How to Shoot Video with a Digital Camera

Shooting video from your digital camera is much different than shooting from a digital camcorder. Newer digital cameras allow you to take video clips, which are saved on a flash card for downloading or viewing from your computer.

 

Here's a quick overview of how digital cameras work and what features they have:

  • Most digital cameras allow you to store short video clips, ranging anywhere from 20 seconds to three minutes, enabling you to shoot to the capacity of your flash card.
  • StashSpace only accepts .avi and .wmv digital video formats, the two most common Windows Video formats.
  • Digital cameras shoot the best video in bright, sunny conditions. Be sure that you have plenty of natural light as well.
  • Recent trends in digital video are the ability of digital cameras to have a zoom function during video capture. We recommend against it, (especially if it digital zoom and not optical zoom), as you will most likely introduce video digitization into your clip.
     

- a d v e r t i s e m e n t -

Choosing a Storage Card

Because storage cards come in many sizes and shapes, it is important to take your time when deciding on what type to buy. Here are some tips on how to go about buying a storage card:

  1. Make sure the storage card is compatible with your digital camera. Read the manual to your digital camera to find out which card is right for you. Some common types of cards include:
    • CompactFlash
    • Secure Digital (SD)
    • Memory Stick
    • Microdrive
    • XDPicture Cards

     

  2. Determine the storage-capacity-to-price ratio.
    If you have a ong>Video iPod, the more gigabytes (memory) on your iPod, the more songs or videos you are allowed to import. But naturally, the more storage on the card, the higher in price it will be. Depending on how much video or pictures you copy to your computer and then delete, you may want balance the convenience of fewer cards with the cost savings of multiple lower capacity cards. Purchasing a card with 1GB of storage space will probably run you anywhere from $40 to $60, whereas a card with only 512MB will run anywhere from $10 to $20, depending on the manufacturer.
     
  3. Know the speed of the storage card.
    The speed refers to how fast information is written to or from the card. Generally, a faster storage card speed is better and costs more, but is worth it in the long run. Faster storage card speeds work well for shooting video as they will capture the maximum frames per second (fps) for smoother motion
     
  4. Considering the different storage card manufacturers.
    There may be little difference in quality between highly priced storage cards and those produced by well-known (but cheaper) manufacturers. Any differences that do exist most likely will affect features such as speed, performance and longevity. It’s very important that you read the warranty before you purchase a digital camera storage card. Also research the company website for technical and customer support levels.
     
  5. When in doubt, shoot video with your camcorder!
    Consider taking your digital camcorder with you. Although convenient, camcorders are by far the hands down winner of recording video memories. Unless you have knack for still photography, your best bet is to invest and use a digital video camcorder anywhere you go!

How to Shoot Good Home Video Tips

Understanding Digital Video

Getting to know your New Digital Camcorder

Shooting a Family Video Interview

Shooting a Family Reunion

Shoot Video with your Digital Camera

Recording Video in LP vs. SP Mode

Storing your Video Tapes

Storing your 8mm and 16mm film

How to White Balance Your Camcorder

 

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