Camcorder Settings Tips

Shop at B&H: bit.ly/BHCamcor...
Learn how to use some basic settings on your camcorder to make sure you get great video every time you shoot.

[@BandH]

Bottom line - Camcorders are designed for video, far less labor intensive to use, and are typically far more self contained than the typical DSLR. DSLR video does offer the advantages of incredible DOF but that is often at the expense of easy and quick handling. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]

[@BandH]

+G Rich Typically the AUDIO SETTINGS" are accessible from the camcorder's MENU, if this option is offered. Please e-mail us the manufacturer and model number for your specific camcorder and we will reply with instructions. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]>Mark

[@BandH]

@mark barton Thank you so much for watching the B&H Photo KZbin Channel and for your participation. We are very pleased that you derive value from and find our presentations useful and informative. On behalf of all of us at B&H Photo, please accept our sincere appreciation for your patronage. We look forward to earning your continued trust for many years to come!

[@BandH]

Four of the six shooting modes offer HD 1920 x 1080 quality. UXP (24Mbps), XP (17Mbps), SP (12Mbps), and EP (4.8Mbps) are listed in descending order of their bit rates. Set to ?UXP? or ?XP? mode when recording fast-moving scenes or scenes with extreme changes of brightness to avoid noise. SP and EP are used for extended recording time. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: askbh{at}bandh{dot}com. MarkS

[@Colombo5218]

Brilliant! A truly gifted teacher and presenter! Thank you.

[@joncrall4628]

Every video she does is spot on. I've learned sooo much from her from tripod selection to now white balance usage. Thank you B&H

[@BandH]

Optical image stabilization (OIS) offers few downsides except for a slightly higher battery drain. I suggest turning off the feature when the camera is tripod mounted. Digital image stabilization may introduce "noise" in the outer borders of the video frame and is not as accurate as OIS. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: askbh{at}bandh{dot}com. Mark S.

[@BandH]

That is a Magnus VT-4000 tripod/head system. Glad you found the video helpful.

[@SomkaPitara]

Loved the way you presented the information. To the point and very clear with examples. Thanks a lot :)

[@jekholimbaga7505]

Freegaokdde I As drunk 7Stretch Fy ch

[@mujahidali6988]

Thank you, this video solved my video quality issue as I record lectures in relatively low lights.

[@DH4Hobbies]

Perfect video. Not boring, not too much info, not too little. No umms and aaahs and sooooo. loved it

[@featheredfan]

Hey, I'm about half-way through the filming of my camcorder tutorial and I found this old video somewhat helpful. Just the other day, I used some low light noise, to enhance a tele-macro view of some bugs that were squirming and the eerie creepiness of the look, came out great. I haven't noticed many problems with the white noise yet, probably because the camera is so versatile and I'm normally shooting in bright sunlight, with the Auto-Focus always on. BTW - One big challenge for noobs, is learning to force the Auto-Focus, especially when filming up close or when changing and moving the subjects. Well, I hope that you guys are still making more of these instructional videos, because this one should be part 4 of 10 or more, don't you think so? Oh, please tell Mia that I'm love-struck, haha! Thanks

[@RoseMaryandBlessing]

Thank you for sharing the information so clearly. It helped me resetting my camera setting.

[@LakshanW]

Excellent video

[@tristanmckenzie1623]

The thing I don't understand is the shutter speed. Like as in what setting to have it on. Like I have a Sony fdr ax43. I need an understanding of shutter speed and what it's for?

[@mbarton98]

Great tips from a great company B&H. I have been a customer for years now and truly appreciate how they treat their customers.

[@andresparra2254]

She did a great job.

[@theatremad9797]

Great video, can't stress it enough. The info in this video is valuable and deserves praise.Could sit and listen to her for an hour or more. Educational to say the least. Great work.

[@area51r]

that was a excellent presentation & explained the difficult to understand in a simplified format. please please please make a video on the canon hf m50!!! i just bought one tonight & between the ins. manual & the disc set up the words are so blury & unreadable i am almost ready to return it!!

[@wayneduchscherer4676]

Trying to find a way to preset "start record times" on our 3 Sony Handy Cams,(dcr-sx43,sr80,sr87) Thanks.

[@pamporovopeaks]

thanks, you have explained the method better then the manual, all tips have solved my problems.

