Chapter 6: Camera Operation

1
Chapter 6 Camera Operation Picture
Composition
2
Working with the Studio Camera

• Studio camera is always mounted on a camera
  support
• Usually studio pedestal
• All electronic adjustments are made by you
• Adjustments made at the CCU

3
Steps to perform

• Before the Show
• Headsets
• Put on the headset
• Check intercom system is functioning.
• Should hear the director
• Camera
• Unlock pan-and-tilt mechanism on camera
• Adjust the drag
• Check camera is balanced
• Unlock the pedestal. Work on pedestal up and down

4
Steps to Perform

• Before the Show
• Camera Cable
• How much do you have
• Any obstacles
• Remember Move cable out of the way. Dont run
  over it
• Zoom lens
• Check lens
• Zoom in and out
• Any problems? Full range?
• Preset a few zoom positions.
• Is the lens clean?

5
Steps to Perform

• Before the show
• Rack focus
• Move from one extreme to the next.
• Can you do so easily? Smoothly?
• Calibrate the zoom
• Zoom all the way in on the target object in zoom
  range
• Focus on far object
• Zoom all the way back to the widest-angle setting
• Should now remain in focus

6
Steps to Perform

• Before the Show
• If have a shot sheet, practice
• If teleprompter, if it functional?
• If you leave your camera LOCK IT DOWN
• Do not leave camera unlocked and walk away.
• Consider locking parking brake too
• Cap camera if leaving for substantial periods

7
During the Show

• Put on headset
• Do you hear the director
• Unlock the camera
• Recheck pan and tilt
• Focus
• If on a person, focus on the hairline determine
  the sharpest focus.
• Or focus on the eyes.

8
During the Show

• If you will dolly with a zoom,
• Set lens at the wide angle position
• Preset focus midpoint of dolly distance
• Dollying the camera
• Start slowly to overcome inertia
• Slow down just before the end of the dolly or
  truck
• If you have a difficult truck or arc, get the
  floor director or P.A. to assist.
• Concentrate on camera operation
• Keep both hands on panning handles.
• Keep your had on the focus control. Steer with
  other hand.

9
During the Show

• If you pedestal up or down, brake the camera
  before it hits the highest or lowest level
• Generally keep shots at talents eye level.
• Before a dolly, determine the approximate reach
  of the camera cable.
• If moving, put the extra cable over your shoulder
  or on the pedestal. Dont hold it in your hands.
• Avoid dragging cable. Sound may be picked up on
  camera.

10
During the Show

• During shoot, be aware of all movemet around you
• Where are the other cameras?
• Where are the microphones?
• Where is the floor monitor?
• Where are classmates? Talent?
• Watch scenery, props, lights, rugs

11
During the Show

• In general, keep eyes on the viewfinder.
• When your camera is not HOT, look for the next
  shot.
• Ad-lib the shot sheet, unless told otherwise by
  the director
• Watch your tally light. When your camera is hot,
  DO NOT refocus zoom or change shot unless told to
  by director.

12
During the Show

• During rehearsal, notice any problems.
• Focus
• Camera shadow
• Remember the type and sequence of shots director
  has requested.
• Make a not of the shot sheet for the other
  camera.
• When one shot is done, move to the next, unless
  told otherwise by the director.

13
During the Show

• Work with talent, director and floor director to
  mark critical camera positions and talent
  positions on the floor.
• From this position, set the zoom
• Listen to what the director calls for all camera
  operators, not just you.

14
After the Show

• Wait for all clear signal
• Move camera to a safe location in studio
• Lock the camera
• Coil cable in a figure 8