Model 128 Moviecorder
(160-0828) Hints and Tips Faxback Doc. # 18399
If you are not familiar with camera techniques, there are many books about
the subject available at your local library. However, because the
camcorder is so simple to use and tape can be used again and again. It
is inexpensive to experiment and learn as you go.
The following information will get you started.
LIGHTING
Lighting should be uniform. The camcorder can record in low-light
conditions, but more light is usually better. The optimum brightness for
top-quality pictures is between 500 and 100,000 lux. If necessary, obtain
an optional camera light and attach it to the camcorder's accessory shoe on
the camcorder.
CAUTION: Do not place a light source near the camcorder mechanism. The
heat can damage the camcorder.
BRIGHTNESS SITUATIONS
The following charts show you the approximate brightness of light in
different situations or from different light sources.
Typical Brightness of Common Situations
Brightness Situation
Blue sky
100,000 (Lux) Clear day at noon (100,000)
10,000 Clear day at 10:00 am (65,000)
Clear day at 3:00 pm (35,000)
Cloudy day at noon (32,000)
Cloudy day at 10:00 am (25,000)
1,000 Cloudy day, one hour after sunrise
(2,000)
Clear day, one hour before sunset
(1,000)
Fluorescent light near window
(1,000)
Factory floor (700-800)
Sales counter in department store
(500-700)
Bowling alley (500)
Library (400-500)
Office with fluorescent lighting
(400-500)
Fluorescent desk lamp (400)
Flashlight at 3 feet (250)
100 Shop stairway (100)
10 During intermission at movie
theater (15-35)
Cigarette lighter at 1 foot
(15-20)
Candles on birthday cake at 8
inches (10-15)
Candlelight
Color White
Temperature Situation Color Balance
Range
10,000 Clear day Blue
9,000 Color TV
8,000 Cloudy day
7,000 Rainy day
6,500 Daylight ÄÄÄÄÄ
fluorescent
light
6,000 Camera
flashbulb
5,500
5,000 Blue White A
photolamp
U
4,500 White T
fluorescent
light O
3,500 Off-white
fluorescent
light
Tungsten
photolamp
3,200 Halogen
lamp
2,800 Tungsten Yellow ÄÄÄÄÄ
lamp
Iodine
lamp
2,500 Acetylene
lamp
Kerosene
lamp
2,000 Candlelight Red
CAMCORDER MOVEMENT
When you move the camcorder while recording, do so slowly and steadily.
Too much movement or fast movement makes your recordings look awkward. A
video camera tripod is a valuable investment for top-quality movie making.
ZOOM-IN & ZOOM-OUT
As with camcorder movement, too much use of zooms can detract from your
recording. When you use power zoom. It is best to zoom in or zoom out in
one smooth motion, not in several jerky motions.
If you use them sparingly, movements from side to side combined with zooms
can be very effective in your video tapes. See "Power Zoom," Faxback Doc.
# 18400, Special Features.
SOUND PICKUP
If the sound sources for your movie is only a few feet away, the built-in
microphone picks it up clearly. However, for distant sound sources, a
super-directional shotgun microphone might be better. Or, you can use an
FM wireless microphone for professional results.
Connect an external microphone with a 1/8-inch mini-plug to the jack.
(LB 10/31/95)