[@basketballmaven1454]

some great tips but I'm still confused on the exposure and stuff

[@adrianfox9099]

My Panasonic camcorder with 50x optical zoom can no longer control exposure settings and all my scenes with both still pictures and videos come out 'bleached'. I have tried resetting everything to factory settings and the problem persists. Even with manual settings it is difficult to stop this happening in high light conditions (sunny). What has gone wrong with my camera? I did once point it at a setting sun but I doubt that could have 'burnt out' the sensor. Or perhaps that is the cause.

[@lascarmonty]

Interesting information, it would have been perfect if you guys would make more precise information on each models though. Since i got a HF R40 i can basically relate to infos on the HF M500 which i really want to learn how to use. Thanks.

[@iSOBigD]

Nice straight-forward video, well done.

[@INMARtv]

After changing the exposure my footage looks way better thanks!

[@nataliah3283]

This was extremely helpful! Thank you so much!

[@H.pylori]

Good practical tips on improving camcorder videos.

[@bigblue8986]

I'm glad I found your channel

[@AdvaitThakur]

Very helpful, very nice and detail info !

[@LifeBloodMarketing]

Yes, but be sure to test it out. Zebras could indicate just the right amount of exposure as well as over exposed. How can you tell which is which? By the way the line is going ///// or \\\\\. You'll just have to play with it and maybe find the manual.

[@tsarmygaming6465]

Hii, i want to know that how to use a camcorder becoz i have a camcorder as a gift but i dont know how to on it or shoot vdo or every thing i dont know about it i have old minidv cam of jcv it have h big size then yours jcv so please tell me 🙏🙏🙏

[@Viksi]

Great video, thank you for sharing it with us

[@bobbyflores220]

On Sony HDR-CX150, the camera stops recording after a few minutes in use by itself. Why is this occurring? Possibly a setting?

[@delmsmontero]

Wow thank you for sharing ,Very useful information

[@MrProfsena]

thanks. this tips are best and very effective for me. bless you

[@Neesavampi]

How do I edit the length of a video? Timer at the beginning is ok. But what about the ending so it doesn't show me walking back to the camera to push stop!?

[@BandH]

Depending upon your camcorder model, you may want use a remote control. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail] >Mark

[@hollyrealact]

Hilarious. I have had my camera for years (bought Canon Vixia HFM40 from B&H) and have been wanting to replace it because the quality was so bad. Nope. User error. I had no idea about the exposure option!! Great video. Thank you!! :-)

[@NadjaFelk]

OMG you helped me so much. Thank you.

[@romeo34889]

Love your clear presentation...Very informative......muchas gracias...

[@jimjr4432]

Thank you so much. Great presentation!

[@Musthi834]

Thanks. I learned a lot.

[@saikiranaditha7807]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks for sharing.

[@nettbakeren]

Thank you for a great video 😊 Really many good tips. Love it.

[@BandH]

Thank you for watching.

[@raheelchhipa106]

I have a sony camera .but camera have no options convert language from Japanese to into English please any idea or software and any idea please

[@BandH]

I am sorry, but if the camera does not have a way to change the language within the camera there is not going to be any software which will make that possible. Thanks! - Joey P

[@chucklively9633]

Hi, Great video. Just purchased the Canon Vixia HF G21 camcorder, a varizoom controller and a rode shotgun mic from B&H. I'm totally new to the camera world and I'm wanting to self film my deer hunts. Could you please tell me the right settings I need for the outdoors. I wished I could find a step by step video on this camcorder but I can't. Thanks in advance for any help.

[@BandH]

The best thing to do is experiment with different settings. To test shoots where you try the various settings and see what works best. You could also start in a fully automatic mode and as you get more comfortable with the camera try the various manual settings. Thanks! -Joey P

[@Aardvarky_]

Hi im facing a problem NO ONE has covered, on my Hausbell HD definition Camcorder when things are put up close, it gets unbearably blurry. How can I fix this?

[@BandH]

All lenses will have a minimum focusing distance. You may simply be too close to your subject. >Mark

[@ExtremelyKolkata]

Where from the white balance to be corrected in Panasonic v385?

[@BandH]

White Balance mode is accessed from the Touch Screen: White Balance: Automatic White Balance function may not reproduce natural colours depending on the scenes or lighting conditions. If so, you can adjust the White Balance manually. ≥ Switch to Manual Mode. (page 63):See the manual, pages 63/64 and 145: bit.ly/38YX4hf >Mark

[@shannonm75]

My video cameras always have little noises like a cricket. Don't know why I always get these and the sound is in my videos. Hate it.

