JVC Camcorder Guide

Ex-student Alex Barton has created the following guide for students using the JVC cameras which allow for more creativity with audio and video 

Preparing the shoot

This should be set for you but you can check

To make sure your videos work best on the Apple iMacs, click on menu > file format > QuickTime file format.

To change the size of the shot: Menu > System Select > Choose which standard you want. The film world films at 24/25 frames per second, so click 1080-50/25.

This camera is excellent to shoot in automatic. Click ‘full auto’ button just to get going.

3CCD means 3 charge coupled device which is just something to with how much light the camera lets in. This camera works best in daylight and thankfully, it works very well in automatic mode as well which is every students dream. Avoid shooting in dark lighting it just looks bad.

Buttons everywhere! But what do they do?

At the front you have the lens which has a little shutter. Flick that shutter to open it. Next to that you have the focus ring, if you turn that the focus will increase/decrease.

Next to that you have a filter switch which you’ll use if you’re outside in daylight. The switch acts as a pair of sunglasses- so you probably wont need it in Tamworth.

The focus ring has two different modes - Focus and Zoom. There is a switch, which allows you to choose which one. Use this for Focus rather than Zoom.

Auto Focus/Manual Focus- Auto focus usually does the job but if you want to change settings click manual focus.

White balance switch- you can choose from Preset, A or B. You can change the white balance and save it the resolution to A or B so you can use the same resolution in the future. I advise to use the pre-set button which is the automatic function.

The A/B button next to the white balance switch is for you to select which slot your SD card is in so the camera knows where to save your work.

If we open up the side screen, there are even more buttons!

Do not worry about the ‘User 3’ button.

The CAM/MEDIA button allows you to choose whether to record or playback your footage. You’ll need this if you’re out on location and you want to check your work as you go.

The quick review button allows you to quickly play back your last shot.

To the side of the microphone you have the audio section.

Input 1 means you’re the microphone you’re using is in Input 1. Input 2 means the microphone you’re using is in input 2.

If you’re using the shotgun microphone, switch the settings to ‘Mic+48 volts’.

Put headphones in the microphone jack at the right side of the camera. You can change the volume of your footage by changing the audio level in CH1.

On the other side of the camera you have the zoom rubber switch which will allow the cameraman to zoom in or out during recording. W is Wide and T is Telephoto.

SDHC cards are compatible and must be series 6 or higher. Don’t use SDXC

Ideally buy your own and you can keep your footage

This guide from a College in Colorado will also help you with the controls.

http://cuvideoedit.com/jvc-camcorder.php

My main advice is to avoid using the zoom and to pay attention to sound by using the headphones to increase awareness.