Home » Guides » Television Cameras and Camera Accessories Education and Training

Television Cameras and Camera Accessories Education and Training

Learn to use TV camera equipment

By Thomas Langford
If your business often shoots its own commercials, promotional videos or website videos, then you should have someone on your staff who knows how to use a television video camera and the accessories for television cameras. This can save you from having to hire freelance camera operators and save you thousands of dollars per shoot.

Most consumer TV cameras are fairly simple to use, with many automatic features. A professional television camera requires a bit more training, but will result in a higher quality final product. But for either piece of television camera equipment, television cameras and camera accessories education and training is a good idea. This training includes:

1. Finding out about the traits that make for a good television camera operator;

2. Reading and watching videos that explain the use of television cameras and television camera accessories;

3. And taking classes that teach how to use TV cameras and TV camera accessories.

 

Learn what type of person makes a good TV camera equipment operator

A good TV camera equipment operator will have technical expertise and be creative. The operator must select and present high-quality video in an interesting manner. The operator must also have an eye for a good picture and a steady hand while shooting video.
Try: Check out the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for a great description of the qualifications that are required in a television camera operator. EarnMyDegree.com explains how camera operators should be artistic, social, technical and solution-oriented people.

Teach yourself to operate television cameras and camera accessories

Once you've identified yourself or someone else in your organization as a person who would be a good television camera operator, it is time to start learning. You can pick up the basics of using television camera equipment by reading educational articles online and watching training videos. Be sure to use articles and videos that cover all aspects of television camera operation, including lighting, audio and troubleshooting.
Try: A great resource for learning to shoot video is the Videomaker website. It calls itself the place to start for videography training and contains hundreds of articles that will help you improve your skills and techniques. Studio 1 Productions sells a video series that covers topics such as shoot composition, taking care of the equipment, lighting and sound.

Take classes on the operation of TV camera equipment

When learning how to operate TV camera equipment, there is no substitute for in-person instruction. Classes are usually small, and the instructors are usually experienced videographers. The downside is the cost, which is often more than $1,000 for a good class.
Try: GeniusDV offers a two-day video production class that covers shooting and lighting techniques. The company is based in Orlando, but instructors will travel to train groups of people. Local community colleges, such as Bellevue Community College, often offer video production classes.

 

  • Check with your local cable access station to see if it offers any classes on using TV camera equipment. Many offer classes for free.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.