Camera Workshop

Today we took part in our first camera workshop in preparation for our opening title sequence shoot day. The focus of the workshop was on putting together the tripod and camera and the basic skills required to use each element.

Firstly, we assembled the tripod. In order to do this we had to understand the two parts of the tripod, the legs and the head. When adjusting the height of the tripod it is better to work from the bottom of the legs upwards as once the camera is on, it is easier to adjust the top section rather than the bottom with the weight of the camera. After the tripod is placed at a suitable height, we had to attach the pan handle, to do this we made sure that the spirit level was facing us (on the right hand side), lined it up and then tighten the screw using the existing handle. Matt then informed us that there were pan and tilt locks, used on occasions such as filming on a hill, to ensure the camera stays in place - one on the left and one on the back (facing the cameraman) of the tripod. Once they were locked, it was important that we did not push against them as, although it moved, it would wear out the rubber, similar to the brakes on a bike. Additionally, using the spirit level on the right hand side of the tripod ensures a balanced and straight shot. To adjust it you must reach under the head of the tripod, turn it a quarter, move around the tripod head until the bubble is centered and even and then quarter turn it back to tighten it.

When attaching the camera, a Blackmagic Mini Ursa, we cleared the head of the tripod to make sure nothing was in the way for the shoe at the bottom of the camera to line up perfectly with the head of the tripod. Following this we pressed the button on the left hand side, to allow the camera to slot in, slid the camera away from us and made sure the camera was aligned perfectly with the middle of the tripod head. To ensure the camera was secure while finishing these steps, we then swapped grip on the camera handle in order to tighten it using a handle on the right hand side of the tripod. To take it off, simply reverse the steps. We learnt it is always best to over estimate the weight of the camera to ensure that the lens (as cameras are nose heavy) do not hit the tripod. To finish assembling the camera after it is attached to the tripod, we first attached the industrial v-lock battery by lining it up halfway and then sliding it into place, secured with a click. To release it, we simply pressed the battery release button and pulled up. 

Subsequent to assembling the camera and tripod, we learnt the basic skills to operate the camera. This includes: focus, exposure/ aperture and white balance. 

Focus:

To focus we had to zoom in on a subject, if it is a person it is easiest to have it on their eye as it is full of detail and easy to see if it is focus or not. Then use the focus wheel and zoom out to the desired shot. 

Exposure/ Aperture:

Adjusted by turning the blue wheel with rigid edges near the lens release - there is a slight design fault as it is so close to the lens release you don't want to accidentally release the lens, to make sure this is not a risk, it is easiest to hold onto the lens simultaneously. 

White Balance:

White balance is the difference between different colored lights, natural light having a blue tint while man made light has an orange hue. On a camera, the white balance adjusts the camera dependent on the key light source. WB on a camera stands for White Balance and to adjust it we used the touch screen and the options below. 

From left to right they mean - Outdoors, Indoors, Fluorescent, Shadows, Cloudy