http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: beginner - Recent Posts en Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:15:50 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/green-screen-for-movies#post-72680 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:15:24 +0000 Don 72680@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>lightstands:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbkyCbf3zzc" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbkyCbf3zzc</a></p> <p> </p> <p>and some simple clamp on light fixtures (either halogen worklamps, or metal dish reflector type clamps, cand be bought for $10.00 or less each..</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/green-screen-for-movies#post-72676 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:43:10 +0000 Freddy 72676@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi lauren. Like someone said above, it's very cool that you encourage her :)</p> <p>And all the advises sound good. However, if I were 14 years old and learning myself how to do green screen stuff, I probably would reach the point where I say to myself: "Oh, all that seems easy. I just need a green material for background, light it separately, then light my talent. Load it to the latest iMovie, and that's it! Oh wait... I don't have lights.. mm but any lights would do, right?"</p> <p>For me, the hardest thing to get, are good lights. The rest is pretty much a do it yourself project, and the learning process.</p> <p>Lighting is everything : ) (at least most of the time)</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/green-screen-for-movies#post-72669 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:23:54 +0000 doabgah 72669@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Why only FCP it is adobe which also supports Mac.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/green-screen-for-movies#post-72668 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:22:27 +0000 doabgah 72668@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> FCP(Final cut pro) is a profesional editing softwear.How can a lay man edited on it without any guidance.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/green-screen-for-movies#post-72645 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:55:11 +0000 Don 72645@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Lauren somebody misinformed you... imovie 11 does indeed do green screen and does it very well for your intended uses.</p> <p>also final cut pro x and final cut express as well..</p> <p>what mac os are you running? what version of imovie?</p> <p>here is a simple how to video for creating your own backgrounds:</p> <p><a href="http://gallery.me.com/lightexpressions#100937" rel="nofollow">http://gallery.me.com/lightexpressions#100937</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/green-screen-for-movies#post-72632 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:21:43 +0000 Lauren 72632@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi all- I went to Tubetape and they said there is no video software for Mac. They have all the green screen stuff of course. I have seen things that have space ship back grounds etc. I think she would love that but is it true there is nothing for Macs?  My daughter has iMovie but where do you get the cool back grounds?</p> <p>Thanks Luis for the great video. I am going to show it to my daughter after Christmas. </p> <p>Thanks Moabman for the green painted wall idea. That sounds ideal but my hubby would kill me :)</p> <p>Thanks Jennifer for the links. I will check them out. She will enjoy the Daniel movie too.</p> <p>You guys are great!</p> <p>Lauren</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/green-screen-for-movies#post-72604 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:07:56 +0000 Moab Man 72604@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Another option, if you have the room, is to paint a wall. Unless someone has it handy, i will post the color code and you can have a can of paint mixed at Home Depot or Lowes.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/green-screen-for-movies#post-72594 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:21:52 +0000 Jennifer O'Rourke 72594@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi, Lauren, I'm Jennifer O'Rourke, <em><strong>Videomaker</strong></em>'s managing editor. Here are a few more links you might want to share with your daughter about Green Screen work. It's really getting much easier than in the old days, due to the camera and keying technology, but you can still improve your video with good production techniques.</p> <p><a href="http://www.videomaker.com/article/8787/" rel="nofollow">http://www.videomaker.com/article/8787/</a> [Lighting for Green Screen]</p> <p><a href="http://www.videomaker.com/article/14949" rel="nofollow">http://www.videomaker.com/article/14949</a> [Making Green Screen Believable]</p> <p><a href="http://www.videomaker.com/article/14933" rel="nofollow">http://www.videomaker.com/article/14933</a> [Directing Talent in the Green Screen] </p> <p>And it might be nice to have someone her own age to follow for inspireation. We've been following the career of Daniel Hart, a 16-year old producer who has been making videos for 10 years. Here's a profile we recently wrote: </p> <p><a href="http://www.videomaker.com/article/15532/" rel="nofollow">http://www.videomaker.com/article/15532/</a> [Daniel Hart - Up and Coming Producer]</p> <p>You're a terrific mom to encourage your daughter in this very rewarding career or hobby. Good luck to her and tell her to keep on making those videos, it only get better!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/green-screen-for-movies#post-72578 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:58:13 +0000 Ann Baldwin 72578@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Very funny movie - but also helpful. Thank you!