Using a video Camera to Shoot Video

Know your purpose

Use a tripod

Beware of the background

Watch the light

Use an external Microphone

Zoom In for close Shots (small resolution on the web)

Use DV (and remain digital all the way: Firewire)

Shoot Several Takes

Shoot some B-roll (adjacent scenes or subject matter)

When transferring to the computer, don't copy everything

DV: 1 GB = 5 min