hand held video camera tips for a newbie?

[kiki-cat]

i just got my first hand held camera today, along with a tripod (so im not very good at using either) so i was wondering if there were any good tips on ways to hold the camera steady, or which camera angles make a video more interesting to watch?

any other tips on good ways to use the camera will be greatly appreciated too!!

 

[Little Dog]

1) Use a steadying device like a tripod - or desk or floor or table or whatever - as much as you can. Shooting handheld is a last resort and needs to be rarely used. You can also use the tripod as a monopod - just extend one leg and not all three. Consider making or buying a small single handed shoulder mount. See the SpiderBrace for an example.

2) You did not tell us which video camera - most consumer camcorders do not so well in poor light. Turn on the lights. If not, the video will be grainey. A video light or a flash light can be useful.

3) "Interesting" camera angles depend on the scene. There is no one answer. Sorry.

4) Try not to zoom (in/out) or pan (left/right - up/down) fast or often. Better yet, establish the shot and capture it - no zoom or pan at all.

5) Learn to use the camera's white balance controls.

6) If the camera has manual audio control, learn to use that (and an external mic if there is a mic jack).

There's a LOT more, but this is a good start...