1 Camera Operator
If only one person is available to operate a camera, set up Camera 1 to the left of the booth, and Camera 2 to the right. Lock down Camera 2 on a shot of the scoreboard.
When having only one camera operator, the operator needs to be aware that every movement they make will be seen by the audience. The goal is to include as many players of both teams as possible between game play. When a play is about to start, focus on the player serving and their team players. When the ball is served, zoom out as wide as possible as you pan in the direction of the ball movement. Your goal is to keep the ball in view at all times. Since volleyball can have a very fast change in the ball movement, you do not want to zoom in too closely.
When a point is made you may briefly zoom into and hold on the players who made the point. Be sure to quickly, yet smoothly, zoom back out to your widest shot before you pan and zoom in toward the player getting ready to make the next serve.
2 Camera Operators
If two people are available to operate cameras, set up Camera 1 to the left farthest from the booth, Camera 2 to the right farthest from the booth, and Camera 3 on the right next to the booth . Lock down Camera 3 on a shot of the scoreboard.
Camera 2 is for the wide shots. The goal is to include as many players of both teams as possible between game play while always keeping the ball in the shot. If you are unable to see all players, make sure you include the ball.
Camera 1 is for close-ups. Start with a medium shot of the player serving, then zoom out to include no more than half of what your widest shot could be. Follow the ball as best as you can. If you zoom in too close, you may lose the ball before the director has a chance to use your shot. After a point is made, zoom into the players who made the point.
When there is a time out, Camera 2 should stay as wide as possible on the court. Camera 1 should get shots of each team, or the scoreboard, depending upon the director’s needs.
3 Camera Operators
If three people are available to operate cameras, set up Camera 1 on the left farthest from the booth, Camera 2 on the left next to the booth, Camera 3 on the right farthest from the booth, and Camera 4 on the right next to the booth . Lock down Camera 4 on a shot of the scoreboard.
Camera 1 should include as many players of both teams as possible during game play while always keeping the ball in the shot. If you are unable to see all players, make sure you include the ball.
Camera 2 should focus on the team on the left; Camera 3 should focus on the team on the right. When the team on your side is serving, start with a close-up of the server, then zoom out to include your team’s players as they defend against returning balls. When the team on your side is waiting to receive a serve, start with a shot of your whole team, then zoom in slightly as they receive the serve. Stay with your team as they defend against returning serves. When a point is made zoom into players on your team who have either made the point or lost it.
4 Camera Operators
Wireless Camera 4 should be on the floor near the net to get shots during game play; and shots of the fans, referee, or coaches between game action. The camera operator may move to various locations, but must stay on the same side of the court as the rest of the cameras.
When using Wireless Camera 4, it and Cameras 2 and 3 may have to get shots of the scoreboard when needed by the director.