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/green-screen-for-movies#post-72567 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:51:44 +0000 SargeHero 72567@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello Lauren</p> <p>You will need a couple of things to make a successful greenscreen production, being lights the most important. The greenscreen fabric is not that important because you can use any cloth that is green (or blue). For better results you can get a muslin backdrop, which works great and is relatively cheap. As for lightning you need at least 4 lights (2 for the greenscreen itself and the other two for the talent). You will also need to consider where are you going to setup your greenscreen studio and how much space you have available. As for software you can manage with iMovie and get got quality results, as long as you light the greenscreen right. </p> <p>I suggest you to visit <a title="TubeTape" href="http://www.tubetape.net/servlet/StoreFront">Tubetape.net</a>, they have everything you will need regarding greenscreen and they can answer any question regarding equipment. They also have a 50% weekly deal (every Thursday) which you could get everything you need for half the price. Also check Ebay for greenscreen backdrops. </p> <p>Here is a video I made about Lightning a Greenscreen a la Guerrilla Style. Enjoy. </p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mhz41X6aVc" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mhz41X6aVc</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/green-screen-for-movies#post-72564 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:30:16 +0000 Lauren 72564@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>My daughter is 14. She has a Flip video camera and a Mabook and has made some great short movies. For Christmas I wanted to see about getting her a green screen, or body suit and software. I have no idea what she needs to use it. She s pretty darn good on the computer but she is new o this. We need Mac compatible stuff. Any ideas?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-72055 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:13:33 +0000 Anwar 72055@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Shaun,</p> <p>I think one difference b/w the dslr and the camcorder is how much tweaking you have to do to compensate for bad lighting, while being zoomed in etc... The camcorder allows more freedom to just "shoot" rather than worrying about the the other variables. I have a dslr, a canon t2i, and I am actually going to buy a panasonic gh1 next week. My website is <a href="http://www.humbledown.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.humbledown.com</a> if you want to see what i've been able to come up with. For interviews, stick with your canon, get an omnidirection mic lavalier, with a recorder like the olympus ws-700 or the rode video mic. For recording longer than 4gb at a time you can get a firmware update called "magiclantern", which will allow for recording times of up to 20 mins. If you need help finding the download for it I can send it to you, also tutorials are all over youtube for it. It turns your canon into a beast allowing you do "follow focus" and turn off the auto gain feature on the camera. The only let down is that it doesnt have the flip out screen. Hope this helps, hit me up anwar.s.allen@gmail if you need help or clarifications.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71991 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 06:56:13 +0000 Kenkyusha 71991@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&nbsp;@Shaun- 3. I'm concerned about low light with so many megapixels, seems like the mid level sony and canon camcorders are much better since they have less megapixels.</p> <p>This isn't necessarily so- the larger the chip, the more light that can be let in.&nbsp; With mid-level cams, you are probably looking at a maximum size well under 1/3".&nbsp; This is one place that hybrid stills/video cameras do well, due to the sensor size... the trade-offs are, of course that shooting video with a body designed to shoot stills isn't ideal.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/brand-new-in-making-videos#post-71960 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:23:40 +0000 birdcat 71960@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Many of your questions cannot be addressed without knowing your budget - You say you don't want to make a huge investment but assuming you already have a PC or MAC that is relatively current to use, just a camera &amp; software would start at $1000 and go up quickly from there.  This is also assuming you're not just looking to do iPhone YouTube videos of relatively low quality.</p> <p>How much would you consider a huge investment -$1000?  $5000?  $10000?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71952 Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:30:52 +0000 cfxcorp 71952@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>As a hobbyist, I shoot wedding videos for friends and a lot of church services.&nbsp; The church has a Canon GL2, but I prefer the video from my Sony HDR-CX7 camcorders.&nbsp; These older models use MSPRO memory sticks, but Sony has finally caved and gone with SD cards on the newer models.</p> <p>I find that the quality is really good (1080p), especially considering that the creative edge comes in the editing process. I use a Zoom recorder to capture the audio track.&nbsp; One drawback to this type of equipment can be in the syncing of audio and video from several cameras.</p> <p>Don't forget you will need editing software*, memory cards, tripods and microphones, and maybe some lighting equipment.</p> <p>I suggest you start lower end on the cameras (get two so you can capture two angles)&nbsp;and see how you like the editing task.&nbsp; If you change your mind your investment is minimal.&nbsp; If you like this new work, you can always buy a nice camcorder (with your profits)&nbsp;and use the low-ends for additonal angles.