Here are some great tricks for anyone who uses a camcorder. Whether professional or amateur, these tips are cheap, quick and easy.

Step 1: Tips #1

Most modern camcorders have LCD screens that can get scratched or marred up. Many even have touch controls that leave more room for damage. Keep it protected by using a PDA Screen Protector cut to the shape of your screen. You can get a whole package of these and keep them for the life of you camcorder!

Step 2: Tips #2

Ever get caught shooting footage outdoors and it begins to drizzle or rain real hard? I carry a small beach chair umbrella with a clamp in my trunk and if the weather starts turning sour, I pull it out and attach it to my tripod and protect my camera from the water. Also, works good for a real hot sunny day to keep your from burning up.

Step 3: Tips #3

I use my MiniDV tapes alot and try to get a few runs out of them before I toss them. In order to know what's on the tapes, you have to mark them somewhere. I used to use pen or pencil and mark up the case sleeve. Now I use a China Marker or grease pencil, mark it with what's on it and then I can just wipe it off when it's time to re-use it.

Step 4: Tips #4

I've been out on a few video shoots and have shot for a long time and if you have ever done this, you know how squinting in the eyepiece can be annoying. An easy solution is to carry a small eyepiece with you. It takes up almost no space and you can make one out of a small piece of cloth and rubber bands too.

Step 5: Tip #5

I finally found out a good use for those plastic tabs that come on bread, hot dog buns, hamburger rolls and other bread packaging. I have quite a "bird's nest" of cables behind some of my equipment and sometimes I have to remove a deck or other equipment. Just write what the cable is on the bread tag and attach it to the cable! I hope these tips help you out and make shooting video easier!