How to Shoot Better Videos

Eight Tips on How to Shoot Better Videos

So, you want to create a nice video for the holidays? Don't worry. Even if you are new to the job, you can make your shots professional if you follow the ten tips listed below:

1. Know your video camera.

You can't possibly create professional looking videos if you don't know how to use your camera to its full capability. Start by learning the basic things that your camera can offer. Does it have zooming capabilities, audio recording, and auto focus? Is it possible to adjust its shutter speed, resolution, and auto timer? Know your camera from the inside out. Practice using it before the big event. Learn all of its features and all the other things it can do. Read its manual one or twice until you have mastered each and every one of its specifications.

2. Use a tripod.

You want to minimize the shakes of your video. A shaky video isn't fun to watch. If you don't have a tripod, make sure that you do other things to steady your hands. Lean your shoulders against something steady. Sit down and use your knees if you can't find anything steady. Some cameras have optical image stabilizers and digital image stabilization features. You can use them but you shouldn't rely on them entirely. They could lower the resolution or crop the video frame. A tripod is still your best option.

3. Minimize the use of digital zoom.

Digital zoom may sound like a good feature, but it won't be able to give you good resolution of your image. If you maximize the cameras zoom, then you'll end up with low resolution and grainy images, which definitely isn't the work of a professional. You can use optical zoom once in a while. But if you can, move closer to the object that you are filming.

4. Create proper lighting.

Digital cameras work well if there is sufficient lighting. So proper lighting is always key. No matter how good your camera is, if you use it in a relatively dark room, you'll end up with dim video footage. Use lighting even if it's broad daylight. You want your video to be perfect, right?

5. Ace the audio.

A digital video is only half created with nice, shake-free footage. Audio is the other half. Make sure that you have the right audio equipment installed. Some cameras have built-in audio. Use those if you can't settle for an external one. The use of a real microphone is best compared to the built-in microphones.

6. Pack extra batteries.

Pack as many batteries as you can. If your camera runs on a battery pack, get a spare one that is fully charged. You won't be able to shoot anymore than you have to if your camera isn't on. Plus, if you are using all the features of your camera, chances are, you are maxing out its batteries as well. Don't forget the charger if you use a rechargeable type of battery. If you run out of juice as you film, you won't make it to the Oscars.

7. Forget about your cameras special effects.

A lot of high quality camera boast about the special effects, slow motion, and letterboxing on your shots. If you really want effects on your video, do so using a good video editor. You will be able to do more with those than what your camera can give. Plus, it might make your pictures look blurry.

8. Film from different angles.

The fun of filming video would be capturing subjects at their best, and sometimes, their worst. Using a tripod may tempt you to set up your camera, sit back, and watch your movie as it progresses. But if you are creative, you won't be satisfied with one simple view of the whole scene. You might want to go to the left, the other side, up, and down.

These are the eight tips on how you can create high quality videos. Follow them all and you might just be the most sought after film maker in due time!

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