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Hot Cinematography How-Tos

iOS 17 Tips, Tricks, How-Tos, News

How To: Adjust audio on the Canon XH-A1 Digital Camcorder

Do you own the Canon XH-A1 Digital Camcorder? If so, you might want to check out this lengthy video tutorial that shows you the ins and outs to the Canon XH-A1, the High Definition digital camera for the professional and serious non-pro alike. Learn how to make manual adjustments to fine-tune your audio by setting the mic mode with the onboard microphone or an external mic, along with alternative microphones. This shows a bunch of tips and tricks for you cameramen and sound pros.

How To: Use the Canon XH-A1 Digital Camcorder

Do you own the Canon XH-A1 Digital Camcorder? If so, you might want to check out this lengthy video tutorial that shows you the ins and outs to the Canon XH-A1, the High Definition digital camera for the professional and serious non-pro alike. Learn how to make manual adjustments to fine-tune your video by adjusting the Shutter Priority Mode (Tv), the Manual and Auto Focus, the Exposure, and much, much more. This shows a bunch of tips and tricks for you cameramen.

How To: Export your stop motion films with iKITMovie

iKITMovie is stop motion animation software for PC's running Windows XP or Vista. All you need is a computer and a USB webcam or USB streaming camcorder and you are ready to make your own brickfilms or clay animation (claymation) movies. If you wish, you can simply import your JPG images (640x480) that you have already taken with your camcorder or digital still camera for simple editing.

How To: Set up a handheld Zacuto Letus35 Elite on an HVX200

In this demonstration, you will see how to build an HVX200 up with a Zacuto Letus35 Elite DOF Baseplate and Backfocus kit in a handheld setup. These three videos will show you how to build the HVX200 setup from nothing, start to finish. The first step to setting up the package is the baseplate, just like most cameras. If you want, you can even add a monitor to the setup to see what you're doing when filming.

How To: Build a homemade steadycam camera stabilizer

In this video tutorial, you'll see how you can build a homemade steadycam camera stabilizer for under fifty bucks. This is more specifically how to build the JayCam MkII Merlin-type camera stabilizer from Jay Shaffer. He demonstrates how to use inexpensive parts to make a versatile stabilizer for camcorders like the Canon HV30. This is a great steadycam addition for anyone in need of DIY cinematography tricks, because real steadycams can be costly.

How To: Use the Zacuto Zube

Zacuto Zube Tutorial Use this coupling device in-between a Zacuto male and female threaded rods to securely connect them. After tightening the Allen screw on the Zoupler (Male or Female ), the rods are locked and cannot unwind, creating a rock solid connection.

How To: Shoot your first movie

Shooting will probably be the most exciting part of making your first movie, and possibly the most challenging, too. Follow these steps to make the best use of your cameras. Fun filmmaking tutorial for first time filmmakers. This how to video will help you avoid beginner mistakes when shooting your first movie.

How To: Build a steadycam for small hybrid digital cameras

Need to shoot a film for class and realized you don't have a Fisher Dolly and your cinematographer's hands are a little to shaky for what you would consider good filmmaking? Well, this video tutorial will show you how to make your very own steadycam. Check out how a nautilus design transforms into a more suitable steadycam; the gimbal is the key, and gimbals are very hard to find, especially the right one.

How To: Set the aperture and shutter speed on the HV20

This is a cinematography tutorial video that demonstrates how to control the aperture and shutter speed on the HV20 high definition camcorder. This is the PAL version, so it's basically the same except the NTSC version would have different shutter speeds. You will also need a miniSD card in your camera for this technique to work. Learn how to set the aperture and shutter speed on the HV20 high definition camcorder with this instructional cinematography video.

How To: Use the Milo Motion Control system rig

This gem, an extensive cinematography video tutorial on Motion Control systems by Mark Roberts Motion Control. In some ways this video is an advertisement for the systems they create, but there is a lot of useful knowledge shared that transfers to planning, shooting, and compositing with lesser tools. This instructional video explains what motion control is and the features of the Milo Motion control system rig. A ton of fantastic commercial and music video creative work is shown, with shot b...

