Model 127 Moviecorder
(160-08247)                Hints and Tips             Faxback Doc. # 37748


HINTS FOR MAKING BETTER VIDEO TAPES

If you are not familiar with camera techniques, there are many books about
the subject available at your local library.  However, because the
camcorder is so simple to use and because tape can be used again and
again, it is inexpensive to experiment and learn as you go.

The following information will get you started.


LIGHTING

Lighting should be uniform.  The camcorder can record in low-light
conditions, but more light is usually better.  The optimum brightness
for top-quality pictures is between 500 and 100,000 lux.  If necessary
obtain an optional camera light and attach it to the camcorder's accessory
shoe on the camcorder.

CAUTION:  Do not place a light source near the camcorder mechanism.
          The heat can damage the camcorder.


BRIGHTNESS SITUATIONS

The following chart tells you the approximate brightnes of different
situation or from different light sources.

Brightness                     Situation

                               Blue sky

100,000 (Lux)                  Clear day at noon (100,000)

10,000                         Clear day at 10:00 a.m. (65,000)

                               Clear day at 3:00 p.m. (35,000)

                               Cloudy day at noon (32,000)

                               Cloudy day at 10:00 a.m. (25,000)

1,000                          Cloudy day, one hour after sunrise
                               (2,000)

                               Clear day, one hour before sunset (1,000)

                               Fluorescent light near window (1,000)

                               Factory floor (700-800)

                               Sales counter in department store
                               (500-700)

                               Bowling alley (500)
                               Library (400-500)

                               Office with fluorescent Lighting (400-500)

                               Fluorescent desk lamp (400)

100                            Shop stairway (100)

10                             During intermission at movie theater
                               (15-35)

                               Candles on birthday cake at 8 inches
                               (10-15)

                               Candlelight


Color            Situation              Color                White
Temperature                                                  Balance
                                                             Range

10,000           Clear day              Blue

9,000            Color TV

8,000            Cloudy day

7,000            Rainy day

6,500            Daylight
                 fluorescent
                 light

6,000            Camera
                 flashbulb

5,500                                                        A

5,000            Blue                   white                U
                 photolamp

4,500            white                                       T
                 fluorescent
                 light                                       O

3,500            Off-white
                 fluorescent
                 light
                 Tungsten
                 photolamp

3,200            Halogen
                 lamp

2,800            Tungsten               yellow
                 lamp
                 Iodine
                 lamp

2,500            Acetylene
                 lamp
                 Kerosene
                 lamp

2,000            Candlelight            Red


CAMCORDER MOVEMENT

When you move the camcorder while recording, do so slowly and steadily.
Too much movement or fast movement makes your recordings look awkward.
A video camera tripod is a valuable investment for top-quality movie
making.


ZOOM-IN & ZOOM-OUT

As with camcorder, movement, too much use of zooms can detract from your
recording.  When you use power zoom, it is best to zoom in or zoom out in
one smooth motion, not in several jerky motions.

If you use them sparingly, movements from side to side combined with
zooms can be very effective in your video tapes.


SOUND PICKUP

If the sound source for your movie is only a few feet away, the built-in
microphone picks it up clearly.

However, for distant sound sources, a super-directional shotgun microphone
might be better.  Or you can use an FM wireless microphone for
professional results.

To attach an external microphone.

Connect an external microphone to the jack.  Use a microphone with a
1/8-inch mini-plug.


PLAYING A TAPE ON A TV

If you have a regular VHS VCR, you can play your camcorder tapes in that
VCR.  However, if the camcorder is your only VCR, or if your other VCR
does not use the VHS format, you can play back tapes from the camcorder
through your TV.

(LB/km-02/03/1997)

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