Top 10 Camcorder Tips

Camcorder Preparation

1. Clean the Camcorder Lens
   Get into the habit of regularly checking your camcorder lens for water spots or dust, as this will avoid hours of ruined footage. Buy a specialist camcorder lens cleaning kit and use it before any shoot. During filming give the camcorder lens a wipe whenever you get an opportunity.
2. Carry a Spare Camcorder Battery
   Battery life degrades over time and is usually made worse by filming in cool conditions. Having a spare charged camcorder battery is essential.
3. A Plug in Microphone
   If you plan to have your subject speak to the camera then consider buying a handheld microphone. These are inexpensive and can dramatically improve the quality of speech recorded on tape.
4. Wind Noise
   If you ever use your camcorder outside then invest in a fabric microphone cover. Wind noise is amplified by camcorder microphones and can ruin great footage. You will have seen TV presenter with woolly socks over their microphones - this is to reduce wind noise!
5. Plan the Shoot / Shoot the Plan
   Before you turn the camcorder on, think through what you are trying to achieve. Who will be watching the footage? What will they want to see? Five minutes planning will help you make sure your output will be both entertaining and relevant.

Filming with a Camcorder

1. Minimise Zoom
   Try to avoid using the zoom facility on your camcorder wherever possible. You are far more likely to see camera shake on a heavily zoomed shot. Use the zoom facility between shots to compose your picture. Digital zoom should NEVER be selected unless it is essential to film something at long range where you cannot physically get closer to the subject. Never zoom in while you are recording in low light conditions - the auto focus system will not work consistently. If you do use the zoom while filming try to restrict it to zooming out - the auto focus is less likely to hunt or fluctuate while doing this.
2. Maximise Camcorder Stability
   Increased stability means better pictures. Use a tripod or lean against objects around you such as cars, trees, walls, other people etc. If it helps you keep the camcorder still then it is worth doing.
3. Think About Light
   Camcorders struggle in poor light conditions. If you can increase the light where you are filming then the quality of your footage will improve. Turning on lights when filming indoors will help, but look out for silhouettes. If natural light is available then try to maximise it. If you have no other option then use your camcorders night filming setting if available.
4. Long Play v Normal Play
   Many camcorders have the capability to recorder at a slower film speed to maximise tape length. Avoid using this feature if possible as there is a noticeable degradation in quality that can become a problem when transferring footage to DVDs or other tapes. Camcorder tapes are not expensive. Using long play, when using a camcorder, is a false economy.
5. Hold your shots for three seconds longer
   A common mistake is to stop recording too soon. Try to hold your shot for three seconds longer than 'feels' right. This will allow plenty of time to insert scene transitions if your footage is to be edited.