[@BandH]

Understood. The camera may be emitting motor/lens noises as it focuses. You may want to consider having it serviced. >Mark

[@brislifestyle4983]

May you please answer this question- can I upload videos from my camcorder onto my phone to edit the video

[@tiki9247]

Hi there! Thank you for this great and informative video! Are there any lenses you can recommend for handycams? I am interested in a wide lens but haven't found any... I am using a Sony HDR SR12. Thank you so much :)

[@BandH]

That camcorder has a 37mm filter thread. You can use a wide angel adapter like this one from Raynox. bhpho.to/3dtrLf0 Thanks! -Joey P

[@tiki9247]

@@BandH thanks a bunch!!! Subscribed :)

[@afrikanking4022]

Great video thank you so much you have helped me alot

[@twistedtrackstravel8771]

Hi, im a camcorder novice and bought a sony HDR-CX240. Iv been tryin to understand the qaulty etc but im gettinng grainy lines when i filming, can u offer any advice on how 2 get crisp clear settings to make the perfect video as we fly to spain in may n would love to capture our holiday

[@BandH]

If you run into any problems using this product, follow the steps below: 1. Check the items under “Troubleshooting,” and inspect this product. 2. Disconnect the power source, attach the power source again after about 1 minute, and turn this product on. 3. Perform [Initialize]. If you select [Initialize], all settings, including the clock setting, are reset. 4. Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Also, change the memory card and make sure there is adequate light for a less grainy/noisy result. The Intelligent Auto setting should be ideal for most shooting situations. >Mark

[@NepalArslan]

could you please tell me the best video settings for the panasonic HC-V720? and how to get to the places to change the settings

[@BandH]

The best setting for the widest range of activities and lighting conditions is "Intelligent Auto" which optimizes the camera settings to the recording environment you are in.. Pressing the "Intelligent Auto" button will change the Recording Mode. Please consult the Panasonic HVC-720 operation manual for more details: service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/HCV720.PDF Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]>Mark

[@kingofgameing2108]

how to fix blurry video on my camcorder when trying to record on my 3ds original

[@marekl7485]

Cool tips, thanks!

[@mkodem1]

Hi I have a Canon Vixia HF R300, and I saw tests of this camera and their videos are really HD. My videos look pretty terrible. Please tell me how to make my videos look good. Thanks!

[@BandH]

Your camera most resembles the Canon HFM50 Mia highlights in the video. See page 168 of the owner's manual 1. Manually set the white balance to suit the conditions. 2. Control the light by using the different exposure settings. 3. Control the shuter speed. 4. Use reflectors or other light sources to add light. 5. Use the IS setting on the camera for a stable image 6. Use a tripod or other dolid, stable support 7. Make sure the lens is free of dust. See page 168 of the owner's manual: static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/45018.pdf Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail].>Mark

[@andiledlamini6135]

WHEN YOU ARE TAKING A VIDEO THERE IS TOO LIGHT HOW TO ADJUST THE LIGHT

[@dorde807]

I bought a camrecorder here and I resivet 2 days ago when I star to using it there is unwanted sound background when I play back my video I took I heard the unwanted sound at the background. So what will I do should I return the vedio camrecorder

[@BandH]

Let us know via e-mail the brand and camera model and your B&H order number. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]. Mark S.

[@andreanicole2006]

Question: As a photographer, I learned that when shooting video on my DSLR, the shutter speed should be set at "twice" the fps - (ie , if shooting at 30fps, you set the shutter to 1/60, at 24fps set shutter to 1/50 etc). Does this still apply to a camcorder, or is the fact that it's built for video mean you dont' have to remain locked to that ratio? I have a Panasonic HCV800. Also - something seems odd to me on this camcorder - the iris and shutter speeds appear to be doing the opposite to what I expect - when I open the iris, which should be allowing more light in, the video gets darker - is that because it's somehow automatically compensating for a low shutter speed? This is where my first question comes into play - if I want the wide aperture for shallow depth of field, but it's too bright, am I able to adjust the shutter beyond that "twice the fps" rule? (I am required to shoot at 30fps for our church as we often combine video from cell phones that cannot have their framerate adjusted and shoot at 30fps) Thanks for any insight! I'm really wanting to use the manual settings on this Panasonic as I find the auto settings flaky in a studio setting as it makes random adjustments that are rather annoying, but the manual settings don't seem to work like they do on my DSLR. Not that I expect it to have the same level of control, but...it certainly doesn't seem very intuitive to set manually, nor does it do what I expect a lot of the time. I haven't found the manual very helpful at all for detailed instructions.