</p> <p>* lots of free trials out there, I still use AVS4You for most of my small projects</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71942 Sun, 30 Oct 2011 10:33:19 +0000 Shaun 71942@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Yea, I don't know about DSLRs.  Here's why:</p> <p>1.  There's a limit to 4GB of video length in the Canon line of DSLR's for video and that's what I'd be using since I have the t1i,<br /> 2.  The focus ability is not as smooth or intuitive as camcorders are</p> <p>3. I'm concerned about low light with so many megapixels, seems like the mid level sony and canon camcorders are much better since they have less megapixels.</p> <p>Am I mistaken in any of these points?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/brand-new-in-making-videos#post-71915 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:27:32 +0000 jackwolcott 71915@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You can make a good start at answering your questions by reading Videomaker Magazine, both here on-line and in hard copy. You can also search for similar posts and responses on this Forum.</p> <p>I'm not trying to trivialize your questions, but rather to suggest that there is an excellent resource here that will acquaint you with the pros and cons of various hardware and software available to the beginner. </p> <p>Once you think you have some ideas about what you want, check out the reviews of products on-line. These, especially if they are customer reviews such as you can find at B&amp;H, will give you an excellent idea of what users think of each product. </p> <p>Finally, once you've narrowed down the choices, return here to the Forum and see what responses you get. </p> <p>Jack</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/brand-new-in-making-videos#post-71914 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:20:06 +0000 Moving Onwards 71914@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ok. So I want to make videos. But I have NO idea how. </p> <p>But first things first, I need to buy a camera and equipment. I don't want to have to put down a huge investment right off, but I do want to buy nice equipment.</p> <p>I would like a camera that doesn't need a lot of artificial light, because I plan on randomly going around a shooting stuff.</p> <p>I also need an editing software, and need some suggestions on that as well.</p> <p>I don't really know what else I need, so any and all help will be appreciated. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71913 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:01:38 +0000 Kenkyusha 71913@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&nbsp;Yes, I was&nbsp;using 'DSLR' colloquially here, but absolutely correct,&nbsp;the M4/3 cameras&nbsp;are mirrorless.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71888 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:07:21 +0000 Don 71888@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>@Kenkyusha... I am aware of the micro 4/3 interchangeable lens cameras and you are correct about everything except one little detail.... they are not d-slrs... I was answering the question posed by the previous post.... by Shaun.</p> <p>even the new sony's with pelicile mirrors are not d-slrs...</p> <p>Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras have an optical through the lens viewing system, usually with a glass or plastic pentaprism mirror viewfinder.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71887 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:12:45 +0000 Kenkyusha 71887@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>"d-slrs heat up, and got restrictions on how long you can record..."</p> <p>While that's true for some DSLRs, it doesn't apply globally (e.g. the Panasonic GF/GH series are only limited by the size of your card and don't seem to be subject to overheating- you can also focus while&nbsp;shooting, which is a plus).&nbsp; I really like Canon's HV series (in 2008, my first HD camera after shooting with a DVC30 for a while), but to get the most out of it takes thoughtful lighting design and some care with set-up.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71886 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:34:05 +0000 Don 71886@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>depends on if you want to shoot a lot of short clips or need to record and hour or two worth of video...</p> <p>d-slrs heat up, and got restrictions on how long you can record..... </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71868 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:48:43 +0000 Shaun 71868@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>really?  I have a Canon T1i.  I do like the video but the ability to focus it is absurd, unless I'm doing it wrong.  It might work for an interview I'm guessing, but there's no audio in on the t1i (only the t2i), and though the audio is decent, it's not that good at all, comparatively.</p> <p>I was actually thinking of using that as my 2nd camera until I can get a 2nd good Video camera.</p> <p>What do you think the DSLR's do better than the vixia's?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71867 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:36:00 +0000 Jeff Vrenois 71867@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>If you want a good camera, that can do the work and at the same time makes you looks like a pro in a low budget, I recomend you the Panasonic AG-AC7 (<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/802773-REG/Panasonic_AG_AC7PJ_AG_AC7_Shoulder_Mount_AVCHD_Camcorder.html)" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/802773-REG/Panasonic_AG_AC7PJ_AG_AC7_Shoulder_Mount_AVCHD_Camcorder.html)</a>. This is an AVCHD (full HD) camera, with good optics in low light, manual controls, and is around $1175.