Equipment Check

For: Groups of Three
Difficulty: Beginner

Objective
Upon completion of this lesson, students will demonstrate they can set up a camera properly, plug in microphones and headphones, and perform other basic tasks relating to shooting projects. This is a good assignment to complete before students are allowed to take equipment into the field.

Points to emphasize

• Students must be capable of setting a camera on a tripod properly, including securing it so it will not fall off the tripod during a shoot.

• Students should be familiar with the external microphone and headphone inputs.

• Knowing how to properly replace of batteries is also important for everyone on your staff as they share equipment.

Equipment: One camera, one tripod, one microphone and headphones for each student to use during the exercise

Assignment

Students must demonstrate, individually in front of the teacher, the ability to put the camera on the tripod, turn on the camera, and hook up an external microphone and headphones. In addition, students should demonstrate they can put the equipment away properly, to the teacher’s specifications. Students should also demonstrate they know how to replace batteries and memory cards in each device, and are capable of charging any re-chargeable batteries.

Relevant Lesson:
Volume 1, Chapter 1: Essential Equipment