Tips for recording concerts on your Nokia 808 PureView

Published by Boc Ly on July 31, 2012

Last week I provided definitive proof that the Nokia 808 PureView is fairly idiot-proof when it comes to taking great photos. 

It’s a great camera phone because it is so easy for a novice photographer, such as myself, to use but its different settings also allow more advanced users to get the results they want as well. 

We have previously published some tips and tricks to help people make the most of 808 PureView’s camera.  You can still read Parts 1 and Part 2 of our help guide.

Nokia 808 PureView

Video recording

As well as pin-sharp still images, it is worth remembering that the 808 PureView is also a very special device for recording HD video. When you combine this with its Rich Recording technology, it is not a huge leap forward to conclude that the 808 PureView will be quite something for recording music performances.

One person who has noticed this is EasycapExpertii, an 808 PureView enthusiast from Finland who has set up a website dedicated to showcasing music recordings made with the device.

Considering the 808 PureView has only been available for a few months, or even a few weeks in some places, the website already has concert videos featuring the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Foo Fighters and many other big name acts.

An expert’s tips 

EasycapExpertii has shared several tips with Nokia Conversations so that you can also make great recordings with your 808 PureView.

  • Be careful that you are not covering the microphone with your hands. The 808 PureView has two mics for stereo recording – one at the top and the other at the bottom of the phone (as you hold it vertically).
  • Use a tripod or a handheld stabiliser wherever possible. For a tripod mount and other accessories for the 808 PureView see this Conversations post.
  • If you are moving around, do not try to change focus! Wait until you have come to stop and then adjust the focus for the best results.
  • If you are recording at a concert, try to stay within 50m of the stage. Beyond this distance the audio will be fine, but the video will suffer because of the lighting, or lack of it.
  •  If the performer is standing underneath a spotlight, use the Spotlight scene mode on the 808 PureView. This setting is designed for great contrasts where someone is standing underneath a bright light or in front of a dark background.

Have you been filming any videos with your 808 PureView? Do you have any tips for capturing great videos and great sound?

Comments

  • steelicon

    Great article! Off Topic: How about the most excellent hardware and software I/O of the Nokia 808 PureView, like the 3.5mm SD AV TV out, microHDMI FullHD out, USB On-The-Go, NFC, Bluetooth pairing profiles with PS2 game controllers and the likes, etc., features that we could really use. Thanks! :-)

  • http://twitter.com/alvetica Al Pavangkanan

    One thing I’ve learned is to just set the focus to hyperfocal.  The lights will often force the autofocus to adjust and may make things blurry while it refocuses.

    Minding the mics is hard when you’re in the front of a mosh pit and gripping on to your 808 Pureview.  Be sure to use the wrist strap so you don’t drop it.

  • http://twitter.com/dalydose Jeff Daly

    Very cool article.  I’m jealous of the PureView! :)

    Could you do an article like this for Lumia?  Where are the mics on the Lumia 900?

  • Gaichuke

    Here’s a tip for recording concerts. DON’T.

    ENJOY THE MUSIC AND THE PERFORMANCE INSTEAD.

    That sea of flickering cell phone screens is ruining live music.

    • http://conversations.nokia.com/ Adam Fraser

      I wouldn’t say ruining live music.

      People are just trying to capture the moment so they can look back at it in the future and remember the great time they had.

      • Gaichuke

        They are ruining it for the others, if not for themselves. 

        When you’re not a tall person, try watching a concert when everybody else are holding their smartphones above their heads recording the event.

        • http://conversations.nokia.com/ Adam Fraser

          I see your point on that one, that might be annoying.

  • http://iexcella.com/ Android Developer

    Wonderful tips and great features of Nokia 808 PureView but I would prefer to enjoy the live concerts…

  • http://www.facebook.com/jjimenezjj John Jimenez

    Awesome!! I have a concert I’m going to next week (Sigur Ros) where I will try to get some nice footage!

    On a side note: Bring on the Scalado implementations to our 808 PureViews!!!!!!