Pan and Zoom Use

Pan and Zoom

     Today’s videographer has a plethora of options when it come to video editing products.  Your choice of video a matter of preference and is strictly up to you, but I will say that all video editors are n

Which one do I choose?

ot equal or there would probably be only one version made.  As far as cost, editors range from thousands of dollars to free, so you should determine what amount of sophistication you need for your projects before choosing one.  In other words if you are looking for an editor to dress up you family videos then one of the free versions like AVS Video Editor will more than server your purpose, and don't get me wrong there are some video projects that have been produced from AVS software that are truly award winning.  On the other hand if you are an aspiring film maker with your sights set on a career in the entrainment business you might want to invest a little more money in order to get a product with more flexibility and features.
     Now, that being said here is the sad truth, no amount of software gimmicks, can make up for basic camera work and project preparation.  The content you choose for your film is up to you and I don’t propose to tell you that any one subject is better or more likely to succeed than another.  If I could do that I would be laying beside a pool in Beverly Hills counting my billions.  There are however some constants that I feel will always be inherent to a good film or video production.                        

Blue Breasted something or other

     Know your subject, we live in a critical world and there are amateur critics everywhere out there just waiting to pounce on you from their keyboard.  There is nothing more embarrassing than having someone come up to you and inform you that the rare Blue Breasted Bug Snatcher shown in your film doesn’t actually eat green and red Carpet Crawling Worms, he actually prefers the green and yellow variety.  Boy, how embarrassing!  Now the whole world will know that I really didn’t finish that book on the habits of the stupid little Blue Breasted something or other.  This might seem far fetched, but if you think so take a look at this website (http://www.moviemistakes.com/) which is devoted to catching mistakes in films and tv.

     The next most common pitfall for videographers is the use of Pan and Zoom.  If you have read my other posts then you will know that I don’t care too much for the use of Pan and Zoom for most video sequences.  They have their place but using them too often can produce an amateurish look to the production.  If you just love these two tools and can’t imagine not using them then let me make this suggestion, use them sparingly and when you do use them make the rate almost indiscernible.  Two of the greatest examples of the correct way to zoom are John Wayne’s introduction scene in “Stagecoach” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb4Q3jtyapc) and Chief Brody’s beach scene in “Jaws” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW23RsUTb2Y) I have posted the Youtube links so you see how the zoom adds drama to the scene.  As for the Pan tool I can’t emphasize too strongly to use this technique sparingly.  The slower the pan the more natural the scene seems, and not to mention it helps build tension or interest where as a quick pan is hard for the viewer to follow.  Finally never. never, ever reverse your pan and go in the other direction during the same scene, unless it is done for a comic effect.  I have included a short video clip that I took on a visit to the Skyline Drive located in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, it demonstrates the same clip played at fast and slow speeds.  I think the video can speak for itself as far as which one is more pleasing to look at.

     Last but not least there is an old saying in the television and movie business and that is, “it’s not what you see, it’s what you don’t see.”  Long scenes are hard to shoot, and get boring if the view doesn’t change, so when you are videoing a subject it is best if you can set up at least two cameras.  I know two cameras sounds expensive, but the secondary camera need not be a first line device.  As my primary camera I use a Canon Vixia G30 that set me back more than a few pesos, and believe me it is worth it.  I also have a Samsung TL 350 and a Gopro Hero3+ that cost total about one third as much as the Canon.  But when I want to capture an important scene I set all three cameras up with a different view of the scene.  By doing this I make the Canon my primary camera but I always have the option of splicing in scenes from the other camera which will give me a totally different view of the same scene.
     In conclusion it takes practice to become efficient at making video or film products, but there are no limits to how far it can take you.