What Makes a Great Video Camera?

Let's start with the cold, hard facts. Not all cameras are created equal. In this modern world where everything is already technology driven, you must have the best video camera to capture moments and memories. You must now be aware that in order for you to capture those moments with perfection, you must also look for the "close-to-perfect" camera. Here is a list of some things you need to make sure of when buying video cameras.

1. Storage- I put this one first because most video cameras nowadays store data in memory cards or hard drives. In case you have different needs, there are still cameras that store data on tapes or discs.

2. Resolution- Digital video recording is all about pixels. Simply put, the more pixels there are, the more detailed your recordings will be. But make sure you check the "true resolution" because there are some companies that put other types of resolution values that have nothing to do with the quality of the videos.

3. Low Light performance- If you plan on using your video cam indoors, it's best if you look for a video camera with good low light performance. This is to ensure that your recordings will be good enough even in poorly lighted conditions like inside the house where most stuff happen.

4. Zoom- Take note that in camera lingo, there are two types of zoom - optical and digital. Make sure you focus on optical zoom because it retains clarity.

5. Image Stability- Aside from image quality, one of the most common problems with video recording are shaky pictures. Make sure you are very comfortable with the camera. While in the store, try holding the camera up and imagine operating it. Check if the weight distribution is fine and also check if you can easily reach for the controls while operating the device.

6. Interconnectivity- Simply, make sure you can connect your camera to devices you want to connect them to. USB ports and HDMI ports are pretty common and may be all you need in your video camera.

7. Sound quality- Sometimes, people forget that half of a video recording is the sound. Unfortunately, built-in microphones on most digital camcorders fail to filter out noise. Try to check if your camera has a port for an external microphone if ever you need to boost the sound reception.

8. Research- Use all available resources so you can have a better idea of what camera is best for you. You can also check personal reviews from people who actually own certain cameras. This way, you can get first hand information about the device, its capabilities and its faults.

For more great tips on digital video cameras please come and visit our website at http://www.palm-store.com/, you won't be disappointed.

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10 Guiding Principles for Aspiring Film Makers

I have always been obsessed with creating excellence in everything I do. In my quest for excellence as a film maker, I have traveled the world learning the tools and techniques as a result of being on the 'front line', filming in countless different environments in almost every continent (I never got to Antarctica!). However, no matter where and what I was filming, the approach in each and every case was fundamentally the same.

There are some guiding principles that drive what I do. I thought I would share 10 of the main ones here with you today. Then, in future posts, we'll move onto the specifics of increasing your film making confidence and knowledge as rapidly as possible.

So here are my 10 guiding principles for success as a film maker. I'll be coming back to each of these in detail in the weeks and months ahead:

1) Most aspiring film makers are not confident enough to go out and shoot for money. It's only the lack of knowledge that prevents their confidence from brimming. I remember my first ever shoot for the BBC, I was petrified I'd mess it up, sweating nervously. Just simply because of a lack of experience and knowledge (at that time). There's no short cut here, but I can accelerate this for you.

2) If you're not out shooting projects, you'll never get over the confidence hurdle. Experience comes from making lots of mistakes, but learning fast! I have got literally dozens of stories of screwing up on location, yet I was always working. The secret is knowing how to fix a problem, always have a Plan B.

3) What defines a film maker anyway? And who has the right to say you can't be one? You don't need to spend huge sums on all the gadgets or the very latest kit AND it DOES NOT and SHOULD NOT prevent you from creating great work. But knowing how to do it on a budget, there's the magic formula! Buying 'stuff' is really easy.... making stuff takes some effort.

4) You have 8 seconds to make an impact on a new visitor to your website. If you don't get them in the first 8 seconds, they'll move on to the next site, so if you want them to watch your film, better make the opening shot count! Try this next time your 'browsing the web', ask yourself "what's interesting for me?", "what am I looking for?

5) Execution is the greatest tool available for film making success. Becoming great at realising your vision and 'making it happen' will make you a confident and great film maker. There's only so much theory you can consume before you have to apply yourself.

6) If you shoot for money, your prices are almost certainly too low. But if you don't have the confidence to charge more, perhaps this is holding you back. There's a commonality amongst creatives and it's about money, have you ever felt that it's almost 'frowned upon' to charge 'too much?'. Let me tell you something, those people who frown only do so because they're envious. Be proud of your prices. If you truly believe that you give your clients exceptional service and value and that they benefit, then you are providing huge value, just make sure you reflect this in your pricing. Think about it, when do you ever buy anything that's so important and look for the 'cheapest'?

7) Being a Film maker can be tough, but just being a spectator is much, much worse. You've made the right decision (or maybe you're about to make the right decision). Film making is one of the most rewarding vocations ever and there has never before been so many platforms on which to showcase your work. But more exciting are the number of businesses you can approach to create compelling films that will not only be creative wonders but also help the client promote their product, service or widget. Make films and get paid? Imagine!

Everyone can learn to be a great film maker, it's a choice. Nobody will tell you this but becoming a confident and successful film maker is actually fairly straightforward. Study and duplicate success. It's (almost) as simple as that.

9) The most important factor in creating film making success is your mindset and thinking. That's why a significant proportion of my work is focused on building your confidence and teaching you how to follow a process when shooting. Once you master this, you will be amazed at how easy it is to replicate in ANY situation.

10) Nothing I tell you will ever be theory. I can now go into any situation, light it, shoot it and know with absolute certainty that it will edit together well and look fantastic but getting there was not always easy. All my skills and experience were developed in 'the trenches'. If I can save you from some of the hurdles I had to jump over, I will have done a good job.

Den Lennie is an award winning veteran of a 17 year career in television production with credits as Lighting Cameraman, DOP, Producer and Director. He's worked with broadcasters, production companies and top film-makers from all over the world, filming in nearly 50 countries. The list of people Den has personally lit and filmed reads like a Who's Who of celebrities from the world of cinema and music: Ewan McGregor, U2, Bon Jovi, Liam Neeson, Kylie Minogue, Mel Gibson, Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, Christina Aguilera, Tom Cruise and Naomi Campbell are just a few of the names Den has captured on film or video. He's worked at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo, the MTV and Mobo awards ceremonies and at London Fashion Week. Den's career has also taken him into the field of news and documentaries, of property and travel programmes - winning Royal 2 x Television Society awards in the UK.

He now dedicates all of his time when not filming to http://www.fstopacademy.com/ an alternative film making education resource offering Online Film Making Courses, Practical Training, Mentoring and Hands on Workshops for Aspiring Film Makers Who Don't have the time or desire to go to film school.

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Why Short Films Sink Like the Titanic

Any movie under forty-minutes classified as a short film. An audience attention span however at film festivals tested if shorts run over twenty minutes. Why do so many shorts miss the mark? Two reasons, the first bad audio. You should not strain to hear the actors speak. The second reason lies with the story itself or lack thereof. The very crux of why short films sink like the Titanic.

Narrator's Voice Over

If you watch a short with a narrator's voice over, this called a "cheat." This device tells the story instead of allowing the plot to develop. Directors untrained in the craft of screenwriting who write their own short film scripts often take this route. The burden of the story then falls on the narrator. That leaves trite exchange of dialogue between characters.

Untrained Actors

Line reciting runs amuck in short films. Untrained actors deliver stifled performances. Without organic delivery of lines, the dialogue sounds shallow. Directors complain they cannot find good talent where they live. Excuses however do not cover the fact the film looks and sounds amateurish.

Poor Dialogue

Even a trained actor can muddle through a poorly written short film script. However, mix bad acting with poor dialogue equals disaster. A good story reveals conflict through dialogue and character's actions. Many shorts however full of exposition within the actor's lines.

Poor Pacing

Short do not have the luxury of time. If a short takes a minute to establish shots and roll opening credits, that time floundered. The audience yawns with boredom. Establish the main character's motive within the first two minutes. Establish the conflict within the first three minutes. That will catapult the story into the second act by the fourth minute. Time is of the essence.

Predictability

End of world stories, teenagers-in-woods horror or someone dies in a drama. Ideas for short films must conceptualize a new angle. End of world story where only women survive. Replace teenagers in the woods with characters who have environmental degrees. Replace near death dramas set in a world where death does not exist. Think outside-of-the-box.

Conclusion

Shorts must grab your attention that first minute. Good storytelling reveals character. Quick pace, solid interaction of characters and a cohesive point makes for a good film. Aspiring filmmakers crank out shorts like a game instead of a craft. As an audience member, you must sift through the chaff to find the wheat. However, the good grain of short films rare indeed.

Chuck G. is a freelance writer and blogger. She's written hundreds of articles on a variety of subjects. Expert researcher, creative writer, screenwriter, filmmaker and poet. Resume

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