[@BandH]

You do not have to be locked to this "rule of thumb" ratio. Your particular camcorder may not offer full manual adjustment anyway. You may want to try a neutral density (ND) filter. Consumer grade camcorders are typically designed t work most easily at their auto settings. Often the manual settings are tedious or tricky to maintain. Please e-mail us if you have additional questions: [e-mail] >Mark

[@PotatoVillagerMusic]

this is really gonna help. Thanks :)

[@MarylandCloakedSinger]

Well conveyed, excellent, thank you!

[@jackmurphy2262]

hi what causes the focus to be off when filming movieing should I set it to sports ?? pls tell me thanks

[@BandH]

+jack murphy - There could be exposure, mode, or control settings that should be adjusted or reset. Please send us an e-mail detailing the issue along with the brand and model number of your camera. Please send to: [e-mail]. >Mark

[@JacquesCoulombe]

Very helpful, Thank You!

[@getbusy21]

I always wondered what the zebra strips were...I need to read the freakin manual.. thanks for the tips!

[@Franrussell]

I am having a problem transferring the internal memory to a SD card. What do I do? I've tried the steps.

[@BandH]

Please send us an email to [e-mail]. Let us know the brand and model of the camcorder you are using so that we would be better able to assist. *Andrea

[@kevinsbott]

Great job, thanks!

[@themultihasan1]

Hi I have a camcorder camcorder when I connect the camera to TVs I can't hear the volume off the videos can you please help me out?

[@BandH]

+hasan hussain I would recommend sending and email to [e-mail]. Please let us know the exact model of Panasonic camcorder as well the model of the TV you are using. Once we have this information we would be better able to assist, thanks. *Andrea

[@VeghelProductions2]

Thanks for the Video, It was very helpfull! I have just one question. What is the name of the tripod at 7:07. I really liked it.

[@EERIE1]

Every time I'm making a video. When I flip my view screen. It stops recording. Is there a setting so that it continues to recored?

[@BandH]

Possibly. Please e-mail us your camcorder brand and model number. We will be happy to research this for you. >Mark

[@TexasBallersElite]

Do you know how to turn off the background sound when recording ? I only want video no sound.

[@logimite7174]

Just go to iMovie or DaVinci resolve and mute the clip.

[@360tvLive]

Camcorder or a DSLR. which one is the best option for shooting videos? Thnx

[@jjptech]

BIG THANKS!

[@allchithow]

Thanks for sharing.

[@shanndabear7332]

How do you take a video with the Sony please help me tips

[@BandH]

+Shannda Panda lease consult the SONY Owner's Guide for detailed recording instructions: static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/45541.pdf Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail] >Mark

[@lakshmisai1315]

How to know how much memory left in the SD Card?

[@BandH]

Depending upon the camera: Checking a memory card's available space or used space Press the [MENU] button. Touch [ Recording Setup ] -> [Available Space in Memory]. Check the available space. Displays a screen where you can check the total space available on the SD card and the SD card's speed class. >Mark

[@SouthernGrannaElizabeth]

Great video!

[@gallerycatstudios8018]

What about a dvc 2.7k? Mine can't focus on objects up close.

[@BandH]

Please e-mail us: [e-mail] >Mark

[@gallerycatstudios8018]

@@BandH ok, thanks.

[@funtimeyay]

I have ORDRO HDV 534 K CAMCODER. It is 4k. I am facing FOCUS ISSUES. can you please help me?

[@BandH]

We are sorry to hear of any issues you are facing. Feel free to email us directly at [e-mail] so we can better assist you. Thanks! -Joey P.

[@rdaffon23]

Great, helpful tips!

[@josephmullen3254]

hi i want to know what settings you use for recording at night like street lights and car lights thanks

[@BandH]

Hi Joseph, depending on the camera you are using, the settings vary. For smaller camcorders like this, you will have aperture or sometimes it's called iris control. At night you're going to need as much light going to the camera's sensor as possible. So, typically you would make your aperture or iris wider (the number is smaller f2.8, f2 etc) to let in more light at night. Sometimes, cameras like these will have gain control that will let you boost the image for low light shooting. But be careful, this can introduce noise or grain into your video image. If you are shooting with a DLSR or mirrorless camera, using a combination of wider apertures (depending on what lens you are using.) and boosting the ISO will do it. The trick is finding an image that has an acceptable exposure or look. Certain DLSR or mirrorless cameras have tools like waveforms or histograms to help with exposure.

[@josephmullen3254]

hi there is no iso on my camcorder just iris control and shooting at night that happens

[@BandH]

Hi Joseph, send us an email at: [e-mail] and we can further assist you. Thanks!