How To: Use the JVC GY-DV5100U professional camcorder

Check out this cinematography tutorial video that demonstrates how to use the GY-DV5100U Professional DV Camcorder. JVC has upgraded the camera's features and digital processing circuits to meet the requirements of a growing number of broadcasters looking for cost effective alternatives to the over-priced tapeless solutions of other manufacturers. This video is great for cinematographers and filmmaking aficionados alike. Learn all the functions and settings on the GY-DV5100U with this instruc...

How To: Use the JVC DR-DV5000 Direct To Edit

Check out this cinematography tutorial video that demonstrates how to use your professional JVC DR-DV5000 Direct to Edit (DTE). The DR-DV5000 is designed to mount directly to your JVC GY-DV5100 and turn it into a DV-Disk recording solution. It becomes possible to shoot directly to disk or simultaneously to tape and disk. The DTE capture files are a mirror image of what's recorded. Learn everything there is to know about the DR-DV5000 with this instructional cinematography video and start usin...

How To: Load the Arriflex SRII magazine

Check out this instructional cinematography video to learn how to load 16mm film into the Arriflex SRII magazine. Professor Plow demonstrates the process of loading the Arri SR2 mag. To start loading the feed side, it needs to be done entirely in the changing bag, in a light tight environment. This cinematography tutorial video is ideal for serious film enthusiasts and professionals alike.

How To: Install the Nikon mount on a RED ONE camera

Check out this instructional cinematography video to learn how to install the Nikon mount on a professional RED ONE camera. This is not an official method, but simply one way to do it until RED officially releases its own how to video. If you don't have steady hands, you may want to take more precautions into covering the sensor while you work. This video tutorial does an excellent job of guiding you step by step along the way to better utilize your RED ONE camera.

How To: Make linear tracks on the Technik Skater

Watch this professional cinematography video to learn how to make linear tracks on the P+S Technik SKATER Mini dolly to better utilize and maximize its performance. It's actually extremely fast to get the Skater ready to shoot. Learn how to make straight tracks inward as well as a typical linear tracking shot. View final footage of the Skater used on professional film sets.

How To: Pan and Lock on the Technik Skater

Watch this professional cinematography video to learn how to pan and lock to enhance and maximize the performance of the P+S Technik SKATER Mini dolly. This allows you to either lock the wheels for fixed camera angles, or execute basic panning shots. View final footage of the Skater used on professional film sets.

How To: Use the Steadybag on the Technik Skater

Watch this professional cinematography video to learn how to use the Steadybag to enhance and maximize the performance of the P+S Technik SKATER Mini dolly. The Steadybag allows you to work with angled shots. Just place the bracket into the frame of the skater and then place the camera on top of it. View final footage of the Skater used on professional film sets.

How To: Build a hand held steadicam

Don't take shaky footage? Make a homemade steadicam and use it to prevent jumpy shots. You will need two lawn mower wheels, nuts, PVC pipe, a tri pod head, a bar, wood, and zip ties. Watch this video cinematography tutorial and learn how to build a hand held steadicam from simple materials.

How To: Make a bicycle camera mount

Shoot an action-packed close up, or film while you're biking around. All you need to do is build a simple bicycle camera mount. You'll need a tripod mount, PVC pipe, pliers, bungee cord, a U bolt and a bike. Watch this video cinematography tutorial and learn how to build a bicycle camera mount.

How To: Understand television interlacing

Interlacing is not evil. In fact, it's a brilliant solution to some really thorny technological problems. This segment explains exactly how interlacing works, why it's important, when you want to use it and how to get rid of it when you don't. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to understand interlacing.

How To: Make a Steadicam flying camera support

Garret Brown's original Steadicam® is an icon that revolutionized filmmaking. Being the first and the best, it naturally and justifiably commands a premium price. It is for this reason that homemade DIY Flying Camera Supports have been around since at least 1977, just one short year after Mr. Brown's invention. With this tradition in mind, learn the two fundamental principles behind the Steadicam and how to build your own Flying Camera Support by watching this video filmmaking tutorial.

How To: Understand depth of field while focusing a camcorder

Depth of Field (DoF) is easy to understand, but it is often extremely poorly explained. It's all about selective focus. For consumers with conveniently small camcorders, you only have two options: get your subject away from the background and then (1) zoom in or (2) get the subject close to the camera. No 35mm lens adapters, no secret techniques, no complex math: That's it!