http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: beginer - Recent Posts en Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:54:00 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/macbook-vs-macbook-pro#post-38920 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:37:22 +0000 cdanddvdpublisher 38920@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <blockquote><p> yeah but adding a 23 cinema display to your macbook.... beats out buying the Pro.....</p></blockquote> <p> yup, that it does... i'd love a cinema display, but not in the cards for me right now</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/macbook-vs-macbook-pro#post-38898 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:10:10 +0000 Don 38898@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> yeah but adding a 23 cinema display to your macbook.... beats out buying the Pro.....</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/macbook-vs-macbook-pro#post-38897 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:10:21 +0000 robGRAUERT 38897@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Yea. It is nice to have a lot of screen space. I think the more advanced you become, the more screen space you'll want. I have a 23in apple display and I'm looking into getting another one. I hate having to open and close windows. I'd rather have everything open at once. It's not major, just a convenience thing.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/macbook-vs-macbook-pro#post-38896 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:50:42 +0000 cdanddvdpublisher 38896@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> i'd stick with the macbook too; it's always come through for me (though there have been times when i'd have liked the bigger pro screens)</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/macbook-vs-macbook-pro#post-38889 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:28:33 +0000 robGRAUERT 38889@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Yea, the NVIDIA thing is just a graphics card. The one in the macbook will be fine for video editing, but I wouldn't bother trying to do any 3D compositing, like D0n implied. </p> <p> When I first started back in 2005, I used a G4 iBook, and that was fine for me. Back then all I did was cut video though.  </p> <p> I would say my biggest concern when buying a laptop is having enough connections. Make sure you have enough firewire ports, USB and blah blah blah...ya know what i mean? But as far as a Macbook being able to handle cutting video, you should be fine.  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/macbook-vs-macbook-pro#post-38888 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:22:00 +0000 Don 38888@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> use the savings you get from the "Pro" and get the macbook as much ram as will fit.</p> <p>My first gen macbook with 2 gigs of ram and a 7200rpm hd upgrades handles hi-def hdv just fine. as well as photoshop cs2.</p> <p>the faster frontside bus and video card in the macbook pro will improve framerates on video games, and 3d modelling, but do little for editing photos, and video.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/macbook-vs-macbook-pro#post-38887 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 07:49:00 +0000 salenar 38887@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><strong>I am jumping into the film making buiseness and need advice on buying the right Mac for my needs. Everytime I tell people I will be downloading videos for editing, I am told the Macbook Pro is the way to go. However, the only difference I have seen between the Pro and Macbook is that the pro has NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256 MB and the size of the screen. What exactly is NVIDIA and does it apply to my needs? Are there any other factors I am overlooking? So basically, can  I save a little and go for the 2.4GHz macbook or should I buy the macbook Pro? </strong></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/extreme-amateur-with-tons-of-questions#post-37211 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:26:21 +0000 faqvideo 37211@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>It's not only about equipment. The big part is a storytelling. There must be a story in your documentary, with the opening, development, climax and good ending. Think about building the story while shooting raw footage.</p> <p>Just today I was reading "The Beatles Antology" in the part where they were reminiscing about filming the Magical Mistery Tour and discussing all the mistaces that have been made.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/extreme-amateur-with-tons-of-questions#post-37185 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 03:55:25 +0000 salenar 37185@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Thanks for all the great suggestions.... I can't wait to get started this summer</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/extreme-amateur-with-tons-of-questions#post-37142 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:56:52 +0000 LDPLDP 37142@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> If you have a PC with the power and software that can adequately edit video, then I would agree with chrisColorado on staying with the PC.  