Broadcast Technology (Cameras, Lights and Sound)

Motion Picture Camera

Device to captivate series of images in sequence at a high speed to create ad illution of motion when played back.

The first pantented film camera was designed in 1888 by a man named Louis Le Prince

(This can now be seen in B.N.M.M)

The early movies frame rate of 14-20 frames per second. In 1923 Kodak launched 16mm film stock for cameras which was a lower cost alternative than 35mm and used by amateur filmmakers as it's cheaper to manufacture.

The 1930's experimentations made with digital cameras by the BBC using Cathode Ray Tubes.

Most colour camera's came out around the 1950's and the 1960's. Camera's then became smaller and compact and the development of storaging canged dramatically over the years. 

The 20th century relied heavily on videotape based anologue formats such as the VHS and Betamax.

Early 2000's MniDV (Digital tape based format) was soon followed by DVD hard disk drive and finally by SD card/ compact solid state flash base recordings.

MiniDV allowed for 720x576 (standard definition) then used to incorporate recordings in PAL (o.4 megapixels).

Current consumer camera's allow for full high definition which is 1920x1080 (2 megapixels).

Current industry film standard is 35mm which dependant on quality and can range between 10-24 megapixels or higher.

Current industry digital standard is 4k (12 megapixels) however some films are currently being shot at 6k (19 megapixels).

But... How Does It Work?!!

There is a film located inside of the camera and has a lense to specify and focus on the image onto the film. The shutter opens and the light travels through the lens exposing the film or sensor and the shutter closes and the next piece of unexposed film moves into place.

Sensor Size

 The sensor size of a digita camera has a big impact on the look and quality of an image. This is why DSLR's have made such a huge impact on the film industry, this has allowed for affordable fimmaking.

Disadvantages of DSLR's

• They overheat as there not primarily made to record so much information at one given time.
• They have issues with Aliasing as the camera struggles to process the information in comparison to the actually dedicated motion cameras. (Moire)

General Rule Of Sensors

The smaller sensors have a high frame rate capability but are able to produce more grain in darker situations whereas the larger sensors produce better quality images and are able to handle darker situations better. 

3 Main Functions Of Controlling The Way An Image Is Exposed Correctly

• Shutter speed (How quickly an image is captured) 

- A longer shut means there will be more blur and light whereas a shorter shut allows less blur and the light is dimmed

• Aperature (Controls DoF) - The deep focus. 

- Smaller (Larger hole) 

• ISO (Sensitivity) 

- Low = less sensitivity but maintains quality whereas a longer 

Lighting Setups

Most common lighting setup is the '3 point'

• Key Light(Main/Hard)
• Fill Light(Fills in what the key doesn't capture)
• Back Light(Seperates the light from the background)

To set this up you firstly must decide where to shoot as a result of a poor location will cause struggle with the filming. A matte finish will produce an easier background to work with. You then need to match the background with the subject otherwise the fim will have no meaning. Following this you will then control the natural lights by turning them off or covering windows with dark cloths so there no light leaks. Lastly white balence the image as the purpose is to control the colour temperatures.

Light makes the images more dynamic and interesting. It creates depth and the illution of a three dimentional image subject inside the frame that's two dimentional. 

Key light typically placed at 45 degrees to either side of the camera so tht the fill does not overpower the key light and the back light adds dimention to the subject but to balence the back light out so that it doesn't overdo and look artificial.

Shooting outside: use a reflector as you don't have acess to any light

Microphones

Shotgun Microphone: Direct sound (Aim towards the speech) - used for news reporters

Dynamic: Shorter range - used for muscians

Condensor: Direct sound  - used for radio podcasts

For the use of a shotgun microphone you must ensure the microphone is facing the actor and the sound levels on the recording device are peaking but not too high so that it is easily adjustable. The best way to test this is to ask questions off topic to get a suprized response from the actor and to not hit the maximum otherwise the sound will distort. If you place the shotgun above the actor it will reduce the background noise as it will collect the sound off the ground which is minimal as a result this technique is both vital and essential.