Using video to enhance your intranet: 15 pocket camera tips and tricks

Pocket cameras deliver videos that are economical and simple. They give you the ability to use YouTube to deliver stories, late-breaking news, employee communication, and community updates.

Here are 15 things you should keep in mind:

1. Beware of ambient (background) noise. Examples: air conditioners, loud computer humming, road noise, or walking noises. Sudden loud noises are worse than a steady hum of activity. Close doors if possible to avoid access noise.

2. Environment. Find an out-of-the-way spot, but in the subject’s typical environment. Get details of the subject’s routine and daily activities to illustrate their character and core values. When shooting this type of content, treat the video camera like you’re taking a photograph. Compose the shot and clean up the environment, so the area is not cluttered. Never have the tripod or other photo equipment in the video frame.

3. Avoid stripes and other detailed patterns on clothes. Complicated backgrounds are difficult to reproduce on pocket cameras, which have fewer pixels per inch.