As video cameras became smaller and more reliable the need for the old fashioned camera withered away, why?
The Military coined a phrase “Camera paints a picture, Video tells a story” then went out and bought shed loads of them. Why? It was decided (amongst other reasons) that they were a lot easier to use thus reducing the training burden and later guys were given no more than a couple of hours talking about framing and that was that, away you go. This compared with 6 to 10 weeks photography training (No brainer for the military)
Granted, most clients want video and for the right reasons it does tell a story but a question I pose is would the skills used in photography turn you into a better videographer?
People (including myself) were very quick to grab a handheld Sony in place of a SLR now the DSLR and forget the basics of photography why? Because it was easier, did I have to think about the right shutter speed to freeze movement, did I have to worry about the correct ISO or aperture, nope just point and press!!
I stood on many a camera course in OPTAG and RAF Cosford baffled with figures and covered in solutions to find I had under or over exposed yet another role of film then along came the DSLR…….. This bambino changed photography over night and the Military saw that and went out again and bought more shed loads of them only to find to get a good shot you still needed to think and understand the basic principles to get the best from the camera to produce a good quality image. Why the step back? In one word QUALITY standard definition i.e. Mini DV was good but as soon as the light dropped so did the quality….. Dramatically, along came night shot, fantastic at close range and at night, rubbish through a vehicle screen and during certain times of the day. The military got around this with some clever guys working over the water but they would be way out of the normal price range.
As it becomes harder to get hold of good quality Mini DV handhelds what are the options left? None of the newer camcorders carry DTG forward (Please correct me if I am wrong) I have spoken with Sony & Panasonic. (I managed to carry forward the DTG on my Panasonic HDC TM900) but have been informed it is only an overlay, so technically not of an evidential standard) There are ways around this i.e. running through specific recording devices but this does down grade the quality slightly.
I am not saying the DSLR camera should or will replace the handheld but here are some advantages I believe are worth considering…….
1. Quality – With a good body but more importantly good Lens it beats the handheld video by a mile.
2. Lowlight Capability – Much better than the handheld video BUT you have to be able to push it to its limits.
3. Fitted with the correct filters you can penetrated glass (Car windscreens) much better than the handheld.
4. Pictures are easier forwarded onto other team members (I know and have done this from my handheld but the quality is not good)
5. Analysis – A quick drive past with the video rolling is good but on the ground the quality is not great when reviewing via the remote screen, a good quality digital image is easier, quicker, and much more detailed as we found out whilst on a job in Liverpool where the digital camera was used to identify a very small CCTV camera which was not picked up on the video due to the one step PB zoom and quality.
6. Meta data stored on the image is classed as evidential as is the analogue handheld.
7. Range – I have only used one x2 video converter which worked well (C/S Bravo’s) the rest have been rubbish at the top end of the zoom. A good quality lens and converter really does give you a cracking stand off distance.
So for me its a no brainer, as I said earlier I am NOT saying it should replace the handheld but another tool in our bag of tricks to catch out the unsuspecting scum bag.
How many times have you reviewed the victor to find a shiny windscreen with an argument whether or not that is the subject? Stick a good quality polarising filter on to your DSLR, set the right shutter speed, aperture, and ASA and let the camera work its magic!!
The down side is cost and training but I believe it is worth it in the long run as it forces you to think about all the basic principles which has to be a good thing???
Recently there has been more demand for photography with DTG stamp rather than video why? I know of a case where video footage had been take of a subject who claimed they could not walk, carry/lift etc. they were caught on victor walking and lifting but only for a very short period, the client then asked for some photography rather than video as they had been informed it would work in their favour which it did!!
Thanks for reading!
Mark Thompson, Lateo Surveillance
Company Profile
Lateo Surveillance has been established by Ex Military surveillance specialists who have operated across the globe in all theatres of operations. Lateo which is Latin “to remain hidden” underpins the ethos that is behind the teams drive and determination to achieve the results which count. We employ tried and tested Standing Operating Procedures to produce first class results with No Compromise to the Highest Standards you would expect from a professional organisation.
At Lateo Surveillance we believe there is only one way to do the job, the “Right Way” which protects everyone concerned i.e. both parties. We understand the importance of security and confidentiality, operating not only within the law of the data protection act but also a strict moral code of conduct. Developed Vetted means we have been security cleared to the highest levels possible, reinforcing our intimate understanding and responsibility regarding security of information.
Based in the South West of England we provide both local and national services however unlike an awful lot of internet based surveillance and investigation companies Lateo Surveillance are not middle men; we do not farm out jobs to unknown contractors which means we can offer a personal service at the best possible prices.
www.lateosurveillance.co.uk