camera parts and roles

The camera is one of the first pieces

of equipment that new students gravitate

toward because it appears to be the most

central item in a television production studio.

Good camera operators must first learn the

capabilities of their equipment. This chapter

presents parts of the video camera, related

support equipment, and basic operation

procedures.

Objectives

After completing this chapter, you will

be able to:

● Explain the differences between the

various video cameras available.

● Identify each part of a video camera

and note the corresponding function.

● Differentiate between the focal length

and the focal point related to a zoom

lens.

● Explain the interrelationship between

f-stops, the iris, and aperture in

controlling light.

● List the challenges and benefi ts

involved in using hand-held camera

shooting.

● Identify the types of tripod heads

available and cite the unique

characteristics of each.

Important

 Terms

Aperture

Auto-Focus

Auto-Iris Circuit

Camcorder

Camera Control

Unit (CCU)

Camera Head

Charge Coupled

Device (CCD)

Convertible Camera

Docking

Dolly

Fluid Head

Focal Length

Focal Point

Focus

Friction Head

F-Stop

Gain

Hot

Iris

Lens

Optical Center

Pan Handle

Pedestal Column

Pedestal Control

Remote Control Unit

(RCU)

Studio Camera

Studio Pedestal

Subjective Camera

Target

Tripod

Tripod Head

Variable Focal Length

Lens

Viewfi nder

Zebra Stripes

Zoom In

Zoom Lens

Zoom Lenses

Zoom Out

55

Chapter 3

The Video

Camera

and

Support

Equipment

56 Television Production

Production Note

In the classroom environment, it is not necessary to have

“professional broadcast quality” cameras in order to effectively

learn video camera operation. In making this decision for my

own classroom, I discussed with a vendor whether I should

spend a sizeable amount of money for one “broadcast quality”

camera or the same amount of money for several “nonbroadcast

quality” cameras. My vendor’s comment on the

situation made very good sense, “You are teaching students

to take pictures and, when you get right down to the bottom of

things, all cameras point.” As a result, I bought several good

quality cameras rather than one high quality camera, which

would not teach students anything more than the cameras I

bought. The additional cameras also allow more students to get

experience operating a camera without waiting in line for one to

become available.

Studio camera: A

television camera

placed on a tripod or

studio pedestal for

exclusive use within

the studio.

Tripod: A three-legged

stand that supports a

camera.

Dolly: A three-wheeled

cart onto which the

feet of a tripod are

mounted. A dolly

allows smooth camera

movements to be

performed.

Studio pedestal: A

large, single column on

wheels that supports

the camera and is

pneumatically or

hydraulically controlled.

Types of Video Cameras

Several types of video cameras are available for professional use.

Each camera type offers unique benefi ts and restrictions.

Studio Cameras

The studio camera is usually very large and too heavy to be used

as a remote camera in the fi eld. Because of its size, studio cameras

may be placed on a three-legged stand, called a tripod, for support.

To allow smooth camera movement, the feet of the tripod are placed

into a three-wheeled cart called a dolly, Figure 3-1. A studio pedestal

is another common type of camera support. The camera is attached

to a large, single column on wheels that is pneumatically or hydraulically

controlled, Figure 3-2. The size, weight, and mount of the studio

camera dictate that it not be taken out of the studio.

Talk the Talk

When referring to multiple camera dollys, the correct spelling

of the term is “dollys.” This rule applies only when making

reference to this particular piece of equipment.

This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.