Lots of short video clips are better, especially when a file gets corrupted.
Use manual zoom (zoom in) over optical or digital zoom
Shoot, shoot, shoot, storage is almost free or not used.
The more you record, the more good video you get. That is a fact.
Use the highest possible video resolution setting unless you are filming politicians.
They just aren’t worth it.
Don’t use a tripod unless you want a camera view of the sky or are using a high optical zoom.
or trying to get close-ups in dangerous situations. So tripods are fine.
I used 2 ounce tripods. One for the spyglass and then my Mini DVD camcorder
lined up right behind him. It worked great. The only thing that would have changed
it was the exact location of the bait, where the setup was pointing. Use the
Remote control for zoom and on/off. So the configuration was not disturbed. High high zoom.
Use the camera as a flashlight. You’ll catch more action and you won’t get
stumbled upon so often. You’ll discover other video opportunities as you record
in this way, then quickly follow the new topic. I recorded a mouse being caught
for a dog a few months ago.
Keep the camera on automatic. Learn how it reacts under various conditions.
When moving the camera do not use any zoom. In a slowly moving vehicle, the zoom is fine.
When moving and filming; bend at the waist and extend the camera to the front,
this helps eliminate up and down movement when walking or running.
Make some comment. Folding later just isn’t the same.
With short clips and computer timeline playback, you can remove editing
spend more time recording videos. Much less video clutter too. work hard at
do not edit Rendering/editing results in a loss of resolution.
Put your hands around the camcorder in cold weather.
Bend at the waist and hold the camera under your chest when it rains or snows.
Have an extra battery or two. Keep the camera on and ready to shoot.
Mine is a mini DVD I have 4 rewritable discs (double sided) 2 hours of solid video
in the highest resolution.
Purchase a power accessory that plugs into the cigarette lighter.
When shooting with a tripod. Use the remote to start and stop recording.
Eliminating the jiggle caused by pressing the on/off button.
The #1 and perhaps the only reason to edit is to remove any captured criminal activity.
do not incriminate yourself or others.
If there is a beautiful sunrise or sunset, capture some of that before and
after the main theme. They look good at full zoom every time.
Announce the date and time instead of showing them on the video.
Remember who these videos are for. YOU. Dates are useful and can always be muted.
Get ready for the clashes. Some people just don’t like being videotaped.
Videotaping family images with comments is much better than scanning. video in books
or website threads, for slow motion playback. Video on ALL, ignoring
the nasayers of “quality”.
When shooting a stationary subject, make the final scene a nice portrait. we some
players who see stays on the screen. Works.
Small file sizes (2 minutes or less) let you quickly upload your best to the web
hosting sites, people love new event videos.
Take into account the position of the sun. But shoot in any light condition.
You will be amazed at the night vision capabilities of today’s equipment.
Don’t forget to take still photos. Some people do not have high
internet speed.
Don’t keep the camera STILL. When you are in a car, go slowly. Run behind
that dog or cat or grizzly bear (maybe not) moves like a weasel, sniffing around here,
looking there, circling this and that.
In a fastball tournament he was a few yards beyond first base. He had the jug very well
framed Just pointing my hand, I followed the string and pitch, then beat
the ball home. Catch swing and any run to first or play
in the ball Big cameras just can’t do that.
Short video clips make it much faster when playing the timeline.
If you are playing the last few seconds of a short video
It’s much faster than watching the last few seconds of a very long clip.
All I do is press the off button and then turn it back on. simple and
fast. During critical action I don’t mess with anything.
On-screen video displays, of the video segments you want to show and not
let those video purists bully you into doing it. It’s fast and DIRTY.
There is so much degradation when converting to flash and network that
you won’t notice much of a difference.
I rename the video clips immediately after downloading. i.e. Vid00012_clip01.mpg
vid00012_clip02.mpg … then vid00013 for the next day or side of the disc.
A quick note about what’s in the lot is enough for initial cataloging.
I use this list as a control of the videos that I have backed up to DVD.
I can do the more serious cataloging later. Do not catalog or edit when
you may be filming a video. Backups are a MUST.
Nature video is about the content, not framing, lighting, or other finicky details.
you will miss too many shots playing and not going out on less than perfect days.
Shoot just about anything wildlife or otherwise, even if it doesn’t have much potential.
Nature will surprise you. You will capture some pretty funny moments. Have.
Remove the lens cap at the beginning of the day. Too many good opportunities
they miss each other for that. I eat too many.
Get in the habit of pointing your camera looking over the top. just like you would
a shotgun Makes it easier to track a moving target. Even butterflies.
When your camera isn’t strapped to your neck or arm. Put him in his box. You’ll
be less likely to damage it.
Don’t buy a camera that is so expensive that you don’t risk it. Otherwise leave it at home.
Permissions: Can You Get In Legal Trouble By Videotaping Others? Forget asking!
Did the guy who filmed the Rodney King video ask? The guy who shot the
Video of JFK Dallas ask?
Background music can increase the enjoyment. Take your favorite songs with you.
My default setting for the record light is on. Let people and animals
know when I’m shooting.
In political forums, etc., the registration indicator has a strange effect on the
crew. They know you’re shooting. I often do a quick early scan of the pool
Just to get the apprehension out of the way.
Know where your camera is at all times. You may have to grab it and go.
Experiment a lot and train your eye to spot the ACTION.
If I was making a hockey video. I’d like the cameraman on the ice.
From a play I want on stage to video.
Have a good media player. I have the BEST bar none.
Break all the old video rules you can. The ones that don’t break, use them.
I’m sure there are many more great video tips out there.
Now go record a video!