Technical log filed by 1st AC — records focal length, focus marks, filters, lens issues per take. Critical reference if problems arise in post.
The 1st AC doesn't just sit next to the camera and wait. They maintain a detailed technical logbook during every shot – this is the camera report or camera log. Every take gets a line: focal length, aperture, depth of field reference, which filters were used, whether the lens was just cleaned, if the focus pulled during the action. Everything. Sounds dry? It's the life insurance of the entire shoot.
Why is this so critical? During editing or color correction, questions suddenly arise: Was that the take with the 50mm or the 35mm? Did the 1st AC use the MC filters or just the standard neutral density? Was there a focus error we didn't see live? A proper camera report answers that immediately – without the DoP having to drive back from set or the post department fumbling in the dark. I've seen too many productions where this report was meticulously maintained and later saved hours of correction time. And I've seen just as many where notes were missing and VFX supervisors had to work with wild guesses.
The camera report also documents the physical condition of the lens – scratches, dust, wear – and the film stock itself, if celluloid is still in use. For digital cameras, sensor temperature or unusual artifacts are also noted here. Modern reports are often digital: a PDF or a spreadsheet file that is emailed directly from set to post. Some sets use specialized apps for this; others still swear by pen and paper.
A common mistake: The 1st AC thinks this report only concerns them. No. The editor, the colorist, the VFX supervisor – they all need it. A clean camera report means consistency across all takes and gives everyone involved confidence. In the worst-case scenario – if there are later disagreements about a take – the report is often the only objective document showing what was actually shot.