Monday, June 7, 2010

What Cameras Are Used To Film Movies

There are different cameras that are used to film major movie productions.


If you are wondering why motion pictures appear clearer than your own home movies, consider the video camera. Directors and producers use different video cameras, depending on the project. Two main video cameras that are used within the motion picture industry include the 35-millimeter camera and the digital camera. These cameras are typically very expensive because they offer production crews the ability to work with different film types, shutter lenses and frame speeds.


35-millimeter Movie Cameras








Blurry scenes can be attributed to a higher level of frames-per-second.


The 35-millimeter movie camera is most commonly used within the motion picture industry, especially before 1990. This camera provides production crews with more flexibility. The camera records footage onto 35-millimeter film, which can be completed at different speeds, or frames-per-second (FPS). The lower the level of FPS, the more the movie will appear clearer and fluid. The average FPS in a motion movie picture is approximately 18 FPS.


The advantage of a 35-millimeter movie camera is that production crews can change the FPS, depending on the scene they are shooting. If they require an out of focus shot, they can increase the FPS, or decrease if more fluidity is needed.


Digital Cinema Cameras


Digital video cameras are used in projects, such as low-budget productions and independent movies.


Digital movie cameras are used for digital cinematography and are popular for projects such as independent movies, low-budget productions and special effects. Digital movie cameras can be cheaper to operate and capture a higher level of optical resolution and dynamic range imagery.


The 2009 movie Slumdog Millionaire was filmed mainly in digital format. Optical resolution allowed the production crew to capture a scene or image in greater detail and easily add special effects. Along with an increase in image detail is a higher ratio of sound and light. This ensures that the material captured on the camera does not have to be transferred through a film projector and can be saved directly onto a hard-drive, tape of flash memory system.


Movie Camera Accessories


A camera's lens size is important to consider when filming a motion picture.


There are many different accessories for cameras used in the motion picture industry. Directors and production assistants are able to select different accessories that can help enhance certain scenes, depending on the lighting and special effects needed. Lens, shutter speed and film play major roles in determining the best shot for a scene.


The right lens is crucial for the success of a film, as it will determine how clear the footage will be. For example, if a director is working on a scene that requires filming from a greater distance, power lenses must be used. Shutter speed must also be taken into account when filming a motion picture, as fast acting scenes require production crewmembers to utilize a shutter capable of high speeds to keep up with the action.


Digital Versus Film








Since the 1990s, motion pictures started using digital recording in major films.


Prior to the 1990s, th35-millimeter movie camera was the industry's standard. Today, digital cameras are becoming more popular within the industry. Weighing the pros and cons of different movie camera equipment is essential for the success of a film. For example, digital cameras require correct lighting in order to be consistent in footage quality. But the 35-millimeter cameras can manipulate the frames-per-second and be transferred to high-definition recordings.

Tags: motion picture, movie camera, motion picture industry, picture industry, production crews, special effects