Sony PD 150 Shooting Manual

PD 150 shooting guide
1. INTRODUCTION
This guide is intended to be a useful reminder of the operation and functions of the Sony PD 150. Use it as a general
refresher if you haven't been out filming for a while, or refer directly to the relevant sections for guidance and help on
specific subjects. There are three main sections. This, the first section, will take you on a tour of the camera and guide you
through its basic operation. The second section deals with picture functions on the PD 150 and lighting, and the third
section is a guide to recording audio successfully. References to camera left and right are looking at the rear of the camera.
Text in BOLD is the additional information if you're used to the VX 2000.
2. SAFETY
Safety; both your own and other people's is a very important consideration when you are filming on DV. To go out filming on
DV you must have completed suitable relevant safety training. A risk assessment should be completed prior to every shoot.
Potential hazards must be identified and dealt with in advance of your shoot. Forward planning and thought about what you
are going to do on the shoot is crucial - think carefully about the environment and circumstances you will be filming in. If you
are filming in public places be aware of the dangers of people tripping over cables, your tripod and your kit bag. Children are
of course particularly unpredictable.
The small size and flexibility of a small DV camera can make it tempting to try things that you otherwise would think too
dangerous. Don't film from unguarded roofs, or other high places, be careful near water and moving traffic. It's yours and
other people's safety you are putting at risk.
If there are two or more of you on the shoot, divide responsibilities up sensibly between you. If you are operating alone, go
to the next section, as there are implications for the type of filming it is safe for you to do.
Think about the handling and transportation of your kit and don't overload yourself. Handheld filming is tiring so make sure
you take breaks, or put the camera on a tripod for periods.
There should be at least two of you on the shoot before you can contemplate using mains supply lights. You must be able to
prove you can use mains lighting safely. You should not use any mains socket without using a socket tester. Provided your
battery charger has been electrically tested and has a sticker to prove it, you can plug it directly into the mains. All other
mains equipment and untested chargers should be plugged into the mains via a residual current device or RCD, to avoid
shock. Refer to the lighting section of this guide for detailed information about using lights on a DV shoot.
Always make sure that someone at base knows where you are, and that you are contactable on location - ideally by mobile
'phone. Equally you need to know that there is someone at base that you can call if you need to. If circumstances change
while you are out filming, make sure you inform your producer before undertaking anything potentially hazardous that you
did not previously anticipate.
If you have any safety concerns about your shoot, raise them with your producer, so that you can make sure you are
equipped properly and can film safely.
3. SAFETY - LONE OPERATOR
Check for local guidance on lone working. Working alone means that your awareness; both physical and mental is severely
reduced, so you must be sensible about what you can achieve by yourself. Because of the potential hazards and problems
there are restrictions on what you should do when out filming solo.
Firstly keep your shoot to static general views, and simple pieces to camera or interviews only. You must not operate any
mains lighting kit, and you should restrict yourself to basic sound set-ups.
Never track backwards whilst filming on your own - don't do it unless someone can guide you.
While you are filming your eye is at a viewfinder, you are wearing headphones and you are concentrating on what you are
filming. So think carefully about your surroundings, and make sure you are in as controlled an environment as possible -
perhaps an office or a house. Don't contemplate filming in unpredictable surroundings like very busy public areas or near
moving vehicles, and avoid locations where your reduced awareness could cause you, or anyone else to have an accident.