Sony has long been in the forefront of the digital video phenomenon and with this version, they have taken it a step further with a built-in 240 Gb hard drive that is protected by HDD Smart protection that prevents damage to the drive and data stored within should the camera be dropped onto the floor during filming. They have also introduced a whole line of mini-DVD based recorders that allows quick recording direct to DVD’s for playing on any device (varies for some players may jump at such a small sized DVD). The mounted drive can store up to 101 hours of video at a full Sony HD format of 1920X1080 resolution. Using a 1/2.88″ proprietary Exmor R CMOS sensor with ClearVid array, it takes sharp and absolutely stunning video and stills. It has better low-light shooting capabilities due to an innovative add on to the CMOS sensor array that has a back-light that allows it to capture more light and is almost similar to how night vision camera’s work, bouncing light into the sensor getting more light in .

Continued on the next post……..

All video cameras have lens controls built into them. You can choose between two setting, wide angle and telephoto. Many amateur videographers commit the mistake of alternating the two setting between frames. The lens control is not there for creating effect. It is simply a feature to ensure the sharp recording of your images.
The wide-angle setting is ideally used for close shooting. It basically captures images with deeper depth of field. On the other hand, telephoto is usually applied to distance shooting. To get better focus on a distant subject, it is best to use telephoto. However it tends to create a more flat image as the depth of field is shallow.

HDD Video Cameras are basically cameras with built-in memory. The models available in the market today have either 30 GB or 60 GB memory space. Because they do not use external memory devices, these video cameras are relatively smaller and arguably easier to handle. However, these plus points are with disadvantages too. Some might argue that grip is compromised because of the size. Controls are more difficult to manage since they are usually clumped together in a small place. The memory space is also threading the line. Having no device to accommodate extra memory, this camera is definitely not designed for serious videographers.

Analog video cameras are getting rarer and rarer these days with the rise of the digital format. If you believe that analog is still the way to go, maybe it is time to rethink your stand. Switching to digital format makes editing faster because it is compatible with computers and also because there are a lot of cheap video editing software that you can choose from. You can apply a multitude of graphics, transitions and other effects that were unheard of from an amateur user back then. With just a small budget, you can produce high-quality videos to your heart’s content.

How well do you know you video-recording? Check out if you know the following basic facts to find out:
• Exposure is controlling the amount of light that passes through the subject. Too dark will create grainy pictures, too light will washout images
• Point-of-view is basically the recorded image as seen through the eyes of the one taking the shot. It is essentially the personal input a videographer has on the image produced.
• Depth of Field is the separation of the subject in the foreground from the back to create a 3D effect.
• Visual Impact in images is created through focusing of the subject against its surrounding. It is the creative input of the videographer in the process.