Digital Video Camcorder Setup and Tips

Camcorder Settings:

-Audio Record Mode should be 16-bit, not 12-bit

-so it will sound better. Also, some editors can not play 12-bit.

-This option can be found in Menu under Rec Mode

-Record Speed should be SP (Standard Play), not LP (Long Play)

-so it is less likely to have problems during playback.

-This option can be found in Menu under Rec Mode

-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilizer) should be OFF unless you need it to compensate for shaky camera motions.

-It makes the video a little dark & grainy and the motion a little jerky.

-In some models, the button is on the top of the camera, in other models, EIS is found in the Menu under Camera.

-If you can see the Date & Time in the viewfinder, it is being recorded on your video.

To turn it on or off: go to Menu and then to Display Settings.

MiniDV Tape Cassette:

-The Safety Tab on a miniDV cassette must be:

-to the right to allow recording;

-to the left to save (and prevent accidental erasing).

Shooting Tips:

-Take a few minutes to learn how this camera works: what are its features and how to select/deselect them.

-Use a tripod so your video is not shaky. It always looks shakier during playback than when you were shooting.

-Move the camera slowly and smoothly.

-Use a lapel microphone clipped onto your subject whenever possible. You can also use it as a handheld mic.

It will give you much better audio that just using the built-in mic, which also records room noise,

camera operator whispers, and other unwanted sounds.

-Check the lapel microphone battery and the mic’s ON/OFF switch.

-Use headphones to listen to the audio when recording. That is how you know it is loud enough,

that it does not have a nasty buzz, or that it you are actually getting any audio at all (did you turn the microphone on?).

-Don’t shoot towards a bright window or the sun. Have the window or sun behind you, illuminating your scene.