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10: Shooting Video for News and Feature Stories

  • Page ID
    305511
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    Quickly learn how to shoot video for a story in a way that looks professional and doesn’t require hours of editing to produce a clip.

    • 10.1: Introduction
      This page discusses the evolution of video journalism in newspapers, noting improvements in quality and accessibility due to affordable technology. It outlines how this shift has empowered individual video journalists and influenced educational programs that now include video skills training. David Leeson stresses the importance of diverse skill sets in journalism, particularly in visual storytelling. Future content will cover practical aspects of shooting, editing, and publishing digital video.
    • 10.2: Digital Video Cameras
      This page discusses the impact of digital cameras on video quality and storage, likening it to the shift from vinyl to CDs in music. It highlights the use of mini-DV tapes for efficient data storage and editing. The page outlines two types of digital cameras: 1 CCD and 3 CCD. While 3 CCD cameras offer superior video quality essential for professional use, they are costlier than 1 CCD cameras.
    • 10.3: Tapes, Batteries and other Accessories
      This page emphasizes the importance of having fully charged batteries and backup options for your camera, recommending higher-capacity batteries. It highlights the necessity of bringing sufficient mini-DV tapes and essential accessories like tripods, headphones, and lighting. It notes that while better lighting improves video clarity, it can deplete battery life quickly, underscoring the need for backups.
    • 10.4: Zooming, Focusing and Exposure
      This page discusses the user-friendly features of digital video cameras, including automatic focus, zoom function tips, and exposure settings. While automatic focus is effective, it may not handle complex scenes well. Users should set zooms before recording and avoid using them during dialogues. Automatic exposure works well in most lighting, but manual adjustments may be necessary in low-light conditions. Users are advised to refer to their camera's manual for detailed instructions.
    • 10.5: Get good Audio
      This page highlights the significance of audio quality in video production, especially for online content. It emphasizes the need for natural sounds and environmental shots, recommending techniques like recording silent location shots. The page also reviews three microphone types: built-in mics for ambient sound, wireless lavalier mics for interviews, and shotgun mics for group conversations.
    • 10.6: Shooting Still Images
      This page explains the functionality of new digital video cameras that can also capture still photographs. It details how to switch to Card mode for saving images and instructs users to press the "PHOTO" button instead of the record button to take pictures, while also mentioning that zoom features can be used during still photography.
    • 10.7: Shooting the Video
      This page explains two types of video assignments: documentary-style and breaking news. It stresses the importance of planning, citizen journalism, and effective shooting techniques like shot types and composition. Key tips include the significance of holding shots, minimizing noise, and the rule of thirds. Additionally, it underscores the necessity of careful editing and emphasizes capturing short, impactful clips to enhance video storytelling.
    • 10.8: As simple as it gets
      This page discusses Pure Digital's launch of a user-friendly video camera designed for simple videography, resembling a microcassette recorder in operation. Its basic buttons make it accessible for users without advanced features, appealing to those creating straightforward video content. The Tri-City Herald has embraced this technology to enhance storytelling, though reviews on quality are mixed.
    • 10.9: Do a trial run
      This page emphasizes practicing video shooting at home with family or friends, experimenting with equipment, and familiarizing oneself with techniques. It encourages watching local news stations to mimic effective shots and compare practices, focusing on techniques like the rule of thirds. Critiquing these observations is suggested for skill enhancement.


    This page titled 10: Shooting Video for News and Feature Stories is shared under a CC BY-ND 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Mark Briggs via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.