</p> <p>On the other hand, in a more low budget, as you say around $600, there are a lot of good DSLR cameras to choose from, like the Canon Eos Rebel T series (T1i, T2i, T3i), The Sony Alpha series (a33, a55), or Nikon D series (D3100, D5100), any of this DSLR´s will doit very well, even more than the Vixias you´re considering</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71812 Sun, 23 Oct 2011 15:57:33 +0000 Shaun 71812@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>So here's a few I sorta like, anyone have or use these: (I will be shooting in some low light too, so any that stand out as being good in those areas will be helpful)</p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/597424-REG/Canon_3686B001_VIXIA_HV40_High_Definition.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/597424-REG/Canon_3686B001_VIXIA_HV40_High_Definition.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/718162-REG/Canon_4743B001_VIXIA_HF_M32_Dual.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/718162-REG/Canon_4743B001_VIXIA_HF_M32_Dual.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/749195-REG/Canon_5116B003_VIXIA_HF_M41_Flash.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/749195-REG/Canon_5116B003_VIXIA_HF_M41_Flash.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/749191-REG/Canon_5118B001_VIXIA_HF_M400_Flash.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/749191-REG/Canon_5118B001_VIXIA_HF_M400_Flash.html</a></p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71811 Sun, 23 Oct 2011 15:37:24 +0000 Shaun 71811@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ok, so I've decided that I need to get a middle of the road camera first, and then hopefully end up getting one of the ones I mentioned above... so I'd put my budget to about $600 for the camera to get off the ground, I'd go used as well.</p> <p>Here's what I'd like it to have ideally:</p> <p>3" LCD</p> <p>1/3" sensor</p> <p>XLR input</p> <p>HD 1080i  -  72p recording</p> <p>10X Zoom</p> <p>Flash memory (ideally 2 slots)</p> <p>Good optics</p> <p>Anyone use a camera in this price range ($600), new or used?  Would love some suggestions.</p> <p>Thanks!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71715 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:05:29 +0000 vid-e-o-man 71715@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Shaun, as Earl stated, your budget just about rules out 3 sensor <strong>new </strong>cams but you might be able to find something used that will fit the bill. You didn't mention whether you wanted to shoot in HD or SD. There are a lot of great SD (3 sensor)cams in your budget range used, look at some of the past posts for recommendations. I don't have any experience with these. I think Jack gave some good qualities for your cam pick to have. As far as low light shooting, most of the situations that you mention could be handled with a cam (with less low light capabilities) if you incorporate adequate add-on lighting. This can be done relatively inexpensively with a DIY kit. You can find lots of suggestions of how this can be done in these forums. If you shop for a good used cam with single sensor, IMHO you should have at least a 1/3" sensor. I use the Sony HDR-SR11, it fits most of the suggestions that people have given and can be found used well below $1000, you might even be able to get 2 for your budget. Of course, there are many other cams used that are like the SR-11, which will give you great results for what you are trying to do. Another reason for starting out with a good used cam is that you are just learning video and a smaller investment would seem to make more sense and as you skills increase you will have a better idea of the features that you want in your next, more expensive cam. Start shooting.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71698 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:26:13 +0000 Shaun 71698@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I like <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&amp;safe=off&amp;client=firefox-a&amp;hs=Law&amp;rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&amp;q=Canon+XA10&amp;gs_upl=31128l31258l0l31435l2l2l0l0l0l0l166l286l0.2l2l0&amp;bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&amp;biw=1024&amp;bih=642&amp;um=1&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;tbm=shop&amp;cid=1936357608636788565&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=w6qcTv_nGsj40gHEgryhCQ&amp;ved=0CG8Q8wIwAQ">the Canon XA 10</a>, or <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&amp;safe=off&amp;client=firefox-a&amp;hs=6aw&amp;rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&amp;gs_upl=75679l75679l1l76126l1l1l0l0l0l0l157l157l0.1l1l0&amp;bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&amp;biw=1024&amp;bih=642&amp;q=NEXVG10&amp;um=1&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;tbm=shop&amp;cid=11548978238225166606&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=D6ucTrGiI6Lx0gHk3_nACQ&amp;ved=0CHQQ8wIwAQ">the Sony Handycam Nex VG10</a></p> <p>Any one use these?  Likes or dislikes?  What do either of these lack that I might want in the future?</p> <p>Anything? </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71697 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:20:19 +0000 Shaun 71697@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for all the feedback.  I'll shop around and see, I'm open to used gear too, so that widens my range.</p> <p>I've noticed that many auctions show the amount of hours on the camera.  Any feedback on how many hours a camera is good for, or what that is all about.  </p> <p>I'm truly a noob with this stuff.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-one-good-camera-or-2-decent-cameras#post-71673 Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:40:45 +0000 Charles Schultz 71673@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Like Earl said, it is above your budget but I simply love my Panasonic HMC-150.</p>