkboard, then erased (show the hand and eraser) at the end of
each shot.
FOCUS - Camcorders have an AUTO/MANUAL Focus control. AUTO mode will
automatically focus the lens during taping. MANUAL allows focusing by hand. On some
models, Manual focus is motorized, and controlled by pushing a button. While shooting,
maintain a steady distance from the performers, and use the MANUAL setting. Zoom In
all the way to one performer. Using your left hand (or button), turn the focus ring back or
forth until a clear, sharp picture is seen through the viewfinder. Zoom Out all the way.
Proceed to shoot.
ZOOM - Most home video camcorders have a Zoom lens with a power Zoom control,
which makes it possible to shoot several different shots from one camera position. During
a Take, the camera operator can Zoom In or Zoom Out to show more or less of an area,
object or performer. (Take means shoot attempt.) A Zoom can be slow or fast, and
combined with Pans and Tilts in order to maintain proper framing of a moving person or
object.
It’s possible to turn off the power Zoom control on a camcorder, and manually
turn the Zoom ring on the lens with your left hand. This allows Zooms to be much faster
than with the auto Zoom control. A common music video technique involves manually
Zooming In and Out, while leaning left and right, back and forth.
Limit power Zooms while shooting. The Zoom control on a home camcorder is
not as responsive as an Industrial or broadcast camera. Zoom all the way Out, and move
in as close as possible to the performers for proper framing in the viewfinder.
IRIS CONTROL - Auto and Manual. The Iris gradually opens or closes to let in more or
less light. While looking in the viewfinder, switch to Auto, and Zoom Out wide for a shot
of a performer. After 5 seconds, switch to Manual. No further adjustment should be
necessary.
Always take proper care of videotape stock. Tapes should remain in their individual cases
until ready for use. Read and follow the instructions on the package. Keep them away
from sunlight, extreme cold, heat or humidity, moisture, and dust. It’s a good idea to
transport the tapes in a plastic bag until ready for use. Always affix a label to each
cassette with the name of the performers, date, etc.