Whether
you use MiniDV, Digital8, VHS, VHS-C, 8mm
or Hi8, always start with a new tape and
remember to record in the "SP" speed.
You will have better quality video, editing will be faster and you will end up with
a better finished video.
Before
shooting, always leave at least 15 seconds of black (no video or audio) at the very
beginning of the tape. Most video tape wear occurs where it loads against the video heads
of your equipment. If damage should occur, it would be in black, not in your video.
When shooting,
start recording early and keep recording a little past where you want to stop. Avoid
leaving "snow" or no video on your tape. Start your next shot in the video of
the last.
Don't tape your
subject in front of a window or bright light - it will make your subject dark. Always try
to have lights behind you, so they will illuminate your subject.
Avoid using
auto-focus if you will have people walking in front of the camera or if your subject is
much closer than your background.
Use a
light. Unless you are outside on a sunny day, a camera light or other light source
will improve the quality and color of your video.
In general, closer
shots are always better than wider shots.
Use a tripod
whenever possible. It will keep your shots more stable and make your tapes more enjoyable
to watch.
If your audio
is important, you will get better results with a separate microphone. Your audience
will be able to understand and enjoy the audio you record without the ambient noise that
can come with a camera microphone.
When you are
finished shooting, flip the record tab to prevent accidental erasure. Also, be sure
to label your video tapes with dates and descriptions of its content.
