Production Equipment

The first camera designed was made by Louis Le Prince in 1888 which can be seen in Bradford National Media Museum. A motion picture camera is a device that takes pictures at a high speed sequence which when played gives the illusion of movement. Early movies had a frame rate of of 14-20 frames per second (FPS) which is lower than today's standard TV frames of 25 FPS and Cinema of 24 FPS.

Kodak in 1923 launched 16mm film stock for cameras which were at a lower cost than the alternative 35mm. In the 1930's experimentations were made with the digital camera by the BBC using cathode ray tubes, it would be many years before they started broadcasting though.

Colour cameras were introduced in the 50's and 60's. The 20th Century relied on VHS and Betamax to keep recordings. In the early 2000's the MiniDV was introduced, it was a mini VHS that could be placed in a camera. However since it was a tape it meant the tape would have to be rewinded for 40mins before playback on the computer. These were soon replaced by the DVD/SD/Hard Drive/Compact Flash Card/Solid State etc.
The MiniDV allowed for 720x576 recording in PAL (0.4 megapixels) which is standard definition. Current consumer cameras allow for high definition which is 1920x1080 (2 mega pixels).

Current film camera (35mm) can range from 10-24 mega pixels or even higher. Current digital standard is 4K which is 12 mega pixels. In a few years time it is likely that HD at only 2 megapixels will be replaced by 4K at 12 megapixels.

Cameras work by isolating the blank film inside from all light so when the shutters open light travels inside through the lens exposing the film and sensor. The image is imprinted on the film so when the shutter closes the film is moved so the next blank film moves into place. This happens at a very rapid rate in video cameras so that the illusion of movement can be given.

The sensor size of the camera has a big impact on the look and quality of the image. The larger the sensor the better the quality of image, it also means the camera can handle the dark better. The smaller the sensor is the higher the frame rate capability and zoom since the small images are magnified however the the image will be grainy in the dark and not have as good quality.

The shutter speed is how quickly the image is captured, the quicker this happens the smoother the movement will seem. Aperture controls how much light is let into
the film, a hole allows light through, the larger the whole the more light is allowed through, the smaller the hole the less light is allowed through. ISO controls how sensitive the camera is to the light, this is measured in numbers (100, 200 etc.) the lower the number the lower the sensitivity and the of the film and the finer the grain in the shot.

Lighting is used to create depth and bring the subject forward from the foreground and look more 3D. This is done by using Fill Lighting/Key Lighting/Backlight etc.
The Key Light is placed at a 45 degree angle from the camera. The Fill Light is used to fill in distracting and harsh shadows that the Key Light creates. The Backlight is used to add dimension and create a more 3D look, however the Fill light and Backlight shouldn't overpower the Key Light otherwise a very unnatural look may be created.

In situations where lights can't be used reflectors are very useful as the reflect natural light in the direction needed. White reflectors are used to bounce light light, silver reflectors are used to bounce a lot more light while gold reflectors bounce light while giving a warmer tone to the light.

There are also different microphones for different situations for example the Shotgun microphone which is used for filming outdoors, a Dead Cat can be used to cover the mike so that wind sound is reduced. Dynamic microphones are used by on stage performers like singers and live comedians. The Condense microphone is used in music studios by singers recording their voice or radio stations.

Good quality sound should be recorded by ensuring the microphone is facing the actor while sound levels are peaking however they should not be hitting maximum otherwise the sound will come out sounding distorted which can't be edited out.