Automatic Camera Control
In this module, we’ll learn how to control basic camera functions. Throughout this training, we cover the fundamental principles and techniques of filmmaking that are universally applicable, regardless of the equipment you use. We demonstrate these fundamentals using a relatively inexpensive video camera that works well for lived-reality documentary shooting, namely the Sony HXR-NX80. Older and newer models of this camera work just as well. We recommend this camera for lived-reality documentary for the reasons outlined in our Equipment Recommendations Cheat Sheet. To get started you should use whatever camera you have available. Let experience direct your future equipment decisions.
In this module, we’ll also introduce you to the basics of powering a camera, using media storage cards and shooting in automatic mode. It is the first and last time we should use Auto mode, but it’s a very helpful way to get started. Along with Auto mode, we’ll cover how to set Neutral Density, Auto Focus and White Balance.
Whatever camera you use – whether a video camera, DSLR, or smartphone – refer to the manual and online resources to learn how to control each of the functions we discuss. Pause the videos as needed to try things out on your camera.
Video Transcript:
To get started, every device needs power. All video cameras and DSLRs have removable batteries. These batteries have pins on one side. On this camera, the pins face up and toward the inside. I push the battery up into the slot until it clicks and is securely in place. To remove the battery, I push the battery release button and then pull it down and out.
It’s best to have at least two batteries and an external charger like this one. This allows you to charge one battery while you use another battery to shoot. With this camera, I can charge a battery while it’s in the camera by connecting it to AC power. Shooting while a camera is plugged into AC power is uncommon, as, of course, it limits your mobility.
Most cameras have a power switch. This camera turns on by either opening the monitor or extending the viewfinder. In both cases, a green light indicates that the power is on. There is also a power switch located here.
Removable memory cards are required by most cameras to store the media that you record. Memory cards come in various forms and capacities. This camera uses SDXC cards. Check your camera’s manual and online resources to determine the exact type of card you need and do pay careful attention to the requirements as detailed.
Every memory card has pins on one edge. In all cameras, you insert the card with the pins facing inward. On this camera, the pins also face forward. I push it in until it locks in place. To release the card, I simply push it in again.
This camera has two card slots, a standard feature in professional equipment. Two slots allow for continuous recording, as the camera automatically switches to the second card when the first is full.
Most cameras come equipped with both a monitor and a viewfinder. All viewfinders must be adjusted for your eyesight, usually with a dial located on the side of the viewfinder. With the lens cap on, I look through the viewfinder and turn the dial until the text on the screen is in focus.
To simplify your learning during the first two shooting exercises, we recommend that you work in Full Automatic mode, allowing the camera to set the focus and exposure. Exposure refers to setting the correct light level for the image. In subsequent modules, you will learn to shoot in Manual mode, which is essential for ensuring that all your recorded Shots are usable. But for now, we are going to shoot in Automatic mode. On your camera look for an Auto/Manual switch or menu control. If you are using a phone, use the ‘Pro’ settings in the camera app, and for the first two exercises, keep it in the default mode, which is Full Auto.
Video Transcript:
On this camera, the Auto/Manual switch is on the back. On the monitor, look for an icon that indicates that you’re in Full Auto mode. Or, as on this camera, there are a set of numbers on the screen that refer to exposure settings. When in Full Auto mode, an “A” appears next to each of these numbers. These numbers refer to the Iris, Gain or ISO, and Shutter Speed. We’ll learn how each of these impacts exposure in future modules. For now, on your camera, set these exposure controls to Auto.
One exposure adjustment that must be set manually on most video cameras and some DSLRs, is the Neutral Density filter, labeled here ND filter. Neutral Density reduces the amount of light entering the camera, enabling proper exposure in bright environments. For example, here, without a Neutral Density filter, the outdoor light is too bright for correct exposure. As the Neutral Density filter is increased going to the right, less light enters the camera. Note that ND filters don’t alter the color of the image. Some DSLRs still use physical filters like these.
On many cameras today, however, Neutral Density is adjusted electronically. For instance, on this camera, I adjust it by moving the Neutral Density switch, from Clear or Off to ND1, ND2 or ND3.
When this camera is in Auto mode, as we can see here from the ‘A’s’ next to the exposure settings, it prompts me to adjust the Neutral Density by flashing the required setting. For example, here, in bright light, the camera flashes ND1, indicating that I need to set the filter to ND1 for proper exposure. When set, the ND icon no longer flashes.
If subsequently I move into a lower light environment, the camera will flash NDoff, at which point I’ll change the ND filter accordingly. Once set, the absence of an ND icon indicates that ND is off.
When working in Full Auto mode, this camera will adjust the exposure as long as you pay attention to the ND filter indicators. If your camera does not have any controls for Neutral Density, then it either requires physical filters or will set the exposure automatically without them.
Let’s move on to focus control.
Video Transcript:
Most cameras allow you to switch between Manual and Auto Focus. On this camera, I press the AF/MF button to toggle between Auto Focus and Manual Focus. The screen displays an icon of a hand on the lens to indicate Manual Focus; this icon disappears in Auto Focus. When switching from Manual to Auto Focus, the camera focuses on what it determines to be the dominant object.
Normally we never shoot in Auto Focus but to keep things simple we’ll use it for the first shoot. Find the focus controls on your camera and set them to Auto.
The final adjustment we need to learn about is White Balance, which adjusts the color temperature of the image to ensure accurate color representation.
Video Transcript:
Light sources vary in temperature, ranging from cooler, bluish outdoor light, to warmer, orangish indoor light. When White Balance is set correctly, white objects in the image appear white, regardless of the light’s color temperature.
Here in outdoor light, the color temperature looks correct because the White Balance is set for the bluish tone typical of outdoor lighting, as indicated by this icon. If I mistakenly set the White Balance for indoor light, white objects and the overall image will take on a bluish tint.
Similarly, in indoor light, the color temperature looks correct because the White Balance is set for the warmer tones typical of indoor lights. If I mistakenly set the White Balance for outdoor light, white objects and the image in general will look orangish.
When this camera is set to Auto mode, the White Balance is also adjusted automatically. You know it’s in Auto White Balance when there’s no icon in this area. Be sure to learn how to set your camera to Auto White Balance, often referred to as AWB. Once you’ve set your camera to Automatic, for your White Balance, exposure, and focus, you are ready to record.
On this camera, you press the Start/Stop button. The screen indicator switches from Standby to Record. To stop recording, press the Start/Stop button again.
That covers the essential camera settings you need to know for your first shoot. To summarize, make sure you can set the following to Automatic:
- Exposure, including Iris, Gain or ISO and Shutter Speed
- Focus
- White Balance
Manually adjust the Neutral Density as instructed by the camera.
In the next modules you’ll learn about saving and backing up your media and special techniques for using a tripod, after which you’ll be ready for your first shooting exercise.