The difference between “Quality” and “Quality”

The word quality get kicked around a lot in the video business, but what do we mean by the word quality?

Well today anyone can buy a reasonably good video camera that delivers what we might call quality images.

With the consumer hi-definition cameras on the market, anyone can say “look at the quality”. They are speaking here about the resolution of the image, more scanning lines means a sharper image. But it takes more than a camera to deliver what I call a quality image.

Good lighting, an understanding of exposure (especially with videos lower dynamic range than film) and an understanding of composition is what quality is all about, not scanning lines.

It blows me away how many amateur video makers still sweat about the picture quality and yet give no thought to learning how to shoot. Anyone can turn on a good video camera and get a good image.

Learning about the frame and and to compose elements in the frame is vital to the “quality” of the image. While we are on the subject. Remember that is is best to include not more than 6 elements in the frame if you want to keep strong composition.
(By elements I am talking here about major objects in the frame)

You can learn a lot about composition by simply renting some of the great films of the past. Citizen Kane is a good place to start. Any of John Ford’s Westerns would be other good films to study. One of my favourites for strong compostion is Sergio Leon’s Once Upon a Time in the West. This film has stunning images with great use of depth of field.