Perhaps the most important tip you should have before you shoot your video is this: Know your camera. Even today's least-expensive digital camcorders are packed with features that were wildly advanced (and expensive) just a few years ago. Most digital camcorders include image stabilization, in-camera effects, and the ability to record 16-bit stereo audio. But these advanced features won't do you much good if they aren't turned on or configured properly. Spend a few hours reviewing the manual that came with your camcorder, and practice using every feature and setting. In particular, check the following items:
- Audio: Many new camcorders are set by default to record only 12-bit audio, also sometimes called the 32-kHz setting. Fire up your camcorder right now and make sure that it is set to 16-bit (48-kHz) audio instead, and never change it back. Sixteen-bit audio is higher quality, and it won't cause any problems later on when you want to capture video to your computer (or do pretty much anything else with it).
- Focus and exposure: If you use manual-focus or -exposure control, switch these settings back to automatic before you turn off the camcorder. That way, the camcorder is ready for quick use later, when Bigfoot momentarily stumbles into your camp.
- Special effects and exposure modes: As with manual focus and exposure, if you use any of the built-in effects in your camera, be sure to disable them before turning off the camcorder so that it will be ready to go the next time you use it. The same thing goes for special exposure modes.
- Stow the lens cap securely: It seems obvious, but if you have a clip or something that allows you to securely stow the camcorder's lens cap, use it. If you let the cap hang loose on its string, it will probably bang into the microphone and other parts periodically, making a lot of noise that you don't want to record.
- Use a new tape: Even though digital video doesn't suffer from the same generational loss problems as analog video (where each play of the tape degrades the recording quality), various problems can still occur if you reuse digital tapes. Potential problems include timecode breaks and physical problems with the tape itself.
Keep the camcorder manual in your gear bag when you hit the road. It may provide you with an invaluable reference when you're shooting on location. Also, review the manual from time to time: Your camcorder no doubt has some useful or cool features that you forgot about. If you've lost your manual, check the manufacturer's Web site. You may be able to download a replacement manual.
