My Knowledge of Equipment - Reflection on Progress

I am extremely happy with how far I have come with my knowledge of equipment this year. At the beginning of the year I had zero hands on experience of working with professional cameras, let alone with the Tascam recorders, microphones and tripods. In the Camera Test I came out with 15 marks out of a possible 20, which I was extremely proud of and was a great boost to my confidence.

I decided to buy my own Cannon 600D with the idea that having my own camera which I could use anytime would be more beneficial in the long wrong that having to rely on booking out from the college for short periods of time, especially with my limited experience. I decided to study the manual and make notes which would help me to get grip with the functions. Finding the manual very dry and difficult to take notes from, I instead sought the help of my tutors. The class which was given going back over the functions of the camera in depth I found to be extremely useful and I took some fantastic notes. I was then able to use these notes to conduct practice in my own time, and over time got extremely comfortable in accessing the camera functions. I could get to the Quick Menu and adjust the White Balance, Image Effects, Recording Quality and Frame Rate. I could adjust the Shutter Speed with the main dial, affect aperture by holding down the AV button and using the dial, and change the ISO with the ISO button and dial. I was also made aware of the correct way of setting Custom White Balance, by using a sheet of white paper, taking a picture of it, choosing to use that picture for Custom White Balance in the Main Menu and then choosing Custom White Balance in the Main Menu. This is something that I did not do in my Camera Test, but I have done it elsewhere and always remember it, so it is not really a concern for me.

The next piece of kit which I got to grips with was the Libec 650 Tripod. This is the standard Tripod that we use at the college, but it is discontinued and we will be getting new ones soon. I suppose the same principle that applies to Cameras also applies to Tripods, you should never get too use to one model and always be ready to adapt. Using the Tripods was intimidating for me at first but I think I have adapted well. I basically know the procedure to get it set up and put away, and to make sure everything is loose and put in legs first when packing away. 

The standard Tascam recorder that we use in the college is the DR-40. The Tascam was very overwhelming and fiddly when I was first given it but I think I have learned well and haven't really had any problems when using it on my films. I know how to adjust and check the levels and set the format to 44hz and 128kbits. One thing that caught me at first was the difference between setting up for a recording and actually recording is quite confusing at first, the record symbol comes up indicating it is ready to record but you need to press the button again to have it start recording. This caught me in my Camera Test and is what caused me to lose marks along with White Balance. I realize the mistake I made now and always check that I'm recording properly, but it something I need to bear in mind.

Overall I am extremely happy with and proud of the progress that I have made with regards to Equipment this year. From where I was last year knowing literally nothing I have made a great leap forward and I look forward to improving more still next year. Lighting equipment and the new Panasonic over the shoulder camera are things that I want to get to grips next.