Student Resources
SONY DVCAM OPERATING PROCEDURES
Make sure to keep your equipment together, everything has been numbered and labeled for easy group identification. You will need to check out a camcorder, tripod, light kit, microphone and cord, and batteries. Please place the camcorder back into its case the way you took it out, with the labels facing up. Do not leave 328 Sallee Hall without completing a sign-out sheet, having the sheet signed by the broadcast engineer, broadcasting student worker or faculty/staff. Failure to complete a sign-out sheet will result in the suspension of ENG equipment privileges.
All members of the news team--videographer, reporter and editor--must sign the check-out sheet in order to get credit for the shoot.
Once at the shoot location, your first step is to set up your tripod. The tripod is kept together with ring hooks at the base of its legs. Once you un-hook the legs, spread the tripod out and unlock the leg extensions. You will need to have the tripod set up so the camera will be eye-level with your subject. After finding the height, turn the locks back until you hear them "click", which locks them into position. There is a level bubble on the head of the tripod, which will provide the camera with a level position. Loosen the knob under the tripod head, manipulate the tripod head until the bubble is in the center, then retighten the knob. Please do not over torque the knob. Remember, when locking and unlocking parts on the camera, please don’t over torque the locks.
Next, get the tripod adapter out of the camera case and slide it into the top of the tripod. There is a small tightener on the side, which locks the adapter in place. Now you are ready for the camera. It will fit on top of the adapter and lock itself into place. Slide the camcorder forward along the slot, until it clicks firmly into place. Check it to make sure it is secure in the adapter.An overlooked, yet basic procedure is next; placing the battery into the battery pack at the rear of the camcorder.
You can now power the camcorder by moving the power switch to "on". (Left side, near the bottom) You should now see readings in the display window for the battery, tape, audio and counter. On the top of the camcorder, push the eject button to open the cassette holder and insert the cassette. Press on "push" on the cassette holder solidly to close the holder. The next step is to set the filter control (on front left side, near base of lens). Filter 1 (one) is for studio or inside lighting; filter 2 (two) is for outside, sunny conditions and filter 3 (three) is for cloudy or rainy outdoor shooting. Filter 4 (four) is an outdoor, sunny filter, but for special conditions and will not be used. Check the switch settings on the side of the camcorder (above the on/off switch). The GAIN switch should be in "L". The OUTPUT/DL/DCC+ switch should be on "CAM/DCC+". The W. BAL (white balance) switch should be in memory "A".
Just above the switches is the A.IRIS MODE switch and indicator. For normal shooting, it should be on "STD" or standard.Just below the display window is an operation panel, which is accessed by opening the cover.
On the right of the panel are the controls for the audio. You can set the audio switches for AUTO (automatic gain control) or MAN (manual adjustment) for each channel. The audio knobs are just above the switch. Just below are the input selection switches. For our purposes, be sure that Channel 1 or 2 is switched to the "rear" placement, which allows for a microphone connection. If either or both channel(s) is/are selecting "front" the audio will only come from the front mounted microphone. Check the indicators for levels. Towards the center of the operation panel is the monitor select switch. You can select what channel(s) you want sent to a small camcorder speaker. It is recommended you keep this switch set to MIX.
Make sure to take off the lens cap and place it in the camcorder case. Otherwise it will get left behind or lost. Your focusing ring is at the front of the lens. On the right side of the lens is the power zoom switch. Pushing the switch down on "W" will allow the camcorder to zoom out toward wide angle and pushing on "T" will zoom toward telephoto. Next to the zoom switch is the iris selector. It is recommended the iris is selected "A" (automatic) for normal shooting.
Also on the right side is the VTR button. This button starts and stops recording on the VTR. Press it once to start recording, and once more to stop. To white balance the camcorder, place a white subject (paper, cloth etc.) under the same lighting conditions and zoom in on it so that as far as possible the whole screen in white. Push the WHT/BLK switch in the WHT (white) direction. During the adjustment, "auto white OP" appears in the viewfinder. After the adjustment is complete, the viewfinder should read "auto white OK" plus a color temperature. If the message reads, "auto white NG", repeat the process. Remember, if you are using lights, white balance AFTER you have set your lighting and turned on the light(s). You are now ready to begin recording. Remember to allow the tape one minute of preroll at the beginning. If you don’t, you may not be able to digitize that part of the video later in the editing process.
THE CAMERA IS NOT AUTO-FOCUS.
To focus, zoom all the way into your subject, turn the focus ring until the subject is focused and sharp. Then zoom out and set up your shot. If during the shoot, your subject and/or the camera moves, you must refocus. To refocus, zoom all the way into your subject again, turn the focus ring until the subject is focused and then zoom out and reset your shot.
Placement of Microphone:
If using a hand-held microphone, please make sure that the microphone is not visible in the frame during the interview. If is okay to see the microphone during a reporter's stand-up.
During the strike process, please hold onto the camera tightly BEFORE you release the tripod lock. Place the lens cap back on the front of your camera. Gently replace the camera into its case. Also, be careful not to burn yourself on the light. The light is very hot. So turn it off immediately and repack it last.
When you return to 328 Sallee Hall, please have your equipment checked in by the engineer, student worker or faculty/staff member. Make sure the engineer, student worker or faculty/staff member signs the check-out sheet indicating that all equipment has been returned.
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