If your computer is entry level, however, then it will require certain amount of experimenting with hardware and software to produce a PC that will process video unreliably and quickly.  In the video business, time is money.  If it takes many hours to render your movie projects into a format for burning on a DVD, that's less time you have for each project.</p> <p>I use a Power Mac with quad processors - liquid cooled system.  For one hour of video, it takes about a little over an hour to render, compress, and burn it to a DVD.  The question is - how fast will your current PC process a movie to a DVD?  If it takes an hour or two, then stay with the PC.</p> <p>If your current PC is not up to the task, you should consider at least an entry level Mac - the 13" Macbook 2.5 gigahertz.  It costs $1,200-$1,400 - you can get a teacher's discount.  Last month, my wife got the Macbook (not the Macbook Pro) with the 2.5 gig intel dual processor.  It performs almost as fast as my G5 Power Mac - which cost $2,500 new.  If you get a Mac, you then download for free the iMovie6 program which is a better editing program than the current iMovie version.  If you get real good at editing, you move up to Final Cut Express, then to Final Cut Pro.</p> <p>Understand that the Mac is a turnkey video system.  It comes with the basic video processing software.  The operating system is more stable than XP and lots more stable than VISTA.</p> <p>Regarding camera equipment - I would suggest getting a camera that uses DV tape.  Also, I would not get high definition (HD).  For the cost of an entry level HD camera, you can get a camera with more features using regular DV tape.  In addition, most clients today don't have HD equipment to view HD, so I would not waste my time yet on HD.  Wait until HD becomes the norm in the next few years.</p> <p>One line of business that can help you learn editing is the business of converting VHS tapes to DVD.  You don't need a video camera but you will learn to edit video, create DVD menus, and burn video on DVDs.  You will need a converter box if you have a Mac.  For PCs, you'll need a video card with RCA inputs and/or S-Video input.   All of the advice above is good and would follow the links provided.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/extreme-amateur-with-tons-of-questions#post-37137 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:29:31 +0000 angelica14709 37137@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Â Your project sounds ambitious, start with small clips of your goal, you will be able to put them together as you get more experienced. Putting together all the elements  computer, software, camera, learning. My estimated cost is 4 to 5 thousand dollars any one else like to guess.  Classes where and how much?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/extreme-amateur-with-tons-of-questions#post-37133 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:18:20 +0000 chrisColorado 37133@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Here is that TV website I mentioned:</p> <p><a href="http://www.mediacollege.com/">http://www.mediacollege.com</a></p> <p>as well as some others:</p> <p><a href="http://www.actioncutprint.com/">http://www.actioncutprint.com</a> - The Director's Chair, a free email magazine</p> <p><a href="http://www.4filmmaking.com/">http://www.4filmmaking.com</a> - Free Film School</p> <p><a href="http://www.cybercollege.com/tvp_ind.htm">http://www.cybercollege.com/tvp_ind.htm</a> - TV knowledge</p> <p><a href="http://www.softweigh.com/video/diy.html">http://www.softweigh.com/video/diy.html</a> - Build dollys, cranes and other gadgets for you camera.</p> <p>Enjoy and good luck!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/extreme-amateur-with-tons-of-questions#post-37131 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:34:57 +0000 chrisColorado 37131@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <blockquote> <p><em>However, before I throw my hat in as a teacher and go to film school... </em></p> </blockquote> <p>First of all, I don't particularly recommend going to film school. You will learn better by reading/watching on your own and making your own movies. Go read the forum called "Newbie with Questions" <a href="http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newbie-with-questions-2?replies=11">http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newbie-with-questions-2?replies=11</a> if you haven't yet.</p> <blockquote> <p><em>Please, please help me by answering some of these questions: I am shopping around for a new laptop- although I am a PC loyalist I am willing to switch to a mac if it is more effiecient. What do you suggest? </em></p> </blockquote> <p>I am not just a PC loyalist, I'm a PC freak. Stick with PC if you have a PC. I THINK THE BOTTOM LINE IS TO SPEND AS LITTLE MONEY AS POSSIBLE AT FIRST. Later on, when you learn more about what you need/want, go spend your money wisely. As we say on all these types of posts, this whole "best computer/camera/editing software" is very subjective.</p> <p>Just remember to defragment the harddrive before you start a new project(Macs don't have to be defragmented, I've heard). </p> <blockquote> <p><em>I of course need to buy a camera and tripod for when I cannot hold the camera myself. What are some good choices on a budget of about $450?