I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Camera Operations

2. Course Prefix & Number:
VPRO 1114

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

Lab Hours: 0

4. Course Description:

This course will introduce incoming students to professional still and video camera operations. Safe handling of equipment will be emphasized. Instruction will include standard functions critical for professional-level DSLR & video camera operation; focus, color balance, audio, exposure and power. Introductory shot composition and motion picture sequencing will be examined. Students will gain experience in a variety of professional-level cameras.

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

No placement tests required

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

2. Transfer - regional institutions with which this course has a written articulation agreement:

3. Prior Learning - the following prior learning methods are acceptable for this course:

• Advanced Standing
• Military Experience
• Specialty Schools
• CLEP
• Demonstration
• Portfolio

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

Videography Production AAS
Videography Production, Diploma

 

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Follow standardized photo/video acquisition and distribution processes in order to provide their customers/viewers with accessible content.
Utilize appropriate technology	Access and use appropriate built-in camera functions and effects, altering those technologies appropriately to achieve superior quality image content.
Work as a team member to achieve shared goals	Share responsibility with partners on practical camera-related group assignments.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Safely handle set up, take down and transport of professional-grade camera gear;
• Analyze and adjust main functions on cameras to maximize picture quality;
• Successfuly operation of both DSLR and video cameras;
• Employ standard cinematic camera angles in the acquisition of all media;
• Create visually aesthetic compositions in both still and moving imagery;
• Include professional audio recording techniques in all media acquisition;
• Calculate and adjust camera color values for desired compositional goals;
• Calculate and adjust camera lens values for desired compositional goals;
• Calculate and adjust camera exposure values for desired compositional goals;
• Successfully operate and control digital imaging software.

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Camera Handling Procedures
• Safe handling, storage and operation of professional camera equipment
2. DSLR Camera Operations
3. Basic DSLR Photography with Emphasis on Exposure
• Discuss and appraise camera exposure controls (E=IxT+ISO+WB)
• Characterize technology and compositional consistencies and “laws”
• Operate and predict exposure variables through still and video imagery
• Discuss and evaluate capture media devices and file size
• Equipment types, manufacturers specifications, and care
• Operate camera menus and define principles and capabilities
• Predict and adapt to environmental variables
• Examine camera filters and other accessories
4. Video Camera Operations
• Basics of camera operations/production assistant/team
• Basics of composition/shot selection/accessibility
• External controls on video cameras
• External controls on cameras
5. Main Functions on Video Cameras (Exposure, White Balance, Focus)
• Controlling – focus, white balance, exposure/Indoor - outdoors
6. Camera Angles
• Traditional cinematic angles/Good composition/bad composition
7. Lenses and Apertures
• Video Lens control, lens options, principles of focus & depth of field
8. Composition
• Headroom, noseroom, rule of 3rds, foreground, background, vectors, rack focus, composition/extreme angles/handheld/rule of 180
9. Editing video
• Importing
• Media management
• Creating successful timelines
• Exporting
10. Interviewing and Standups
• Five interview techniques
• Studio interviews
11. Advanced Cinematography
• Creating continuity
• Sequencing
• Camera movement

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions