Technology and Innovation

The VW Camper Van, vehicle of choice for surfers, and hemp shirt-wearing travellers the world over, has been given a makeover and a change of name. Enthusiasts can pay their respects to the all-new VW Microbus at Volkswagen’s impressively swish site. A movie shows off the Microbus’s new curves and illustrates the additional gizmos; such as a rear-view video camera, mounted above the license plate, that relays pictures back to a screen in the central roof console. And they’ve upgraded the original’s wheezy engine to a 230-horsepower V6 beast. Is nothing sacred? • For more concept cars turn to page 68.

Shutterbugs will be thrilled by Canon’s new six-megapixel digital camera. The D60 is based around the same design principles as its predecessor, the D30, but includes a raft of improvements. Its resolution has been increased by 100 per cent, and it has an upgraded 1.8-inch LCD monitor on the back. It can shoot three frames a second for a burst of eight frames, and has features to give better image quality in difficult shooting conditions. You store images on the 128MB CompactFlash card that’s supplied. All this in a lightweight yet strong cover and stainless steel chassis. You get the picture. Well, you will.

When looking at the film’s camerawork, you have to become aware of the shooting of the different scenes. Was the scene shot handheld or Steadicam. on tripod or dolly? Ask yourself why the director chose that particular type of camera support. Did the camera movement match the style and tone of the scene, or was it distracting? Camera movement adds depth and flow to a scene, but if the movement is at the wrong pace or time or in the wrong style, it can be very distracting.

As camcorders have become smaller, cranes and jibs have become more affordable. Crane shots are more challenging to do. When they’re done right, however, the results are very pleasing. You don’t need fancy things for a unique angle. All you really need is an open mind and a little creativity. Just don’t leave your camera in the fridge too long.

Crane shots add a whole new level of sophistication to your shoots. They can cost thousands of dollars, but there are also low cost alternatives. Cranes like the Cobra Crane (www.cobracrane. com) start at just a few hundred dollars and use your existing tripod as a fulcrum. You could also use a camera strapped tightly to a monopod. or try making your own crane out of a sling securely fastened to the end of a long pole.

Before diving into the world of raising money, figuring out tax-exempt status and getting an executive board, why not learn to swim with others? Starting out by helping charities with video is exponentially easier than beginning your own nonprofit. Take your camera, microphone and editing chops to an already established organization and get some experience.
So where do you find these charities? If you are already involved in the community, it’s a no -brainer. Just find a way to work your video wonders with the groups you already know.

JVC GY-DV5100U Vi” 3-CCD Pro DV Camcorder
• 800TV Lines (camera) I -12-bit A/D, 24-bit DSP
• 3- 1/2″lmage Sensors with 400k Pixels each
• 1/2″ Bayonet Lens Mount •0.2 Lux at f/1.4 in LOLUX Mode
(f/13 at 2000 Lux) •2.5′TFT LCD with 440 Lines, 200k Pixels
• 3-XLR Microphone Input with 48v Phantom
• Anton Bauer Gold Mount