| Try to avoid using both the auto-zoom and the auto-focus function on your camera. Both of them create a very artificial, home-made effect that it is best to avoid. Good DV cameras should come with manual controls for both of these. Check the white balance on your camera. White balance is the colour your camera believes is white. It takes what it believes to be white as a basis for all the other colours, but it can vary depending on the available light. If your camera does not automatically fix the white balance, you may have to hold up a piece of white paper to the lens and adjust the balance yourself. Keep your camera steady! When using a tripod, always check the spirit level before putting the camera on it – a bad angle may be hardly noticeable but can show up in the final product. When using the camera without a tripod you will need to take steps to minimise shaking, or your audience may start to feel a little queasy! i) Keep your legs apart and elbows bent. ii) Lean against a wall, or car, or anything nearby if you can. iii) If it’s a low shot, rest the camera on a sandbag or cushion. For a moving shot try using a wheelchair, skateboard or shopping trolley to get around. Putting your camera in a netted shopping bag can help to alleviate camera wobble.  | 
