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How Is Videotape Technology An Improvement Over Cinematography?

Addison Smith

Technically, cinematographers do not require photography or video skills to shoot a videography project! That is definitely a perk of the profession.

However, most cinematographers have at least a bachelor’s degree in either photo- or video-based art forms. Beyond that, they must take additional certification tests to be certified as a professional photographer or filmmaker.

The term “videographer” has unfortunately become popularized with people who don’t possess formal training in both photographic and media production technology. This article will discuss why this is problematic for the future success of the craft, so keep reading!

I would like to bring your attention to two important points before we dive into some reasons why it is detrimental to not know how to use a camera effectively.

First, many photographers and filmmakers consider themselves experts in their field due to the fact that they spent several years studying photography or filmmaking. These artists may even have a successful business model based off of their artistic talents.

Second, there are plenty of opportunities out there where someone with no formal education can make a decent living taking pictures or filming videos. People hire professionals all the time to help convey an idea, tell a story, or capture special moments.

By learning basic photography and/or videography concepts, you will increase your self-confidence as an artist. You will also develop fundamental technical skills that can be applied to other areas of the creative industry.

Greater variety

how is videotape technology an improvement over cinematography

As technology advances, we see new ways to achieve similar goals. With video editing being more accessible now than ever before, people are able to create their own videos easily! This brings us another important part of defining what makes great cinematography - variety.

As artists, we must have different styles that we can use to convey our messages effectively. By having many different styles, your audience will be able to connect with you more as artist.

This is especially true in the era of digital media where anyone can publish their work. When someone else publishes something that looks really good, your followers may copy it or at least give it a second look.

Great photographers have always experimented with various photographic techniques to find one that works for them. Becoming familiar with the basics and experimenting with different ones is a way to gain this knowledge.

Greater portability

how is videotape technology an improvement over cinematography

As digital technology has advanced, so have video recording devices. Gone are the days when you needed to own or access a camera to record anything! You can pick up most smartphone cameras now feature direct-to-camera recording modes that do not require a separate device to share your footage.

This is great because until recently, if you wanted to take really good pictures you had to invest in a smart phone with a quality camera, then buy a tripod, and then some software to edit your photos.

Now anyone can take nice photographs! If you’re more of a filmmaker than photographer, similarly you can pick up inexpensive standalone video recording equipment designed for shooting videos directly onto a computer.

These products typically use USB connections and free editing apps like Windows Movie Maker or Adobe Premiere Pro to get you started.

Less expensive

how is videotape technology an improvement over cinematography

Technically, cinematographers do not require any special training to use professional grade video equipment. All you need to know is how to operate most of it! This includes using advanced software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro to produce your videos.

However, becoming a proficient filmmaker requires additional education such as lighting classes, photography courses, and videography courses. A lot of these educational facilities offer certification programs for filming under their banner.

These certifications are usually very expensive and can cost anywhere from 5,000-20,000 dollars. Not only that, but many of them require years of experience which may take even more money depending on how much funding the company has.

This is why some people prefer editing over filmmaking. Even though you will probably spend more money upfront, you will not be spending as much in the long run due to lower production costs.

Can capture images and sounds

how is videotape technology an improvement over cinematography

While some people may still consider themselves professionals when it comes to taking pictures with a camera, most of us have at least tried our hand at taking videos. Most likely you’ve even made your own personal video or movie before!

Videos are just like regular photographs in that they can be edited and enhanced later. This is not only possible in software, but easy to do as well. All of this means that there is no need to send out your footage to be professionally done anymore.

With the availability of smart devices such as smartphones and tablets, anyone can now edit their own videos and publish them online easily.

There are many free editing apps available, some better than others. Some feature rich features cost money however, so it all depends on how serious you are about filming and editing yourself.

Can be edited

how is videotape technology an improvement over cinematography

As mentioned before, film is already a very editing friendly medium. You can edit your videos in-camera or at a later stage. This allows you to make changes after filming, which is great because you may want to add or take away parts during the production process.

With digital technology becoming more advanced, being able to do this within video has now become possible. A recent advance in recording technology is low cost, easy to use, and fully adjustable mobile shooting equipment that does not require professional grade cameras.

This new technology makes it possible to produce high quality content without having to invest heavily in expensive camera settings first.

Can be watched back on

Technically, anyone can become a professional photographer or videographer these days! All it takes is some learning of the field, investing in good equipment, and having someone who trained you to push your skills forward.

A professional photographer or videographer has to go through additional training to be considered that level, however. Plus, they are paid more for their artistic talent, which comes with prestige.

But aside from both requiring several years of education and experience, there’s another major difference between the two- how video technology is changing.

You see, while most people consider photography as an art form, shooting videos requires special technical knowledge. This includes things like knowing how cameras work, exposure, editing software, etc.

As such, many photographers out there don’t take too seriously those who call themselves ‘photographers’ because they can use Photoshop! A lot of them feel that calling yourself this isn’t really valid since you needed advanced computer science knowledge to actually do so.

Gives the viewer a realistic experience

how is videotape technology an improvement over cinematography

A lot of people think that film is “restrained” because there are no instances where someone does something crazy or gory. This assumption comes from the fact that we have learned to associate cinematic quality with restraint.

However, this perception is very skewed. While it is true that nothing too over-the-top happens in films, this isn’t necessarily a good thing!

For one, filmmakers have to pay close attention to all of the details while also making sure everything looks correct. Both of these things take time and money!

It is important for the audience to be able to focus on the movie instead of being distracted by some grotesque image or situation. Plus, anything beyond what our natural senses can handle may not feel authentic.

With digital video, you no longer have to worry about expensive filming equipment breaking down before a key scene was shot. You get to save money by producing your own quality content without any hiccups.

This article will talk more about why using videotape technology is a better choice than shooting with cinematographic grade gear and how professionals use it when creating movies.

Can be used for both filming and reviewing

how is videotape technology an improvement over cinematography

As mentioned before, most professional cinematographers use a camera that has zoom capabilities. This is so they can get closer to or farther away from their subject depending on the length of the movie.

With digital video technology becoming more prevalent, there are now affordable options to purchase cameras that have limited zooming. These videos cannot be modified after buying it either, which may not matter if you just want to watch your movies and TV shows later online.

By no means am I saying these types of videos are bad, but they should be aware of them!

The reason I bring this up is because we as consumers need to know what kind of quality our videos will receive.