Don't know jack about the camera but if you can turn of auto exposure, do that. Getting good exposure on someone of color is hard enough, but when you stick it in their face and the camera exposes for them then they pull away and it exposes for the sunshine, you under expose the person and you see nothing but shadows. Expose for the talent and if something gets blown out so be it.
Way too shakey.
Way too many effects. Effects and transitions on a whole cover up sloppy editing. Pick a feel and go with it. I think first, have a plan and shoot your plan. Edit it together raw without any effects and see how it feels. An effect should have a purpose. And the best effect is one that ISN'T noticeable to the audience.
The quality was fine. I learned to shoot on a crappy hi-8 and it cost me almost a thousand dollars. What you guys have to play with nowadays is absolutely unreal. Learn technique before you care about anything else.
Get a tripod and if you want to go handheld, practice camera moves. To keep my hand steady I used to sit in front of the tv and hold my camera out at arms length and try to keep it as steady as possible. It helped building those muscles. Tai chi helps muscle control and stability (really).
Camera pans and tilts always seem perfect when you are doing them but usually turn out too fast when you watch them. If you think your pan or tilt is the right speed, slow it down halfway as a general rule (completely feel and not a hard fast rule).
Get a tripod.
Have fun.
**** the haters.
