TIPS FOR RECORDING MOBILE VIDEO​

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This document aims to list down the Video Recording Tips using the Mobile Phone Camera. The target readers are the FieldScout™ Mobile Application users, specifically Field Operators..

Video capture using a mobile phone is accepted for a job type that does not require a special-equipment device. The video should be able to show and gather the basic condition information of an asset to evaluate if another job or inspection is needed. Below are the collected recording tips:

Be Prepared 

• Before recording the video or going to the job, make sure that the phone and its accessories are ready. The phone has enough storage capacity (available memory) and battery capacity to accommodate new video recordings. 

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Stabilize the Camera 

• Keep a stable video to avoid shaky recording. Using a tripod or selfie stick can eliminate involuntary movements that could ruin the footage. If a tripod is unavailable, keep the phone close to your body, rest your elbows, and use your body to avoid bounces/shakes. Enable the phone’s video stabilization setting (Choose the 16:9 ratio setting over 4:3). 

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Use good lighting

• Take advantage of natural light whenever possible but avoid overly bright direct light because it creates shadows in the video. Cloudy skies are softer and produce more ideal conditions. Supplement with a lighting kit as needed. 

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Avoid using zoom 

• Using the zoom feature in mobile phone cameras is not recommended because it can produce inaccurate 3D measurements, pixelation and can impact details. Instead, simply move closer to the subject to capture crisp quality footage. 

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Check the focus 

• Mobile phones usually automatically detect and adjust focus which is good for picture snaps. Still, when it comes to video recording, it requires more manual control to avoid overexposed footage and being out of focus. Most phones let you also lock or manually adjust the focus/exposure. When going from sunny over exposed surface conditions to the underexposed chamber conditions move the camera through this transition zone slowly. This allows the camera to stabilize and keep a well balanced exposure. 

Shoot in landscape mode

• Record in landscape orientation as default. It is more pleasant to watch when viewed on a widescreen for devices like computers or televisions.  Additionally, proper orientation ensures that your subject fills the frame.

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Double-check your video 

• Review/Playback the recorded video to ensure that you can see it clearly and be happy with your shots. Video will be reviewed for quality and may be sent back to be redone if poor capture is submitted.

Additional notes:

Try to capture enough of the asset and its surrounding environment (surface around the manhole, manhole frame and cover) for an inspection to be completed using your video. 

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When you initially record please do the following:

• Start approximately 10ft from the manhole and have the camera pointing at the manhole
• While recording and the camera pointing towards the manhole, walk around the manhole. Once a full pass has been done, start to move closer to the manhole in a spiral path.
• When you get to the open manhole, slowly move the camera to the opening and slowly pass it through the manhole opening.
• Move the camera from one side to another so as to capture all the components of the manhole e.g. frame, chimney, cone, wall, bench and inlet.