SimplyDV Infobase


Basic Cameracraft - Hints & Tips


Image of buds on a branch, soft focus background
As part of a series of articles covering basic techniques, here's an introductory set of features written by SimplyDV's Colin Barrett and drawn from the many articles written for UK digital camcorder and general video-making magazines, and also from the text of his books - Digital Video for Beginners (Ilex Press, March 2005) and Need To Know : Digital Video (Harper Collins, 2006).

The following selection of articles contain some down-to-earth information, hints and tips aimed specifically at the complete digital video newbie, though we hope they'll be considered helpful by some of the more experienced camcorder users, too!

Cameracraft 1: Sharp Shooting


Introducing basic camera techniques; taking control manually, thinking about what you're trying to shoot, supporting the camcorder properly. More...

Cameracraft 2: Balancing Act


Considering a few of the rules of composition that haven't changed since the beginning of cinema; composing shots and basic storyboards; thinking about sequences. More...

Cameracraft 3: Lighten Up


An introduction to some very simple lighting techniques; making use of natural light, adding artificial light, white balance and colour temperature explained. More...

Cameracraft 4: Sounds Good


Sound is as important as the pictures in every video; tips on getting better sound; use of external mics, connecting to your camcorder, monitoring what you're recording. More...