Learning To Use The Camera

The Camera

During class we were taught both how to set up a camera and how to use it to create a piece of film.

Setting up the Camera

Firstly we took the tripod stand, on which the camera would sit, and simply adjusted the legs to the preferred height and position and tightened the various knobs and assured that they were securely fastened. Once this was completed we positioned the camera on top of the tripod stand, once again fastening securely to ensure that the camera would not be in danger of falling off. Then we 'bubbled' the camera; a method used to check that the camera is not angled awkwardly thus not affecting later filming. Next we turned the camera on and adjusted the white balance which is done by zooming the in on a white object and focusing in on it. Once this is done the lighting on the camera image will match that of the surrounding environment.

The 180 Degree Rule

This rule is used to give one a basic understanding of the on-screen spatial relationship between two characters in a scene. The line of vision lies across the centre of the circle and the camera must be kept on one side of the line to avoid the audience becoming confused when the two characters are both facing the same way. However one can cross the line if it is included in film, yet if you decide to cross the line onto the other side you must stay on this side.