The Video Camera
Objective How does a camera work & the basic camera functions Review the different types of cameras How to set up a camera and tripod
Beam Me Up! All video cameras operate the same way: - They covert an image into an electronic signal which is converted by a television receiver or monitor
Pieces & Parts To make an image all cameras need 3 basic parts: The Viewfinder The Imaging Device The Lens
The Lens It determines what you see All lens are not the same! Lens are the most expensive part of the camera and sometimes cost more than the camera itself! They are classified in two ways: - Focal Length - Angle of View (wide & narrow) A Zoom lens has a variable focal length
Zoom Zoom Optical zoom - The zoom range: How close can you get from the farthest point - Optical zoom range is expressed in a ratio: 10:1, 20:1 etc. Digital zoom - Also expressed in a ratio: 10:1, 15:1 etc - The focal length does not change; the image is magnified - The more you zoom in, the less sharp the image becomes
Optical vs. Digital Zoom
Iris All lens have an iris It allows how much light is coming into the lens Acts like the pupil of your eye - In a bright scene, the less the iris is open - In a dim scene, the iris opens to let more light in Aperture: Adjustable hole in iris
Beam Splitter CCD Splits light into Red, Green & Blue CCD CCD
The Viewfinder
Types of Cameras Camcorders - Camera & recording device are combined ENG/EFP Cameras - Camera is attached to a separate recording device by a cable - Portable Studio Cameras - Stationary in studio - High quality - Uses camera chain: camera, power, sync & camera control unit
Video Connectors BNC S-Video RCA phono Firewire