Charge Couple Device (CCD) – A dimesized component of the camera head into which light enters and is converted into an electronic signal. The video signal exits on the opposite side of the CCD and enters the rest of the camera.

Gain – The strength of the video signal.

Viewfinder A small video monitor attached to the camera that allows the camera operator to view the images in the shot.

Zebra Stripes A special function on some viewfinders that displays black and white diagonal stripes on any object in a shot that is too brightly lit.

Lens : An assembly of several glass discs placed in a tube attached to the front of the camera.

Focus : The act of rotating the focus ring on the camera until the lines of contrast in the image are as sharp as possible.

Auto-Focus : A common feature on consumer cameras that keeps only the center of the picture in focus.

Zoom lenses : A camera lens assembly that is capable of magnifying an image merely by twisting one of the rings on the outside of the lens housing.  Also called a variable focal length lens.

Zoom in : The act of rotating a ring on the zoom lens so that the center of the picture appears to be moving toward the camera.

Zoom out: The act of rotating a ring on the zoom lens so that the center of the picture appears to be moving away from the camera.

Optical Center: The physical location within the lens assembly where an image is inverted.  Also called the focal point

Focal length: The distance (measured in millimeters) from the optical center, or the focal point, of the lens assembly to the back of the lens assembly.

Variable focal length: A lens in which the optical center can vary its position within the lens assembly, varying the focal length measurements as well.  Also called a zoom lens.

Aperture : The opening, adjusted by the iris, through which light enters into the lens.

Iris: A component of a lens that is comprised of blades that physically expand and contract, adjusting the aperture size.

Auto-iris circuit: A feature on many consumer and professional cameras that automatically examines the light levels coming into the camera and adjusts the iris according to generic standards of a good picture.

F-stop: A camera setting that determines the amount of light passing through the lens by controlling the size of the iris.

Docking: The process of attaching the camera head and recorder together to make a larger “camcorder”

Subjective camera: A hand-held camera technique, in which the camera itself becomes the eye of one cast member. The viewers see the world through the eyes of that character.

Pedestal column: A column in the center of a tripod used to raise or lower the camera Pedestal control: A crank on the side of the pedestal column that twist a gear to raise and lower the pedestal column

Hot: The state of a video camera when the image is being captured by the camera and is being recorded.

Tripod head: The assembly at the top of the pedestal column to which the camera attaches

Pan handle: A device attached to the back of the tripod head that allows the camera operator to move the tripod head while standing behind the tripod.

Pan: The horizontal movement of the camera. Tilt: The vertical movement of the camera.

Friction head: A mounting assembly on some tripods that stabilizes the camera using the pressure created when two pieces of metal are squeezed together by a screw.

Fluid head: A mounting assembly on some tripods that stabilizes the camera using the pressure between two pieces of metal and a thick fluid that provides additional resistance to movement.

Camera Care and Maintenance Cleaning a Dirty Lens Never touch a lens with your bare fingers Never use a cloth or tissue moistened with saliva to wipe a lens clean. Saliva ruins the lens!

Camera Care and Maintenance Cleaning a Dirty Lens Wipe dirt away using photographic lens paper only Use compressed air from a can to blow dirt off a lens. Never try to blow the dirt off with your mouth!

Post-Production Camera Care Lock pedestal and camera mounting head to prevent movement while not in use. Close the iris and attach the lens cap.

Post-Production Camera Care Move the camera to a safe location within the studio

Guidelines for care of camcorders: Remove the videotape from the camcorder. Close the iris and attach the lens cap Power-off all the camera functions (light, microphone, recorder)

Guidelines for care of a camcorder Detach the camera from the tripod when transporting equipment Place the camera in its case for storage and transport.