Those that make videos

[ShawnRussell]

Just curious for those that make videos and upload to youtube or festool.tv...

1. What operating system do you run?
2. What camera hardware are you using to record?
3. Do you use a dedicated microphone?
4. What software do you use to edit your movies?
5. Do you prepare a script ahead of time or do you just have an agenda that you want to film and run it all in one take?

Fresh off a class I am wanting to record videos so I don't forget what I have learned and maybe a newbie perspective may help others.

 

[flair woodworks]

Hi Shawn,

1. OSX
2. JVC Everio (I also bought the extended warranty plan and will bring it in to have them clean out any sawdust that got inside.)
3. I have used a dedicated microphone in the past, but generally do not just because it's easier.
4. iMovie does what I need it to.
5. Script?  Nothing written, but for some videos, I go through what I want to cover many times in my head.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Shawn

I make videos.

It started as a 'thank you' to Warren at Toolfest who kindly lent me a brand new Domino DF700 but the whole project has really taken off.

I now make videos to help other people make decisions about kit to buy or show them how to do certain tasks. I charge nothing for my work.

All my computers run Microsoft OS; my video editing is done under Windows 7.

My first 75 videos were made using my Nikon D7000 which made a reasonable job but there were issues with focus (it really had to be in manual mode), light levels and sound. I have recently bought a Canon HF G30 which produces broadcast quality video in AVCHD and also MP4 formats.

At about the 60 video point I got hold of the KAM wireless microphone kit (I reviewed it). This works well but my recordings are mono with the same mic connected to both sound channels. The video review of the KAM was in mono on one channel and I was informed of my error and have sorted out the (wiring and plugs) issue.

For my first 15 or so videos I used the free Microsoft movie editing software - Windows Live. I was then given a copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements for my birthday and that has improved the video editing a huge amount. It is particularly good as it integrates well with Photoshop and allows for some very useful effects.

I do not produce a script as it takes a real professional actor to deliver a script as though it was spontaneous. Instead I produce a rough running order with an objective for each take. I may write down a few bullet points to keep me on track. As a professional trainer for part of my life I am used to standing on my feet in front of large audiences and have always preferred the bullet approach to the dull script. If there are two or more presenters then a script becomes important. I have done some TV work in the past.

You have not asked about lighting - yes I have rigged some up.

Green screen can be quite useful.

Setting up shots takes a lot of time in order to get the most for the viewer.

Safety, during filming, can be an issue - do not forget it and do not get carried away (or you will be !).

Take a look at some of my videos.

Peter

Now Paul Marcel is looking at this thread and he gave me some very useful tips at the start - Hi Paul !

 

[Stone Message]

I forgot to mention that I find the Wacom Intuos Medium graphics table a huge help during video editing and Photoshop work. I reckon it reduces my workload by about 50%.

Peter

 

[RDMuller]

I have done many videos of a "how to" or training orientation over the years in a wide variety of fields
1.  Used both Windows and Mac, pick your editing software carefully.  Simple is better.  Learning curve on something like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro X or Avid is substantial.
2.  There are many good 1080p video cameras out there today as far as video is concerned.  Audio is another matter.  You get what you pay for on audio. 
3.  I always use a lavaliere wireless microphone when doing woodworking videos.
4.  Always have a camera operator.  An enthusiastic high school student with the right attitude on learning is far better than no operator.  It is really tough to shoot yourself doing anything other than talking to the camera
5.  Always have a light.  When needed, it can really pop the work out.
6.  Edit tight.  Less is More!    Don't go on and on.  Don't show the entire cutting, or routing,  simply edit in the start and getting going on the operation and dissolve to the end of the operation.
7.  Wireless microphones do cost some money.  Stay away from the cheap ones.  They are real junk.  I wish I had a headset with boom microphone.  I will get one someday.  The Xoom sound recorder is great also.  Turn both the camera and Xoom on and don't stop too frequently.  In the editing suite, displace the on camera microphone sound track with the file from the Xoom.  You only have to align it once if you do not turn the devices on and off --- what's a little bit of wasted disk space these days?
8.  Always use a good tripod.  Cheap ones are junk and can be responsible for a broken camera.

 

[tjbnwi]

I use my iPhone 4S. I only edit if I need to get the time down some. iMovie on a Mac Book Pro. Record to show a process. Never script a thing. What you see is what it took to perform the task.

Tom

 

[SittingElf]

I have made, and continue to make a lot of videos... just not on YouTube at least for now. More for instructional videos used in my professional work, though YouTube is clearly in my future, planning three separate subject YT channels.

