To use special effects and time stamp or not
Time Stamps
Most camcorders have a button that will superimpose the date and time over the video. For documentaries it is a good idea to periodically time stamp your video so that you can keep an accurate record. However, excessive use of the date/time stamp is an obvious clue to amateur video and detracts from your video's quality. You only need to time stamp your video for a second or two at the beginning of each scene.
If you are continuously recording there is no need to time stamp again because you can always figure out how much time has elapsed by timing the video during playback with a stopwatch and comparing the time against the initial timestamp. If you change locations or a sufficient amount of time has elapsed since you last recorded, then timestamp your video again.
Also be sure to set the time stamp for the correct timezone you are in.
Special Effects
Avoid using built-in special effects. Many VHS camcorders have special effects like fades, wipes, dissolves, and solarization built in. I do not suggest them while shooting a scene. If your footage is really something spectacular these effects can always be added in later. Most of the special effects (like titling or fades) tend to look tacky and/or cover up important/interesting information in the shot.
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