A beginner's guide to an advanced camera (video)

[Totes_Magotes]

Ok, so i'm starting this thread and hope it will catch on and help alot of people out.

I (along with many others on NS) am very interested in filming and every aspect that goes along with it. I have recently bought a Canon Vixia HF-S10 which is quite a step up from my old one. I figured it was about time to learn more about video camera's and am really stoked on this. And i ,basically, don't have a clue where to begin my studies.

I'm hoping some of you advanced and pro filmers out there could just put together as many tips, tricks, aspects, tools, definitons, and advice as you can to help out anyone looking to step up there filming game.

I wish i could give higher than 10/10 K to anyone who contributes, but your help on such a difficult topic will forever be appreciated.

 

[horner]

http://www.dvxuser.com

start reading

 

[[-mvee-]]

dvxuser.com is a real good site

but also consider videomaker.com. they have lots of good stuff of this site, but the forums are a little lame. good site though

 

[dergblerp]

DVXuser is a great site, but it's also worth reading into - http://www.dvinfo.net

DVXuser's main downside is that they are very focused on panasonic's cameras, which is great if you use panasonic, but for other brands (canon, sony, ect) dvinfo is great.

As far as getting to know your camera, the best way is to READ THE MANUAL and shoot lots. Your videos probably won't look that amazing when you're first starting, but they improve rapidly the more you shoot. Reading the manual is the best way to avoid making dumb mistakes that you will probably inevitably make anyways because everyone does, and it's part of the learning process.