Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 Camcorder Basics: Getting Started

Differences Between the HF G10 and XA10

Single Chip Versus Three Chips

4:2:0 Color Space

AVCHD

Prepping the Camcorder

Initializing

Selecting the Recording Quality

Selecting Frame Rate

The Lens Shade

Shooting in AUTO Mode

Playback

Chapter 2 Run-and-Gun Shooting

Checklist

Run-and-Gun Focus

Run-and-Gun Exposure

AUTO Mode

Face Detection and Touch & Track

Image Stabilization

SMART AUTO

Semi-Automatic

Custom Settings

Fixed Focus

Coverage Strategies

Pre-Record

Chapter 3 Visual Composition

Level Horizon

The Rule of Thirds

Look Space

The 180° Rule and 30° Rule

Eyeline

Figure and Ground

Selecting Shots

Chapter 4 Controlling Exposure

Shutter Speed

Selecting an Aperture

Neutral Density

Gain

Touch Exposure

CUSTOM Key and Dial

The LCD Screen

Zebra Patterns

Waveform Monitor (WFM)

Setting Manual Exposures

Chapter 5 Selective Focus and Depth of Field

Face Detection

Face Only

The LCD Screen

The Viewfinder

Dioptric Correction

The Lens

Focus Assistance, Peaking, Focus WFM

Focus Panel and Touch Focus

Zoom Focus

Depth of Field

Chapter 6 Controlling Color

Automatic White Balance

Manual White Balance

Color Temperature

Warm and Cool

Color Balance Presets

Fluorescents

Color Bars

Image Effects

CINEMA Mode

xvCOLOR

Chapter 7 Improving Sound

Using the Internal Mic

Setting Levels

External Audio for the G10

External Audio for the XA10

Microphone Accessories

Wireless Mics

Mixing Internal and External

Double System Recording

Air or Room Tone

Prepping the Environment

ADR

Foley Sound

Chapter 8 Shooting in Available Light

Scouting

Using a Reflector

Exposure in Available Light

Overcast

Magic Hour

Interior Light

Base Level

Fluorescents

Practicals

Chapter 9 Lighting Techniques

Basic Concepts

Key and Fill Light

Physical Variables

Hard and Soft Light

Tungsten-Halogen Lights

Fluorescents

Lights on the Camera

LED Lights

Lighting Accessories

Chapter 10 Shooting at Night

AUTO Mode at Night

Spotlight and Night Scene Programs

Low Light Mode

Programmed AE

Manual Exposure at Night

Film Noir Lighting

Nighttime Exteriors

Improving Night Images

Lighting in a Car

Infrared

Chapter 11 Mounting the Camcorder

Selecting a Tripod

Monopods

Vehicle Mounts

Chapter 12 Controlling the Moving Camera

Hand-Held Camera Movement

Image Stabilization

Zoom Versus Dolly

Soft Zoom

Tripod

Camera Jib

Camera Stabilizers

A Monopod as a Stabilizer

Sliders and Mini Dollies

Chapter 13 Still Photography

G10/XA10 Stills

Viewing and Playing Photos

Transferring Images to a Computer

Photo Enhancement

Chapter 14 Extreme Close-Up Videography

Auxiliary Lenses

Shooting in Macro

Lighting

CINEMA Mode

Chapter 15 Special Features

Saving and Loading Menu Settings

Chroma Key and In-Camera Decorations

Scan Reverse

Assignable Buttons

Pre-Record and the Self Timer

Rating Scenes

Eye-Fi

Fader

Digital Zoom and Digital Tele Converter

Chapter 16 Integrating with Larger Camcorders

XF Camcorders

Integrating with Other Camcorders

Integrating with HDSLRs

Chapter 17 Production Strategies

Story Creator

Non-Fiction

Fiction

Experimental

B-Roll

Teaching and Learning

Production Apps for iPhone, iPod, and iPad

Green Media Making

Chapter 18 Managing and Storing Video Files

Disconnecting

Using a Card Reader

File Management and Viewing

Hard Drives

Archiving

Noise Reduction

Standard Definition

Deleting Files

Chapter 19 Editing

Major Editing Programs

Workflows

Getting Started in Final Cut Pro 7

Getting Started in Final Cut Pro X

Getting Started in Avid Media Composer 6

Getting Started in Adobe Premiere Pro

Getting Started in Sony Vegas Pro 11

Index