In Box

First Impressions
I just picked up your magazine for the first time and couldn't put it down--it was loaded with great stuff. I quickly bought a copy and ran home to read it. Being a video filmmaker myself, it was great to read all the fascinating articles on all the stuff that's available out there. You have found yourself another Videomaker reader for sure. Keep up the great work.

Josh C. Amberg
Huntington Wood, Michigan

Nickel and Dime
Judging from the number of calls and comments I've received over my letter (published in the June 1996 "In Box") I'd say Videomaker was a very well-read publication in the professional community.

I never tried to imply that you would have been able to get the same digital camera 10 years ago that you could get today, as I realize there have been considerable technological advances in design and manufacturing during this period. I did mean to imply that manufacturers intentionally hold back significant technological improvements until the "time is right," which I believe is when they have been able to nickel and dime the consumer through several generations of equipment purchases.

On another matter: Videomaker is loaded with valuable technical information; however, what people do with their equipment is every bit as interesting. A regular feature such as "Making Video After 65" (May 1996) can give your readers recognition and encouragement to get out in their communities with what they learn through Videomaker and make a difference. I hope you will consider more features such as these.

Tom Dooley
National Empowerment Television
Poolesville, Maryland

Stay with us; you will continue to find interesting features about the uses video enthusiasts find for their equipment.

--The Editors

A Gasp of Awe
Of all the publications I receive in the mail, yours is the one I most look forward to reading.

As a high school student I often find my video skills coming into use. There is always an English project to complete or a video I can make with friends. Reading your magazine has helped me improve my video skills to an incredible degree. And my English projects are better than ever.

Marc Balgavy
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Zoom, Then Shoot
I have been shooting video for about 5 years. Before that, I was into Super 8 home movies.

Your July issue article "How the Masters Move" reminded me of the techniques I learned 20 years ago doing film movies. This information is valuable to all and should be reviewed often.

Please tell your readers that zoom lenses should be used to bring a subject up close but not to zoom in while taping. In other words: zoom in, then start taping. It relieves the zooming nausea.

Ben Hume
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine

Just Beginning
My hat goes off to Matt York and the staff at Videomaker for making my venture into videography a successful one. As a newcomer to the field, I rely on your publication to answer nearly all of my questions--and I have a lot of them!

I can't tell you the number of times I've been stuck on a project only to turn to Videomaker for its straightforward, no-nonsense approach. Thank you.

Sarah Sheffield
Pomona, California

Business in the Making
Seven years ago, I purchased my first camcorder, a Ricoh 8mm. My intent was to take up videography as a hobby, shooting family events and vacations strictly for fun.

Almost a year later I picked up your magazine at a local store so I'd have something to read while sitting with my wife at the laundromat. Believe it or not, what I read in that issue started me on the road to my own video production company.

I was impressed by an article about the Amiga computers and their ability to produce broadcast-quality titling and graphics. I immediately started saving my money and purchased an Amiga 500 and a few key pieces of software.

The more I read Videomaker, the more I realized how much could be accomplished with the affordable new equipment available. I started taking video production classes, and, although I didn't have much money, was able to put together a nice studio in my apartment.

Starting your own video production company takes a lot of time and commitment, and there usually isn't much profit in the beginning. But, as with any business, everything doesn't happen overnight. Thanks to Videomaker, I've come a very long way over the last few years, making a relatively quick transition from first-time camcorder owner to video entrepreneur.

Ralph Messana
Massapequa, New York