</em></p> </blockquote> <p>I like Flash Media Camcorders, the kind that record to little SD memory cards. You don't have to worry about tape for your camera and they are smaller/cheaper as a group and good to learn on. I don't use a tripod, but that's a very good idea.</p> <blockquote> <p><em>What are some good websites to learn about shooting, editing, etc.?</em></p> </blockquote> <p>Videomaker is great! There is a TV website I found once that is also good. I will post it here later. </p> <blockquote> <p><em>Are there any sites that have free documentaries just so I can get some ideas?</em></p> </blockquote> <p>I don't know about websites, but the History Channel on TV is great!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/extreme-amateur-with-tons-of-questions#post-37128 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:28:13 +0000 salenar 37128@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello everyone,</p> <p>I am 23 yrs old 5th grade teacher and would like to jump into the movie making buisness. I am an extreme novice as I have never shot anything. However, before I throw my hat in as a teacher and go to film school. I want to make a documentary chronicalling my last year of teaching. I have all summer to learn as much as possible about equipment, shooting, editing, and anything else associated with shooting a film. Please, please help me by answering some of these questions:</p> <p>I am shopping around for a new laptop- although I am a PC loyalist I am willing to switch to a mac if it is more effiecient. What do you suggest?</p> <p>I of course need to buy a camera and tripod for when I cannot hold the camera myself. What are some good choices on a budget of about $450?</p> <p>What are some good websites to learn about shooting, editing, etc.?</p> <p>Are there any sites that have free documentaries just so I can get some ideas?</p> <p>Any and all tips would be helpful as I embark on this project!!!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-would-you-recommend-tripod#post-35294 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:17:27 +0000 ryderpd 35294@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for the advice folks. I decided to go with a Libec LS38. Seems like a good match for the Canonxl2.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-would-you-recommend-tripod#post-35172 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:06:48 +0000 dblan9 35172@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I have two Bogen sticks, a 3182 and a 3283.  Both have 3066 Fluid heads.  They are Not by any means lightweight.  I have used them hard for 12 years and they both are still in perfect condition.  They have been stuck in a river for eight hours shooting trout fishing, and been thrown around while location shooting.  They have beaten up and still work perfectly.  If you are going to be the only one who uses your tripod, then maybe you should venture into a higher end, more "true" fluid head and tripod but reality is, you will have to one day allow someone to carry and setup your sticks and thats when you want a tank that will take a beating from a careless PA.  It only takes one mistake to make a $2000 tripod worthless.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-would-you-recommend-tripod#post-35170 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:37:05 +0000 maxzilla 35170@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I would check into the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/131444-REG/Libec_THM20_TH_M20_Aluminum_2_Stage_Tripod.html">Libec TH-M20 Aluminum 2-Stage Tripod</a>. I got it from B &amp; H for about $180 and it's really great. Probably the best tripod you can buy if you've got close to no money at all. Pans and tilts are incredibly smooth, body is a light, but incredibly sturdy metal, and it came with a small black bag which makes it easy to take with you wherever.</p> <p>Links in the name above, check it out. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-would-you-recommend-tripod#post-35165 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:00:37 +0000 cdanddvdpublisher 35165@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>As far as heads go, you might want to look into OConner and Sachtler or if your budget allows it go for a Worral or Arri Head. The latter of these are very expensive but very smooth. They are like the Cadillac of "true" fluid heads.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-would-you-recommend-tripod#post-35088 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:04:36 +0000 ryderpd 35088@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ok, so I realized that a standard tripod will not do. I what to get a fluid head tripod. I have been looking around but not sure at what point the true fluid head tripods begin at all of these store because some have mantioned on here that not all fluid heads are "True" fluid heads. So far I have found the following heads and sticks:</p> <p>Heads: Bogen 3066, Bogen 502, Bogen 503HDV, What other makes and models are good, what would you recommend?</p> <p>Sticks: Bogen 3182, Bogen 3283B, Bogen 351MVB, What other makes and models are good, what would you recommend?</p> <p>Thanks for the help. I am looking for very smooth tilt and pan. I want a head and tripod that I can grow into. Will be doing both indoor and outdoor shooting.</p>