Whether you’re using the Flip, the Kodak Zi8 or another brand, these smaller cameras require users to understand their limitations and how to overcome them. The BBC College of Journalism site recently posted a two-minute clip that addresses problems and solutions.
The producer, Ramaa Sharma, also wrote a bit about what she and others at the BBC have learned about using these cameras.
The limitations were obvious: contrast and stability, for example, were drawbacks and our natural tendency to want to follow our subjects didn’t make for comfortable viewing.
But, that hasn’t kept folks there from finding plenty of uses for the small cams.
Radio 5 Live journos took them to the US elections and found they were great for getting good vox pops. They said people spoke more freely when filmed by a smaller camera. While presenters were also equally chuffed – for not having to grapple with complicated tech.
Again, it’s all about the right tool for the right story or story element.
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