48
Television Production & Broadcast Journalism
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
48
Television Production & Broadcast Journalism
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Introduction
The camera is one of the fi rst pieces of equipment that new students
gravitate toward because it appears to be the most central item in a televi-
sion studio. Good camera operators must fi rst learn the capabilities of their
equipment. This chapter presents parts of the video camera, related sup-
port equipment, and basic operation procedures.
In the classroom environment, it is not necessary to have
“professional broadcast quality” cameras in order to effectively
learn video camera operation. When purchasing equipment
for a classroom, you may have a choice between spending a
sizeable amount of money for one “broadcast quality” camera
or the same amount of money for several “non-broadcast quality” cameras.
In an introductory course, the main focus is to teach students how to
operate a camera, so it would make more sense to purchase several good
quality cameras rather than one high quality camera. Students new to the
subject will learn just as much from a good quality camera as they would
from a broadcast quality camera. The additional cameras also allow more
students to gain experience operating a camera without waiting in line for
one to become available.
Production Note
Types of Video Cameras
Several types of video cameras are available for professional use. Each
camera type offers unique benefi ts and restrictions.
Studio Cameras
The studio camera is usually very large and too heavy to be used
as a remote camera in the fi eld. Because of its size, studio cameras may
be placed on a three-legged stand, called a
tripod, for support. To allow
smooth camera movement, the feet of the tripod are placed into a type of
three-wheeled cart called a
dolly, Figure 3-1. A studio pedestal is another
studio camera: A television
camera placed on a tripod or
studio pedestal for exclusive
use within the studio.
tripod: A three-legged stand
that supports a camera. Also
commonly called sticks.
dolly: A three-wheeled cart
onto which the feet of a tripod
are mounted. A dolly allows
smooth camera movements
to be performed.
studio pedestal: A large,
single column on wheels that
supports the camera and is
pneumatically or hydraulically
controlled.
Objectives
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
• Explain the differences between the various video cameras available.
• Identify each part of a video camera and note the corresponding function.
• Differentiate between the focal length and the focal point related to a
zoom lens.
• Explain the interrelationship between f-stops, the iris, and aperture in controlling
light.
• Identify the challenges and benefits involved in using hand-held camera
shooting.
• Recognize the types of tripod heads available and cite the unique characteristics
of each.
• Implement the proper procedures for cleaning and storing video equipment.