Planning: Camera Equipment

The Canon EOS 1100D (also known as the Digital Rebel T3) is the new entry-level model in Canon's extensive range of digital SLR cameras, replacing the 3 year old 1000D model. Aimed at first-time DSLR users, the 1100Dinherits features from both the equally new and more expensive EOS 600D and the previous 1000D.

The Canon EOS 1100D has a range of features which includes:

• Superior 12-megapixel image quality
• On-screen Feature Guide
• Creative Auto and Basic+
• HD video capture
• ISO 100-6400 sensitivity
• Wide-area 9-point AF system
• 63-zone iFCL exposure metering
• 6.8cm (2.7”), 230,000-dot screen
• Use with all EF and EF-S lenses

        

I also looked at the instruction manual for the camera to help myself learn some more about how to use the camera. I looked a lot at the section which talked about shooting movies a lot as this is an important part of filming which I want to be top quality. Here is the link to the Instruction Manual.

Page number 139 is where you are able to find the start of the 'Shooting Movies' section. It tells you how to put the camera into the correct mode at the start which helps out people who have never used a camera before.

This part tells you how to easily shoot a High-Definition (HD) movie by following a set of simple pictures. This has helped me a lot already as it means il be able to focus the camera to a high quality very easily. It is a good idea for me to look up on this type of information so that I don't find myself stuck at any point when filming.

Camera Guides for Canon EOS 1100D

I then moved on from the instruction manual to looking at guides for beginners and also people who have more experience with using cameras. In these guides it gives you an insight of all the main dials, buttons and explains menus very easily. You are also able to learn a range of techniques which will enhance your use of the camera massively.

As you can see from the picture on the left, the guides give a very detailed insight of what types of techniques that help with focusing, panning and avoiding issues like sound. I will make sure I study and expand my knowledge of using the Canon camera by reading this how-to guide and then producing a variety of test clips and pictures which will reflect what I have been able to learn.




Own Practicing

Here is a short video of me and a friend testing out the Canon camera around school, showing a variety of shots, angles and movements which I will most likely use within my music video. Me and Sam worked together to get some of these shots and have been able to develop our skills with the camera as well in the process.

One thing which affected the quality of the footage was the fact that we didn't use a tripod. Within the music video I will definitely use a tripod to ensure I achieve steady and still shots that will help to achieve a higher quality video and give a more professional look to it. This will reduce how shaky the camera is and make it a lot more fluent whilst filming.