Equipment Notes

Getting to Grips: Filming Equipment

Something that everyone taking the Video Production course should do is get an understanding of all the equipment available to them. I was intrigued to find out more about all the camera, microphones, lens and lights available and how these could be incorporated into our main documentary practical project. This blog post is a short summary of the equipment and how, as a group we may utilise them.


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Sony HRV-Z1E

Instructional Workbook: http://www.urbanfox.tv/workbooks/sonyz1/

The Sony HVR-Z1E set: http://www.sony.co.uk/pro/product/broadcast-products-camcorders-hdv-dvcam/hvr-z1e/overview/

Providing HDV with the 1080i Standard and joining the existing DVCAM range, the HVR-Z1E offers users an affordable migration path from Standard Definition whilst retaining the popular DVCAM benefits such as ease of use and i.LINK (IEEE1394) connectivity. In addition to its compact size, the HVR-Z1E boasts a number of features over consumer-oriented products making it ideal for the professional user.






Tripod

A portable 3 legged stand for supporting a camera. It ensures that the camera is stable and is used to deliver shots such as pans, stills, tilts. 











Monopod

A single legged stand used for supporting a camera. This gives a more shaky feel to the shots recorded as the camera isn't as stable as it would be on a tripod. It's mainly used for canted angle shots or for handheld shots such as chase sequences or tracking shots. However, dolly cameras can be used for tracking shots to increase the cameras stability whilst recording






Boom Pole

A pole used by a boom operator, which holds and microphone but cannot stand. This is used to hold a microphone nearer to the subject it's recording without being within the camera frame. It's a curious instrument which requires good upper body strength and endurance in your arms if you're going to operate the boom pole









Lightsaber

No, its not the weapon from Star Wars, a light saber in the video and photography industry is a hand held light torch which is used to illuminate or brighten a subjects features. Useful for dimly lighted environments or even when outside - it's really effective when placed under someone's face as it brings to life all their facial features that natural light couldn't






Red Cap Lights

'Red Head' is the term used to describe lights common in visual media work, with a power rating is around 650-1000W (typically 800W).
Red heads can be used as a key flood light for large areas, but are also useful as fill and backlights. 
The beam can be focused using the yellow control at the back - this adjusts the reflector rather than the lamp, which should give the lamp a longer life because it is not being moved. Another way the light can be focused is by adjusting the flaps on the sides of the light, which can concentrate the light over a certain area. Be careful when using these lights, it's important to wear gloves when using this equipment as it gets extremely hot!



Clip-On Microphones

A clip-on microphone is a microphone that is designed to be attached to the user. This design allows the user the convenience of portable, hands-free operation, typically attached to the clothing of the user, by means of a clip; hence, the name. While the microphone can be attached almost anywhere, it is commonly clipped onto the lapel of a jacket, the front of a shirt, or to a neck tie when in use. Users generally try to select a location to attach the microphone that maximises sound quality while reducing the possibility of unwanted noise resulting from movement. They work via the use of wireless technology, the microphone is attached by a cord to a battery powered transmitter pack that is worn by the user. The transmitter pack sends a signal from the microphone via UHF, VHF or FM frequencies to a receiver that is tuned to the same frequency as the microphone. The receiver is usually connected to an audio component that allows the sound to be amplified, adjusted, and heard through speakers. Cordless headset microphones work in much the same way and offer the same portability function as a clip-on microphone. 



Shotgun Microphone

A shotgun microphone is long, cylindrical microphone that excels at picking up sounds in front of it, while rejecting sounds to the sides and rear. Shotguns are designed to have a narrower focus than an average microphone. Shotgun microphones do a great job of picking up the frequencies the human voice produces. Their sound grabbing and voice-capturing abilities make them a great choice for picking up on-camera dialogue.Shotgun mics reject a certain percentage of ambient noise, but retain enough to render a richness that sounds natural.




Light Reflectors

A reflector is an improvised or specialised reflective surface used to redirect light towards a given subject or scene. They're are different colours and textures used as they all give a different feel. Reflector material can be made of a pure white surface or silver or gold or a combination thereof. The metallic surfaces provide more light intensity and contrast in the bounced light than the matte white surface. If you use gold reflectors you’ll get a warmer tone. If you use white reflectors you’ll get the same colour light that is bouncing onto the white surface. Likewise, if you use silver reflectors, you’ll get the same colour of light bouncing back to the subject.