Video

Sometimes, the phrases, acronyms and strings of numbers or number-letter combinations used to talk about photographic lighting or techniques can be daunting to the uninitiated neophyte photographer. We've prepared a list of the basic terms. Have we left any out that you think should be added? Please let us know!

Off the cuff, one might think there are few, if any, differences between packing a DSLR system and an HDSLR system, but once you look beyond the basics, i.e. the camera bodies, lenses and tripod (the legs, but not necessarily the head), the differences start adding up.

Perfection: That’s the difference between amateur and professional productions. It’s true that amateurs can put together some amazing productions, even when they don’t have all that much equipment at their disposal.

Panasonic has introduced a slew of new pocket-size camcorders. The format seems to have taken hold and is getting to be more popular, not less. One has to wonder why the Flip was discontinued, but at least vendors such as Panasonic can continue to fill this niche market with these small, fun camcorders.

Homeowners are often frustrated by damage or vandalism that occurs on their property. Short of staying up all night to see who or what is causing the damage, what can one do? Wildlife cameras are digital cameras that can shoot still images and video.

Some accessories in video production and HDSLR filmmaking are so essential that they transcend being just add-on gear, and become part of the camera system itself. One such item is an on-camera monitor. Sometimes referred to as a “video-assist monitor,” they’re used to help the camera operator (or assistant) focus the camera.

Some professional camcorders can cost an arm and a leg. Sony’s PMW-F3 falls into that category. Fortunately, manufacturers realize that not everyone can afford to part with an arm and a leg, so they find ways to offer products with similar feature sets to the pro cameras, but which can be had for just an arm.

Shooting video with DSLRs, or HDSLRs to be specific, is gaining popularity with photographers and filmmakers. One reason is that HDSLRs can shoot some pretty amazing video. Many photographers buy an HDSLR to shoot stills and then fall in love with the camera’s video capabilities once they discover them.

This all depends on what type of lighting system you currently own. If you are shooting with tungsten or other form of continuous lighting, you’re in the game. If you’re shooting with electronic flash, the news isn’t as good unless you plan on shooting video one frame at a time. Strobes are simply the wrong tools for capturing video.

So you’ve decided to buy a new camcorder. This could be your first camcorder purchase, but it’s far more likely that you’re replacing an older unit. Analog camcorders are now history. Even if you’re not looking to record in high definition or widescreen, you will still be buying a digital camcorder.

Until the advent of diving gear, people knew very little about what went on underwater. And even though the gear has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past few hundred years, diving is still risky business. And the deeper you go, the riskier it gets.

For the casual camcorder user, shooting great video is a cinch; there’s nothing to it. You just turn on the camera, make sure everything’s set to Auto, and point and shoot. Even working the zoom is a piece of cake. But professional video production is a lot different.

Having completed production of Cooking Healthy for a Dachshund using a basic high-def camcorder and simple editing software, I’m ready to ’fess up about what worked and what didn’t—advice freely handed to every aspiring Cameron.

Camcorders and a growing number of DSLRs feature LCDs that swivel and/or tilt to better enable image composition from less-than-ideal camera angles. Swivel-based LCDs, especially larger LCDs, can prove to be especially handy when you have to compose photos from a distance.

When it comes to ENG video capture, form factor and performance are paramount, and with a total weight of 8.2 lb (including the lens, 4.3" LCD screen, microphone and battery) and phenomenal image quality, the JVC GY-HM750U ProHD solid state compact shoulder camcorder  makes for an attractive video recording package. 

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