Learning About Cameras

 

Today, during class, we learnt about 3 different types of professional cameras and the basics in how to use them.

First we learnt about the Sony NX5. This particular camera is great for handheld shots as it is light and easily manoeuvred. People often use it to film in war zones because of its weight and also, as It is not very expensive, if it were too become damaged then it would not be costly to replace. The camera has a grip at the top also making it very easy to carry around. This is why film makers often use it for handheld shots. The microphone built in the camera also helps for picking up sounds when needed. The lens we used with this camera zoomed in and zoomed out. We played around with focusing at different points so that we could see the importance of this.

Then we learnt about the Canon EOS 5D. This camera is becoming increasingly used in the industry due to its high quality filming and processing. This camera is a lot heavier to use and does not have a grip like the Sony NX5, so it realistically needs a tripod. However, the Canon creates better quality images in my opinion. It is also a lot more expensive, which explains why it gives better quality images. The lens we worked with on this camera did not zoom in. This meant that we learnt how to focus professionally by using the circle dot with a line through it and a tape measure. This allowed for perfect quality images. We also learnt that on this specific lens, there were numbers on the lens which matched the measurements on the tape measure, which was how you got perfect focused images. I, personally, also was taught how to do a pull focus. Using the focus on the lens, you turned it slightly so that it focused on the object further and then turned it the opposing way to focus on the object nearer to you.

The last camera we learnt about was the Sony NEX FS100. This camera is very easy to use however also very professional. It is shaped more rectangular than the other two which makes it easier to hold as it balances out the weight. This camera is the one most frequently used to make music videos for our school coursework. The lens we worked with on this camera was similar to the one we used on the Sony NX5 as it zoomed in and zoomed out, however the quality of this lens was better therefore meaning the images created were better.

We also learnt how to successfully put up a tripod by twisting certain things on the side to loosen and tighten things. We also learnt how we can white balance. Find something that is quite, zoom the camera in on it and then click the white balance button. This balances the white in the room and makes it more realistic.

Sexy Beast and The Shining

In class, we looked at the opening title sequences of both Sexy Beast and The Shining. Both very different yet equally successful in introducing the genre of the film.

Sexy Beast, directed by Jonathan Glazer, is a British-Spanish crime film with actors such as Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley. The opening title sequence is comical and shows Ray Winstone sunbathing by his pool in the scorching heat. We can tell that the character is probably a gangster by his ridiculous tan, gold pretentious jewellery and cockney accent. We can also tell that the character is rich by the look of his house, and we can tell it is his house by the way he speaks to the younger man who works for him. The music in the background, peaches by the Stranglers, gives it attitude which the character has. This furthers that he is probably a gangster. The editing is very slow. This is to emphasise the heat of the sun and the character's laziness. It also emphasises the boulder falling at the end as it suddenly speeds up therefore creating a threat. The opening title sequence is comical through the character's costume, which is over the top, and through his lack of reaction when the boulder just misses him. The font used is pink and over the top. This is to reflect the character and the funky feel of the film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps2WwRjvQkY

The shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the book by Stephen King, is a British-American psychological horror film featuring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. The opening title sequence is mainly just scenery and music and no characters are shown. The frequent establishing shots illustrate to the audience where the film is to take place. As the shots evolve, the audience can see that the car driving is getting further and further away into the mountains. This is done to emphasise the length of the journey and the isolation of the destination which creates an eerie feel for the audience. This is furthered by the editing. The editing is very slow again to emphasise the length of the journey and to create suspense for the viewer. The music is a very important part to the opening title sequence. The music is slow and has wailing in it, which evokes fear from the viewer as the music creates a ghostly feel. The font used is bright blue and larger depending on the importance of the name being shown on the screen. This is because Kubrick would have wanted to congratulate those involved in the making of his masterpiece.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=the+shining+opening+scene&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=72505B16FD3F0E196B8B72505B16FD3F0E196B8B