The key to a successful shoot, is to get to know the equipment before filming. This saves time, and problems, which often take place during the shoot when the cinematographer doesn't know what they are doing.
A few easy areas to consider include:
Manual Focus
Unlike auto focus, in which the camera itself focus' on what it thinks is the main subject, manual focus leaves the decision up to the cinematographer, giving them ultimate control on areas of focus. This is very effective in extreme close-up shots and can be used creatively to shift from one area of the frame to another, switching the focus from something in the foreground to something in the background.
Exposure
Exposure controls the amount of light that is let into the camera. Too much light, and the image will appear washed out, and details will not be seen. Too little light, and the image will appear too dark, and again, details will not be seen. It is important to get the correct exposure for the conditions in which you are filming in.
This technique is useful when filming in daylight, and wanting it to look like dusk, as it is difficult to make filming at night look lighter, so the camera picks up images. In contrast, it can increase the brightness of scenes, such as windows or white rooms, which could be used to give a dreamy effect.
White balance
White balance effects the colour casting of the image, an incorrect white balance can make an image have a blue, orange or green tinge to it. Auto white balance (AWB) will try and read the colour temperature of what you are trying to film, but sometimes may get it incorrect. For certain situations, the camcorder has individual settings for different locations. Such as a daylight setting, or a cloudy setting for filming outside.
White balance can be used to create effects, such as tints, to your filming. These can go against the correct white balance setting, for example, setting a blue tint to create a 'cold' scene which can look more creative.
Program (P) Settings
Portrait, sports, spotlight, night, etc
are pre-set setting which may change the way the camcorder films. Sports is used for when filming fast moving subjects, it reduces blur by having the setting at a higher shutter speed, and sets the exposure accordingly. Portrait setting increases a high shutter speed and a opens up the aperture to create a short depth of feild, allowing focus on a close up.
Special Equipment
A Camera Dolly is a piece of equipment which holds the camera, and allows a smooth movement of the camera whilst filming. Mainly used for the tracking shot, the Camera Dolly has wheels which allows it to move as a unit, as well as being on an extendable and moveable beam.
