Friday, June 8, 2007

Differences in Film and Video Cameras

So, while Sam is off in the foothills of Los Angeles, I am here in Sherman, doing some research into the specific differences that lie within the film and video cameras of today. While some of it is obvious, there are a few small, yet practical technicalities which provide certain benefits and problems with each instrument. So, here we go!

Film Camera:



1. After production is complete, it is required that you process your film
2. Film shooting can be done with a video assist (video tap) which sends out a video image of what the camera is shooting (however, it does NOT represent what the film stock is actually capturing)
3. Most film cameras require a separate audio recorder to capture sound.
4. Editing involves the purchase of the film editing machine, which usually includes (but not necessarily) a cutting board and a small viewer screen.
5. In order to properly load film into the camera, you will need an area with absolutely no light or else the film will be ruined before you even begin
6. Shutter speed on the film camera has easier accessibilty for manual control, unlike many video camera, which uses a digital output, rather than analog.
7. There are two forms of viewfinders, reflex and nonreflex. Reflex viewfinders are used in most modern film cameras, diverting light coming through the lens to a viewfinder where the image is projected on a viewing screen. Nonreflex viewfinders give a less accurate representation of what is being filmed. Also note, that some cameras don't have viewfinders at all and rely on finders attached to the lens or require a prism that is placed inside the film gate.
8. The most common film cameras include 35mm (most motion pictures use this type), 16mm and Super 8 (both used mostly for home use and for independent films that cannot afford 35mm)

Video Camera:




1. Unlike film, the image you are capturing can be directly viewed on a monitor.
2. Tape can be checked right away, with no need for processing
3. As noted above, no processing is required. You simply pull the tape out and capture it onto a editing program
4. Unlike film cameras, there is an option to use the in-camera audio recording device rather than use an outside microphone. However, sound quality may not be as clear or crisp with the in-camera audio device
5. Instead of focusing an image on a strip of film, video cameras focus the picture on a light-sensitive computer chip called a CCD (charge-coupled device). The picture is focused onto the flat surface of the CCD, which is divided into a very fine grid of spots or sites called pixels. Basically, think of pixels as tiny light meters that measure the brightness of light in a specific location on the frame.
6. In component video systems, the red, green and blue signals are kept separate from one another or, in anoher version, the luminance is kept separate from two "color-difference" signals. In composite video systems, the color signals are merged with the luminance into ne signal that can travel on a single path. Think of composite video as a form of "video soup" that mixes all the color and brightness into one electronic signal
7. Video formats include VHS, Super VHS, 8mm, Hi8, Betacam, DV, DVCAM, DVCPRO and HDTV.

So, that's a lot of information. And trust me, I am still trying to process a lot of it myself. But basically, you all get the gist as to why video formats and instruments have become popular. I am not, however, going to assume or infer that film is on its way out just yet. In my next post, I'll be sure and give a more detailed explanation into the advantages and disadvantages of film itself. This was simply a brief overview of the information I have obtained in the last couple of days

Sam, you better not be buying those guys Pall Mall's!

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