I use Canon equipment virtually exclusively, including 7D, 5DIII, and 1DX SLR's, and Canon AX-1 as well as (2) HV-30 digicams. Additionally, I have done a couple of videos with a Go-Pro attached to the bottom of a helicopter during re-supply at sea, and helmet mounted in flight. I use Gitzo tripods... absolutely the best in the world, but very Festool-like expensive. [scared]

I DO use a shotgun mic as well as tie-clip lavalier remotes and other mics for static presentations. (Plus some specialized equipment for recording off of a cockpit headset during helicopter flight)

All post work is completed on Mac's (I'm a hard core Appleholic, and looking for a ten-step program  [eek]). I post produce with iMovie for the simplest shorts, then a step up to Adobe Premier Elements for a bit higher end needs.. and finally for my critical work to Adobe Premiere full version.  I tend to use Premiere Elements the most (Under $100 for either Mac or PC, and a new version just coming out.  Easy to learn with a lot of shortcuts!)

There are a lot of options available to you. It all depends on how involved you want to get.  You will find TONS of videos on YouTube specifically referencing your questions....including tutorials on post-production software I've mentioned.

Good luck! [big grin]

 

[peter halle]

I have done a few, from computer screen videos on how do do things here on the forum - using my Macbook Pro and a software package called SnapZ Pro X to videos using an iPhone to others using my Sony HDR-SR11 with its 60 GB hard drive. 

My personal take is that it doesn't really matter what you use to spread knowledge or help others as long as you are interested in that as the primary objective.  Sure a poorly shot or edited movie can be painful to watch, but IMHO if there is just one tidbit of useful info there then you have fulfilled your purpose.  If you have other criteria  for doing the video then of course you might want to look at different equipment and generally more expensive equipment will result in better sounding and looking final products.  Editing a long movie will take exponentially longer than the resulting finished product.  Scripting will add considerable more time.

A tripod is essential.  I have started using an old flat screen tv as a monitor (usually set up on a step ladder behind or next the camera to see what is being filmed.  Much easier than looking at that little screen on the camera.  I am lucky that I have a remote control for my video camera because I have never thought about asking for a volunteer to operate a camera.

I use iMovie due to its availability and cost (cheap).

I hope that Paul Marcel will pipe in here and ultimately do an unedited video or what it takes to do his videos.  That would be the other end of the spectrum.

My advice - no matter what you do - have fun with it.

Peter

 

[erock]

I've learned the hard way that using a new HD camcorder with an older laptop doesn't not work.

I have a Sony Handycam with a Carl Zeiss lens.  I'm not a camera guy but was told it was a good lens.   I tried a couple times using the Sony

Handycam for some videos.  Works great, great HD quality filming with the Handycam.   BUT !   My laptop can not process the 1080 quality so

after about 5 minutes of editing a video my laptop shuts down.  All the work lost.  Very frustrating.

So for now, I'm using a Nikon Coolpix digital camera set up on a cheap tripod I bought off of ebay for $10 with free shipping.

I'm not making money off my videos, so I'm trying not to spend too much money in camera gear.  I would rather spend on new tools.

I hope to someday buy a Mac.  I've heard that a Mac is the way to go for video editing.   Once I get a Mac, I could start using my Sony Handycam

that I bought almost a year ago  [embarassed].  But every time I think about going to the store to look at a Mac,  I order new tools.   [unsure]

I also bought new video editing software, Vegas Movie Studio HD.....again, the problem for me is the processor in my laptop for this software to

work properly.  With the little time I've spent playing with the Vegas Movie software it's seems to be a lot better then what I'm using now, which

is Windows Movie Maker.   So at the moment I'm not working with the best laptop,software and camera in the market, but it's getting the job done.

It's obvious I don't script my videos  [tongue].  I shoot from the hip.  I try to plan out the shot, using the tripod, setting up the camera making sure

when I hit the record button I'm in the shot or the tool being used is in the shot.  

I use a lot of lights.  I have a double halogen light on a tripod.  12 recessed can lights, 3 spot lights with clips and 5 four foot long florescent shop

lights.     I don't use a mic.  Again, this is something I would like to have/use.

It takes time to produce a 6 minute video.  I find myself rambling on at times in my videos so I have to edit a lot of things I think guys would get

bored listening/watching.  I'm trying to be short and sweet and to the point.  Just like I'm rambling now.....sorry.   [huh]

Eric

 

[mike68au]

Eric... have you tried to reduce the resolution output of your Camcorder down to 480 or 720p.  You should be able to do that with your Sony....  reducing the quality will reduce the file size and should help with the editing.