Guide to using Music Library equipment

As with most technology, cameras have different learning curves. Understanding your recording goals will help you choose a model that gives you satisfactory quality that’s within your technology comfort level. 

Potential add-ons

• Tripod: using a tripod will give you a steadier shot
• Lighting: for filming locations that need more lighting
• Separate audio recording: recording audio separately from the video will result in higher audio quality For more information, see Audio recording and live performance - getting started
• Memory card: if your camera does not have internal memory or is not recording to an external device, you will need a compatible memory card (not provided by Music Library)

Setting up the camera

• Check settings: make sure the camera’s settings are appropriate for your filming. Refer to the camera’s user manual as needed for help configuring its settings and for troubleshooting
• Tripod (if using): begin by securing the camera on a tripod, ensuring it is stable and at the correct height to capture your performance
• Frame the shot, check lighting: make sure that the subject is fully and clearly visible, including some extra space for a balanced composition. Make sure the lighting is sufficient, with the light source in front of you to avoid shadows. If using, set up your external lighting source

Although many of the cameras loaned by the Music Library are capable of recording video, certain cameras are purpose-built for video recording, while others are designed for both still photography and video recording.

These cameras are designed for still photograph as well as video recording:

• Nikon D750
• Nikon D7500
• Sony a7Sii

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K G2 camera can also produce high-quality still photography images, but is designed primarily for video recording.

Here is some information about the types of video equipment available at the Music Library.

Video camcorders: 

• Purpose-built for recording video
• Sometimes capable of taking still-photo screenshots, but image quality is not as good as when capturing video

DSLR and digital mirrorless cameras: 

• These are still-photo cameras that also are capable of recording video
• DSLR stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex, which indicates there is a mirror inside, reflecting light at a 45-degree angle

Mirrorless cameras: 

• These are also photo-cameras, but instead of having a single-lens reflex mirror inside, light is always hitting the sensor
• Typically have a smaller sensor size than DSLR cameras