First Camera lesson 1

In our first camera lesson we started off by simply learning how to set up the tripod in the correct way. We saw that on the tripod there is a magnet which centres when the tripod is fully flat and on an equal level this is crucial as it means that when you film using the tripod the camera and film is straight.

We then learnt how to set up the camera on the tripod as well as the technique needed for attaching the batteries.

We then went on to look at exposure each camera has a zoom as well as the exposure button often the furthest wheel back on the camera, you often know you have got it as unlike the zoom it makes a clicking sound as you turn the wheel.  To adjust the aperture on the camera you often use the iris and this helps to focus in on the background so its not blurry.

Then we were taught about white balance which is to do with how light gives off a variation of colours. First of all there is man made light and secondly natural light such as the sun. When trying to adjust the white balance you need to find a white surface and zoom all the way in this enables the camera to work out what the other colours are around the room. You press the white balance button on the camera and this means the camera knows how it needs to adjust the reason we don’t use automatic white balance adjusters is because often the camera is unpredictable and doesn’t know what is going on so almost guesses and this can become a real problem when your trying to film and the light is completely off.