Our Camera

We filmed our project on a Panasonic SD90. The camera quality was average, we were able to have a clear image who filming however, the picture was not high definition once uploaded onto iMovie. Also the battery life was not very reliable as we could not see the percentage of battery life, this meant that the battery often died whilst filming which prolonged the process. The overall experience with this camera was mediocre because I was able to operate it but if I had the option to film with a different one I probable would.

Camera angles

Camera angles are an effective way to show the perspective of a character or object, commonly used in movies and shows to take a child's viewpoint or the view from a balcony, directors are becoming more and more inventive with their camera angles, in shows like breaking bad the camera is positioned in the most random places to capture the best shots and angles as shown below...

  

 Here are the four main camera angles used in cinematography:

1.  The eye level shot is directly in line with the persons face, this angle is usually used when there is a face to face dialogue between characters as it can can look like the viewpoint of the opposite person. 
   
   
   
2. The low angle is positioned to be slightly below the persons eye level looking up towards their face, this angle can be used to show the view of a shorter person or it could emphasise a characters power, strength and height to make present them in an intimidating way. 
   
   
   
3.  The high angle is shot from above the persons eye level looking don on them. this angle can show the perspective of a tall person or, on the contrary to the low angle, make a person look smaller, timid and powerless therefore presenting them as inferior to the opposing person. 
   
   
   
4. The overhead shot is taken from directly above the object so you can see them from a birds-eye view. The overhead shot shot captures everything that is going on below so can be used to show a busy party scene or simply the view from a tall building. 
   
   
   
5. The undershot takes the viewpoint from beneath the object or person so the audience views them from directly below.   
   
   
   

Camera Shots

When making a file or a TV series there is a very wide variety of camera shots that are used by the camera crew. The use of these different camera shots helps the viewer to engage with the show more whether its by keeping them on their toes with constant cuts to different shots or vividly expressing a characters facial expression and emotions. Either way a variety of camera shots are imperative to making a brilliant show. Here are the main camera shots that are used:

1. First there is the establishing shot which introduces you to the setting for the upcoming scene, this usually shows a busy town, a luxurious home or a spooky forest. All of which give you an insight as to what might be coming next; they also signify an end to one scene and the start of another. 
   
2. Then there is long shot which is has a character in it, but from a distance. This shot introduces the character to their new surroundings and allows you to see them from afar which could raise suspense if its a thriller or view them amongst the public if its in a crowded area.
   
   
   
3. The full shot allows the audience to view the characters whole body from head to toe. Usually used to show the persons outfit this shot can also be used to show a group of people socialising. 
   
4. The mid shot is of a person from the waist up to the head. It can be used a good shot to use during conversations as its close enough that you can see the facial expressions yet far enough to capture the surroundings. 
   
5. The close up is of the persons whole face from the shoulder up. This angle is very common in TV series as it is often used when there is dialogue because you can see the full face with all the expressions without being distracted by the background.
   
6. An extreme close up is when the camera zooms into a section of the face that has two or more features, this could be used to add suspense. for example pointing out a nervous twitch or or the smirk of a plotting villain. 
   
7. Finally the very extreme close up  is when the camera zooms into one feature if the face to show extra detail. This shot is mainly use in dramatic scenes but it is not used very often as it is very specific.