Cycle 1a, Pre-Production, Camera

Camera

Power: The camera will not run without power

Two sources of power:

Battery
- Where and how does the battery connect to the camera
- How to charge a battery

AC (Alternating Current of 120 volts from standard household outlet)

Where and how does the AC connect to the camera

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Locate the power on switch

Most cameras operate in two modes:

Camera Mode. Used to record images and audio onto tape

VTR Mode. Video Tape Recorder mode allows for playback and searching of prerecorded images and audio.

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Tape: The camera needs video tape to record onto

Tape format:

Tape format is specific to your camera.

Typical digital video tape formats are:

Digital 8 (Hi8)
Mini DV

Label your tape immediately

Labeling tapes is a good habit to get into. More complicated projects can get out of control without good systems of labeling.

Label your tapes with at least the following information:

Name. A unique name that refers to the project or the producer

Date.

Reel Number. A unique number that can distinguish the tape from many in a project.

Insert the tape into the camera

Locate where and how the tape is inserted into the camera.

Be gentle and patient, do not force the camera or tape in any way.

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Record:

Before you can record you must:

Have power
Camera switched on to "Camera Mode"
A video tape inserted into the camera

Record Start and Stop

Many cameras have a record Standby and Lock switch, you must be on Standby to Record
The Record button is usually red. Push once to start recording and once to stop.

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