ONLINE VIDEO ON A BUDGET
Part Two: Essential accessories
Why you need a tripod
If you buy only one accessory for your camcorder, make it a tripod. The biggest difference between amateur and professional video is that a pro never shoots without one.
So the question isn't whether to buy a tripod but how good it has to be. And the answer is that a basic tripod is just fine for shooting news for the Web.
Filmmakers will want to invest in top-quality "fluid heads" that can pan, tilt and zoom smoothly. While you may still justify buying a fluid-head tripod to ensure smooth movement, you need not buy top of the line. News reporters should avoid panning, tilting and zooming, especially when shooting for the Web. (Video must be compressed for Web viewing and conveying motion is harder to render clearly than a series of static shots.)
| Pan, tilt & zoom |
When choosing a tripod, consider the following:
- Extending the Legs - Quick-release leg extensions make setting up your tripod quicker and easier than models where you must tighten screws. However, I can attest from personal experience that the tabs on some quick-release tripods are so stiff that you may find yourself cursing. As you might expect, the quick-release tabs on the more expensive models tend to work more smoothly.
- Attaching the camcorder to the tripod - Some older model tripods have you screw your camera directly onto the tripod. Most models today instead have you screw a quick-release plate onto the bottom of your camera and then place the plate into a holder on top of the tripod. The quick-release plate option is preferable, since screwing and unscrewing the camera risks damaging the threads, on the camera, which can lead to expensive repairs (don't ask).
- Do you need a tripod, a monopod or a steady bag? - If your budget allows, buy them all. A tripod is always the best option to keep your camcorder steady, but there are situatons where you may not be able to use one, either because there is no room to extend the legs or because security rules preclude them. (I discovered that the police will allow you to shoot video of the subway at Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C., as long as you don't use a tripod.) A monopod helps steady the camera, but you will still experience some shake. A steady bag (a bean bag on which you can place your camera) is a great option when conditions allow. Also consider a tabletop tripod. They often cost $20 or less and the models with bendable legs can solve a myriad of problems in tight places or ticklish situations.
Tripod |
Monopod |
Steady bag |
Tabletop |
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While it often makes sense to buy a camera online or by telephone, it makes good sense to try out the tripod in person. You want one that you can set up and tear down quickly and operate smoothly in a variety of different conditions.
External Microphones
You can make a quantum leap in the quality of audio in interviews if you invest in an external microphone. Low-end camcorders with an audio jack typically allow microphones with a quarter-inch plug. (Remember that you camcorder must have an external audio jack for you to use one.) High-end camcorders with XLR audio inputs allow you to use higher-quality microphones.
Unless you can afford an array of microphones, the basic choice is between a handheld and a lavalier (or lavaliere). A handheld or stick mic works well for standup interviews, where the reporter and the subject stand in front of the camera. Reporters will need some training and practice to keep the audio levels steady as they move the mic from one source to another, but handhelds provide a relatively inexpensive way to make a big improvement in sound quality.
Lavalier microphones are tiny mics that can be attached to your subject's clothing. Wireless versions, though more expensive, can also allow the subject to stand further away from the camera and even to move around as they narrate what they are showing you.
Boom microphones are another good option, but they require a boom operator. In most cases, reporters who shoot video for the Web will work solo.
Most microphones come with at least a rudimentary windscreen. In high winds, you may need to shield the microphone or substitute larger windscreens. (You can sometimes shield a lavaliere mic behind a lapel, though you must use care to avoid the noice of rustling clothing.)
Handheld mic |
Lavaliere |
Boom |
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- Battery alert - Most external microphones use AAA or AA batteries. Make sure to provide a supply and use fresh batteries each time you shoot.
Additional lenses
Most camcorders come with optical or digital zoom capability or both. (Click here for an explanation of the differences between the two.) But the bottom line for most newsrooms is that you will not need additional zoom lenses unless you expect to cover special situations such as sporting events where they may be useful.
You may, however, want to invest in a wide-angle lens (or a wide angle lens converter, which is less expensive), if one does not come with your camcorder. Just as still photographers quickly abandon the "normal" lens as they gain mastery, videographers often find that a wide-angle lens adds visual interest. In most cases, unless a wide-angle option comes with the camera, adding a relatively inexpensive (aproximately $150) wide-angle converter is a nicety but not a necessity.
Batteries
Camera battery life is an issue, especially since batteries in low-end camcorders can die quickly. Camcorders at the the Canon GL-2 level allow the option to use high-capacity batteries that can provide as much as four hours of shooting, but again, they do so at a price.
Invest in providing at least two and preferably three batteries for each camera. Pack a charger with each camera bag, including one that allows you to use an automobile cigarette lighter adapter, if available.
You can extend battery life substantially by using the eyepiece and not the LCD screen.
Cables
You need to know what kind of cables you need to move the video from the camera into the computer. Low-end computers may be limited to USB or USB 2.0, which are significantly slower than Firewire (IEEE 1394). You also need to check your computer to make sure that it has the appropriate USB or Firewire ports. (A regular USB port can accept information sent by USB 2.0, but at a slower rate.)
Many camcorders that are Firewire capable do not come with a Firewire cable included. This because you need to know what kind of Firewire port your computer offers before you know what kind of Firewire cable to buy. Most camcorders have a four-pin Firewire connector, but computers can offer either a four-pin or six-pin connector (or both). Since Firewire cables can cost $20 to $50 each, depending on the length, make sure you figure out which pin configuration you need before you buy.
Tips on tapes and cleaning supplies
It doesn't matter which kind of mini-DV tapes you buy, but stick with one brand. Tape manufacturers use different formulas to lubricate their tapes, so you can cause problems with the delicate heads on your camcorder if you switch from one brand to another.
- Cleaning tape heads - Some people prefer to send mini-DV camcorders back to the factory for cleaning, since the tiny tape heads are so delicate. You can also purchase tapes that will clean the heads, but not without some risk. (Using them is the equivalent of scraping an emery board on the tip of a ballpoint pen.) If you camcorder signals that the heads are dirty, run the head cleaner tape for no more than five seconds in playback mode. If that doesn't work, wait 30 seconds to allow the heads to cool off and try again. If you still get the message that the heads are dirty, send the camera in for professional cleaning. Also make sure you use the head cleaner tape only once and then discard it, even if the directions can you can re-use it one more time. (Better safe than sorry.)
Video Head Cleaning Tapes |
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- Cleaning camera lenses - For less than $10, you can purchase a lens cleaning kit that includes lens tissues, a blower, lens cloth, lens liquid and some Q-tips. You might also choose to assemble these items yourself for less. Avoid using any liquid cleaning solution on a lens unless the manufacturer provides assurance that it is safe to do so. Check the documentation that comes with your camcorder.
Camera bags and "go bags"
A good way to protect your investment is to buy a padded bag to transport your camcorder. Name brand camera bags can be pricey, so you may want to explore the possibilities at Meijer or Wal-Mart.
Another great investment is to buy a relatively small padded bag for the video camera and also a bigger "go bag" that houses your camera and all the other gear that goes with it. (Consider a go bag with wheels.)
You want reporters to be able to grab the go bag, confident that it will contain everything they need - camera, tripod(s), lenses, tapes, charged batteries (for the cameras, the microphones, etc.), charger(s), cables and cleaning supplies (head cleaner tapes and lens cleaning items). Establish a checklist and a system to check cameras in and out, especially if the klits will be shared.
Now that you have your equipment ready to go, it's time to grapple with decisions about which editing and compression software to use.
Online video on a budget
Bonnie Bucqueroux teaches digital jouralism at Michigan State University's School of Journalism and is a self-described Web geek.