HD Camera Operation

Course Outline

This two day session is aimed at camera operators, producer/directors, AP’s and anyone who is already experienced with smaller DV and HDV cameras and is looking to learn to operate shoulder mounted cameras. Based around the Panasonic HPX500 HD camera, the course teaches the essential skills for shooting with larger cameras in HD, obtaining sophisticated looking images, managing the file based workflows and backing up the files. You will learn how to achieve certain ‘looks’ by manipulating settings and when to shoot ‘flat’, how to change and check lenses, and become confident with the choices and implications of shooting in HD. Understanding the functions of larger digital cameras, techniques for good camera operation and H&S, you will learn the best ways to obtain high definition video.

Course Type
A mix of demonstration and hands-on practical.

Topics Covered

• Setting up the camera - camera function and operation
• Tripods, balance and working handheld
• Resolutions, frame rates, recording formats & compression standards
• Working with an interchangeable lens – back focus, focal length and composition.
• Monitoring and menu configuration - viewfinder, picture and output setup
• Curves, pedestal, gamma, detail and using zebras
• Lighting & Shooting for HD
• Over & under-cranking
• Recording Settings & Downloading - backing up your files

This course is aimed at
Camera operators, Producer/Directors, AP’s and anyone who is already experienced with smaller DV and HDV cameras and is looking to step up to be able to use larger shoulder mounted cameras.

Pre-requisites
Experience using smaller cameras such as the Sony Z1 or Panasonic HVX 200