[@vintagecameras9623]

Thank you for sharing!)

[@hecatesgf9034]

Hey I just bought a Samsung hmx-f90 and I'm not sure how to delete photos/videos

[@BandH]

+mychemicalticcitobyatthedisco - See the owner's manual: bit.ly/1pbnxPT You can erase your recordings one by one or all at once. • Press the [MODE] button to select the playback mode.• Select the video or photo thumbnail view. 1) Press the [MENU] button [Control(Left/Right)] button Delete. 2) Select an option by pressing the [Control (Up/Down)] button, and then press the [Control (OK)] button. 3) If you selected Select Files, image thumbnails appear. Use the [Control (Up/Down/Left/Right)] button to move to the photo or video you want to delete. Press the [Control (OK)] button to mark images for deletion. The garbage can icon appears on the photo or video. Repeat Steps and for each photo or video you want to delete. Press the [MENU] button to delete the photos and videos you selected. The message corresponding to the selected option appears. Use the [Control (Left/Right)] button to select Yes, and then press the [Control (OK)] button. 4) If you selected All Files, the message corresponding to the selected option appears. Use the [Control (Left/Right)] button to select Yes, and then press the [Control (OK)] button. • Deleted images cannot be recovered. • Do not remove the power adaptor or memory card while deleting files, otherwise the storage media may be damaged. • You can also delete your recordings in single view.• To protect important images from accidental deletion, activate image protection. • Protected images cannot be deleted. To delete a protected image, cancel the protect function first. • If the write protection tab on a memory card is set to lock, you cannot delete. • You can also format the storage media to delete all the images at once. Be aware that all files and data including protected files will be erased. • The Delete function does not operate if the battery charge is insufficient. We recommend you use the power adapter to avoid power-loss while deleting. >Mark

[@hecatesgf9034]

B and H Ty!

[@debbiewalker9905]

I just got a video camera and I do not know how I see videos

[@BandH]

Please review the included instruction manual for your particular camcorder Debbie. If you have additional questions, please e-mail us: [e-mail] >Mark

[@otissumnerbrown]

How do you convince Windows-10, that they should PLAY the MOD files created by these cameras?

[@Jacklynofalltrades]

Terrific video!!!

[@melancolicodeprofesion5695]

THANKS A LOT!

[@charlesgoodrich9071]

I am using one but i need a help

[@MalibuGossipReporter]

Vale Mia! Great information! Paz.

[@vandetemoura2650]

__ tem q traduzir, aqui é RJ Brasil . . Não entendi !

[@jackturner1156]

GREAT CONTENT!!

[@manwar999]

shes so pretty, had to keep watching her

[@mooobrien9933]

how do I watch my fotoge on my muvi 500 camera

[@BandH]

+moo obrien Footage from the Veho VCC-005 MUVI HD NPNG Action Camcorder (bhpho.to/1UXOS1T) is both Mac and Windows compatible. You will need editing software compatible with High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080p /30 fps files. Adobe Premiere Elements 14 (DVD) B&H # ADPE14WM - bhpho.to/1MUQcQ5 Mark S

[@wahibak3470]

I record with Panasonic HC V110. Is it good for KZbin

[@BandH]

I don't see why not. Since you have that camcorder already shoot some content with it, edit it and load it to KZbin to see the results. Panasonic camcorders are very nice in general, even the older models. Thanks! -Joey P

[@wahibak3470]

@@BandH it doesn't work that good!!!! Search Wahib Khan and watch how to make a bouncy egg !!! It is shit! I got a Canon DSLR to vlog with..

[@shadowx2652]

As nice as they are they also should have encodes like iPhones so that way you can protect your privacy, like from the police if they falsely arrest you and they can’t delete the evidence or something. Sad 😔

[@rodrigothegrinder2537]

Is it worth it ??

[@redbokehsociety7728]

So is it safe to assume that these video settings dont involve 24 frames per second????? isnt that the main question videographers have??

[@BandH]

While an informative clip, this video is around 7 years old. If you need advice with a new camcorder you have purchased feel free to email us directly at [e-mail]. Thanks! -Joey P

[@redbokehsociety7728]

@@BandH thx for quick reply, but 24 frames per second was created more than 7 years ago???? I have a 5d and know how to use it.... I would call if I had another major purchase... jus sayin'///

[@lvgeorge]

Wow is Right! Mia is Great, Thx and Thumbs Up!

[@MALITHA8]

awesome tips :)

[@ZulhamS]

thank you,,,,