Making a Mini-documentary, Ep 1: Basic equipment for filming a video documentary

Logo of ABC Open with text that reads, 'ABC Open Tutorial. Equipment to make a short video.'

Benj Binks and Catherine Marciniak stand in a patio, behind a table filled with filming equipment.

CATHERINE MARCINIAK:

Hi, welcome to ABC Open. I'm Catherine.

BENJ BINKS:

And I'm Benj. In this video, we're gonna show you some of the things you can use to make a mini-documentary. The first you'll need is something to record your story with.

Camera zooms in on an aerial shot of various cameras laid out on the table, as described by Benj.

BENJ BINKS:

You can use a video camera, a digital SLR, a point-and-shoot or even your smart phone.

CATHERINE MARCINIAK:

Whichever one you choose, make sure your lens is clean, your batteries are charged and make sure you have a large memory card because video takes up a lot more memory than photos.

BENJ BINKS:

Get to know your camera. If you're shooting with a smart phone, make sure you shoot horizontally, not vertically. Otherwise, you'll end up with large black stripes down either side of your picture when you put it on the television. Also, make sure your lens is at the top, otherwise you can discover your project is upside-down when you import it into your computer.

CATHERINE MARCINIAK:

Make sure you know where the built-in microphone is, so that you don't accidentally cover it with your finger.

Catherine picks up a boom microphone.

CATHERINE MARCINIAK:

Most cameras do have an in-built microphone, but you can also add an external microphone like this to improve your sound.

BENJ BINKS:

You want your shots to be sharp. Smart phones, most camcorders and point-and-shoot cameras focus automatically, but with digital SLRs, it's a bit more tricky. I like to focus before I start videoing.

Close-up shot of Benj holding the camera and pressing the corresponding buttons to access the various functions he mentions.

BENJ BINKS:

To do this, I either use the autofocus button or I can manually focus using the magnification button. However, I can't use the magnification button whilst filming and if I try and use autofocus whilst videoing, this is what happens.

Shot of a camera on a table that adjusts from a blur of colours to a sharp image.

CATHERINE MARCINIAK:

To make sure you get shots that are rock-steady and to give your video a more professional look, put a tripod in your kit.

Benj sets up a tripod on a beach.

CATHERINE MARCINIAK:

A monopod is also handy. It's a great option for getting your shots stable when you're on the move.

BENJ BINKS:

You can even make your own stabilising device.

Catherine is seen on a beach placing a small sack of rice on the sand and anchoring her camera on top of it.

BENJ BINKS:

Grab a soft bag of rice and you've got a great, sturdy base for your camera. It's really good for low shots. Another option is a wearable camera. You can mount this camera on a car, on a bike or even on your own body.

Close-up shots of a girl surfing as the camera ducks in and out of the water.

BENJ BINKS:

It's a great way to get footage that feels like it's right in the thick of it.

Underwater footage of Benj swimming in the sea.

BENJ BINKS:

(Gurgles indistinctly)