Each time you start recording a shot you need to record at least 5 seconds before your action actually starts.
Make sure that all unnecessary noise is eliminated in your environment. For example, whenever a truck drives by or someone in the room coughs, you might want to reshoot that segment. Keep the microphone out of excessive wind.
Keep your actors or subject in well-lit areas but never videotape someone with a bright light behind them. This will make their face so dark that you can not see them, the camera can not adjust for it.
Always record your tapes at standard speed (SP) Do not videotape at LP or ELP. A two-hour tape should only be able to record two hours at this speed. Editing systems can only operate in SP mode.
All tapes have some system to prevent accidental erasure. For instance, the spine of all VHS tapes have a small plastic tab that should be popped out when you are done recording onto that tape. This will prevent your VCR from recording over your footage should you accidentally put it in and press record.
