Using a Zoom Lens
Using a zoom is not the same as moving closer or further away from the
subject (tracking/trucking). It actually alters the picture in view as
well. For example if you are shooting in a large room, it will look much
smaller than it really is when using a close up (narrow lens) than when
using a wide angle.
When zooming in from wide angle to close up (or pulling out from close
up to wide angle) it's very important that the movement be smooth. Jerks
and variable speed are not only irritating to watch, they're liable to
induce seasickness in your audience. While you can zoom by moving the
lens by hand, the camera's power zoom will generally do it more smoothly.
When moving between wide angle and zoom, you need to be careful to keep
in focus. You can sort this out before you start videoing. Zoom in to
the closest shot you're likely to want, and focus. Then pull out to your
wide shot. You'll find you should be in focus throughout, providing your
light level is high enough. Don't pre-focus the other way round (i.e.
on your wide shot).
Depth of Field
Strictly speaking, when you focus a lens, only objects at that distance
on the focusing scale will appear really sharp in the picture. Anything
nearer or-further away becomes increasingly defocused.
The focused zone or depth of field is greatest
when:
* The lens is focused at a distance.
* You are using a wide angle lens (WS).
The focused zone or depth of field is shallow
when:
* You are focusing on close subjects
* Using a long-focus (narrow angle) lens.
Build an Outline
The ‘Recce’ or
Reconnaissance
Types of Shot
Advantages and
disadvantages of the
WS, MS and CU
Camera Movement
