Portable Camera Operations 1

Audio/Video Production 1

Portable Camera: Precautions and Operation

Portable Camera Operations 2

PRECAUTIONS-- Temperature

• Avoid sudden changes in temperature. Moisture may form on the tape and inside the unit.

• Do not expose video equipment to high temperatures.

• Do not leave any video equipment in a car.

• Do not operate in temperatures over 104. Operate in the shade when possible.

Portable Camera Operations 3

PRECAUTIONS-- Lens

• Never point the camera lens or viewfinder at the sun or a very bright light. (it can damage the image sensor in the camera)

• Do not touch the surface of the lens.• When transporting the camera, be sure

the lens cap is closed.

Portable Camera Operations 4

Precautions--cleaning

• Improper cleaning can scratch the lens coating.

• Do not use cleaners, or alcohol on the camera.

• Remove dirt from the camera body with a clean dry cloth only.

• Tell the teacher if the lens/camera gets dirty.

Portable Camera Operations 5

Precautions--handling

• Do not force the force the LCD screen up or down

• Handle the camcorder with care. • Avoid bumping, hitting, shaking, or

striking the camcorder.• Always transport the camera in your

hand (with the strap around hand). • Do not drop the batteries.

Portable Camera Operations 6

Precautions--moisture

• Do not connect the power supply or operate the camcorder if it gets wet.

• The camcorder and power supply should not be exposed to rain or moisture.

• The camcorder probably will not survive any type of direct exposure to rain, water or a splashing from a pool.

Portable Camera Operations 7

Supplying Power

Batteries• Watch “Power Remaining” indication on

screen • Batteries must be on camera and

Camera must be turned OFF to charge• Light will flash when charging• Light turns off when fully chargedA/C Adapter• Provides constant source of power

Portable Camera Operations 8

The Tape

• Use small Mini DV tapes only• Erasure prevention slider “Record Tab”Tape Insertion• Eject lever• Door down, label up, hub in• Use “Push to close” button• Be Patient! Don’t ever force the

camera or tape

Portable Camera Operations 9

Viewing the image Viewfinder• Stationary• Use during extremely bright conditions

LCD monitor• Shows warnings • Take care Opening and Adjusting• Battery consumption

Portable Camera Operations 10

Recording

Mode set to Record VIDEO Start/stop buttonJoystick for settingsAuto Off – 5 minutesAuto Focus- learn how to focus manuallyAutomatic White Balance – learn how to

white balance manually

Portable Camera Operations 11

Recording to Tape

• A new tape needs to be “striped” or “blacked”– Close the lens cap– Push record

• This lays down a Time Code on the tape

• Future use – – Video track and Audio 1 and Audio 2 will be

replaced but Time Code will remain the same

Portable Camera Operations 12

Microphone

• Camera’s mic is called theInternal microphone – only good for natural sound

• External microphone- – Best sound quality, interviews, dialogue

• Transmitter plugs into the camera• Receiver plugs into the microphone • Headphones plug into the receiver

Portable Camera Operations 13

After use

1. Remove Tape 2. Turn Off Camera3. Put Camera In Correct Bin4. Plug Camera into the Charger5. Put Tripod Up6. Put the Microphone away in correct

bin– Remove 9-Volts

Portable Camera Operations 14

Before You Leave!

• Report any Problems to the Teacher– Mistakes happen – it’s better to tell me if there

was a problem than to be blamed later

• Have someone NOT in your group check you back in

• Label your tape & put it in a plastic bin