Health & Safety tutorial!

Before filming, we were introduced to a Health & Safety tutorial in which we learnt about the equipment we will be using to create an opening for our very own thriller film. We even got the chance to try them out for ourselves in order for us to get familiar with the equipment provided for us (since we are going to be using them pretty much ALL THE TIME during this course!!)

A CAMCORDER

A portable combined video camera and video recorder.

Here is the example of the professional recording camera my group will be using for the filming of our thriller opening. By using this type of equipment, we hope to achieve a professional clear quality for our short clips and thriller opening. For our filming, we will be using a JVC G4-HM100E Camcorder.

While handling the cameras, we were issued to do several things in order to make sure we are safe and careful with using the camcorders. These tasks included:

• Inserting the SD card properly, as well as removing it. 
• Turning the camcorder on and off.
• How to zoom in and out on the camcorder. 
• How to set the camcorder in manual or automatic mode.
• Placing the camera on the tripod correctly and then removing it safely from the tripod. 
• Hold the camcorder with firm grip whilst on the tripod to prevent it from falling.

Other information about handling the camcorder included: 

• Making sure NOT to touch the lens in case of finger marks and risk of damage to the camera lens.
• Keep the camcorder away from spillages, drinks or any liquids to prevent it also from becoming damaged as equipment is very expensive. 

SD CARD  

Secure Digital (SD) is a non-volatile memory card format.

  

BATTERY

We were also introduced to a SD Card to insert into the camcorder for storage space. In the camcorder, we were shown that there are two slots for memory cards and how to insert it safely. We used the SD Card in order to save our work/projects/filming which then is transferred to a computer for editing, giving us the ability to upload multimedia onto the blog for the purpose of this course. As well as learning about the SD Card, we were also introduced to the camcorder battery and we were shown how to insert it carefully. 

TRIPOD

 A three-legged stand for supporting a camera or other apparatus.

 

The final piece of equipment we were introduced to was the tripod. The tripod is used to accompany the camcorder to serve several jobs, these include:

• Tilting and panning shots without the ability of shaking when held in a person's hands.
• Keep the camera held in a still position and to make the clip appear more professional, instead of shaky, blurry and bad quality.
• Saves time and effort to hold the camcorder in the right position and stay there.

How to set up a tripod?

The legs of the tripod can be extended in order to set it up. The legs should be extended properly and locked to prevent the tripod as well as the camcorder from risk of falling over. The handle bar can be used to tilt the camera upwards/downwards to create a tilted angle and moving the handle bar sidewards creates a panning shot.