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.