During the second week we managed to get hands on with a camera. The camera used was a Sony XDCAM PXW-x70. We used this with a tripod to get used to handling the camera and its functions. The first thing we had to do was get the camera out of the bag and set it all up on the tripod. This was done with relative ease, we were then able to figure out how the tripod worked, changing tilt and pan. We were then asked to film a person on a background, this taught us how to focus the camera and get a clear picture. During this we also tried closeup, extreme closeups and mid shots.
After this we filmed conversations. This was helped us develop the skills to follow quick action that was unpredictable. we were unable to predict who was talking when so this meant that we would need to be able to keep a fluid camera movement and keep close attention to the situation.
Hazel's Documentary Blog 