Camera Workshop 1: Rack Focus & Framing

For this session we spent the day in studio 2 learning how to use the Sony cameras. The cameras we used were the Sony XDCAM PMW-100 and the Sony XDCAM PMW-200.

Sony XDCAM PMW-100

Sony XDCAM PMW-200

For the first activity we practiced setting up focus. We used a "Rack Focus", which is when the focus switches between two subjects in the same frame. This involved us setting up the camera, framing the shot and then using the focus ring to switch focus between the two subjects. For a greater depth of field we could also use the zoom ring or zoom lever. This is the result of that task:

For the next activity we practiced framing. To do this we had to create a short piece about a bag. We were given a list of shot types we could use and we had to incorporate at least 5. Once we had shot all the footage we edited it together. This is the result of that task:

The session was very useful and helped me develop my camera and teamwork skills. I think the work I produced from this session was of a good standard and demonstrated that I had learnt something.