1. Make sure to use either a PD150 or PD170 camera.
2. The battery is inserted at the back of the camera and has between 400 - 600 recording minutes.
3. On the tripod, there is a spacer to ensure the legs are evenly spread. The bottom of each of the tripod legs rotate in order to work better on different surfaces. The height can be adjusted by undoing the clasps.
4. If you are left handed, rotate round the tripod lever so it is parallel.
5. Panning is where the camera moves from left to right and tilting moves the camera up and down.
6. Make sure the spirit level shows that everything is balanced.
7. The guide plate is positioned at the bottom of the camera. In order to position it, release the section handle on the top and screw it into place.
8. There are several buttons at the back of the camera;
(i) on - playback mode
(ii) off - charges the battery
(iii) the camera button
(iiii) memory mode - avoid using this, as it makes the picture appear very jerky
(iiiii) autofocus and manual switch - always choose manual over autofocus. Zoom in to the subject's eyes and that way you know they will definitely be in the shot.
9. To adjust the level of zoom, move the inner ring clockwise/anti-clockwise, depending on whether you are wanting to zoom in or out.
10. As above, to adjust the level of focus, move the outer ring.
11. In terms of the levels of light you can see in the shot, make sure the ND filters, (positioned to the left of the autofocus/manual button) are switched off and that the Iris button, (positioned to the right of the autofocus/manual button are set to shutter mode.
12. The Zebra setting should be set to 70%, allowing the camera to pick up skin tones and other variations. Any higher, may give to much exposure and appear very bright.
13. The shutter speed concerns how long you let light in for. The gain needs to be turnt off. In order to change the gain or shutter speed, turn the wheel.
14. The white balancing control is at the back of the camera. Make sure i is white and no other colour. There are three options; indoors, outdoors and preset.
15. At the menu, located in the view box, it should be set 16.9 wide.
16. In terms of the DV, the icon needs to display a cassette as it provides a better error correction audio set. Making sure the automatic gain is off, boosts the levels of these.
17. The silver button at the back of the camera is for audio. Plug the mic into number 1. Set the recording channel to 1 and 2. The levels should appear on the screen. It is also possible to connect radio mics. These are placed near the other mic socket at the top of the camera.
18. When recording, red lights will come on.
19. The time code shows how long you have been recording for. Do not rewind. To review, put the camera into VCR mode. Yellow lights come on and display the play, pause, stop, rewind and fast forward buttons.
20. Plug headphones in, next to the cassette.
good notes - very useful reminder. You probably need to practice on the camera in your own time - not required but probably a good idea. It is good value for money because as a student you can book cameras - usually but not always available and practice; or maybe make aq film about going for a Sunday walk or whatever. I think you can book out PD 170s over the weekend. DFon't takethe ones reserved for WINOL though!
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