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This month's Video Tip is .... To ZOOM or NOT to ZOOM. We should blame this typical foopaw (faux pas) on the guy who first described a lens as a ZOOM. The name alone sounds like an action ... one just waiting to happen. But should you? ... ZOOM, that is.
| Would it make a difference if I said your camcorder is equipped with a multi-focal length lens. This lens would at the push of a button increase or decrease the focal length and give you the right magnification that is needed for that scene. So much eaiser than changing lenses or rotating a turret holding three lenses. This lens would allow you to make distant objects appear closer or take in a wider field of view without moving backwards. | |  |
  
Does it sound like I have a Pet Peeve here?. After all, these video cameras are "Motion Picture" recorders. Zooming is a great motion, right? The zoom buttons on a camcorder are the most overused tool you have. Zoom in, zoom out, zoom back in again, zoom out, stop, zoom out some more. How about 10 quick stabs at the zoom buttons in random directions while following the action. If I wanted to be seasick, I would book a cruise.
No, I'm not telling you to shoot video as though you are using a still camera. Take a moment and think of television or motion picture images. How often do you see a zoom lens activated during a scene. Almost never. A practice to be strived for. Action can be within your frame. Action can move through your frame. But the zoom lens should not be used to give a scene motion or interest. Starting wide and zooming in to show a distant object is the usual move that starts this addiction.
 | | To be fair, a vaction video is a one camera shoot. The local sporting event and family party are in this group as well. You want to capture them from end to end and not miss anything that happens. So you zoom while filming. Sure, I understand. Keep it to a minimum. Don't make the movie in a bunch of zooms that are hesitant starts and stops. Use a tripod or monopod for the shoot. Try to make your focal length changes during a break in the action. Change POV (point of view) as well. If the action moves away, use your feet rather than the zoom to stay with the action. |
Think of the zoom control in the following way. When the record button is on, the camera can't run the zoom. Impractical, you say. Not really, that is how motion picture cameras work when a prime (non zoom) lens is mounted. Wait! What an idea. I can email Sony, Panasonic, JVC, Canon, RCA ... an override so the zoom won't work during record. That's the ticket. I'll get you and your little dog (err .... zoom lens) too.
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Video Education Section Last Updated: 04/23/02 VTP01 rl
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