http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: question - Recent Posts en Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:02:43 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newby-herewhat-do-i-need#post-73479 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:02:14 +0000 Rocky 73479@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <ul> <li>Ashley, some suggestion to prioritize on the basis of the work you propose.</li> <li>Audio is as important as video: Suggest UHF wireless lavs and a long cord mic</li> <li>Lighting is important: Suggest camera mounted LED with adjustable light </li> <li>Monopods are great for on the move: but a sturdy Manfrotto tripod with fluid head would be required for extra smooth pan shots and long speeches/lectures</li> <li>Camera brand is what gives you quality results, works best for you and you are comfortable with. Personally I use a small HD Sony HVR-A1 camera with on camera stereo mic and 2 x XLR inputs for weddings and interviews as I have found it's much smaller size has proved to be less intimidating in interview &amp; close up situations etc </li> <li>Seems you are set on a Mac with FCP which most professionals in this line of work choose however I settled for a PC with the Adobe Premiere CS4 suite. Once again a matter of preference and what you are comfortable with. </li> <li>The only other thing I might mention is your editing suite, try to make it as workable as possible, comfortable, presentable for customers, isolated from outside noise and distractions. </li> <li>Editing I consider is the most difficult in videography, one never stops learning. I found the easiest way to learn, was to do editing work (at the obligatory reduced rate) for production companies etc.. On each and every one of these edits I learnt something different in the way of tips, what to do and what never to do things that you won't find in books, that all goes into making a the final product, professional. Plus I still read whatever I can get my hands on. Think about it this way, if you shoot whatever and give that same footage to 6 different editors you would most likely end up with 6 completely different final results. </li> <li>On the surface it appears you have sufficient hardware for editing, any upgrading or additional hardware can be added as the business progresses.</li> <li>Agree with Vid-e-o-man keep shooting and practicing. Why not offer you services to an wedding videography to get on hands experience in the first instance, who knows, later on when he's busy you may get more work</li> </ul> <p>Trust the above helps        </p> <p>Good luck with the new business. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newby-herewhat-do-i-need#post-73474 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:37:05 +0000 David Forrester 73474@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi Ashley:  I agree with Videoman - keep shooting.  I have both a Sony Z5 dedicated camera as well as the Canon 5D Mk 2 and the Hn4 recorder (+++).  Let me give you the benefit of experience.  A DSLR is NOT a good choice for video.  You are plagued with far too much work, constant focusing due to the very shallow depth of field at wide open apertures and audio issues.</p> <p>The sound quality is no good on them unless you invest in a Beachtek or similar and even then, it is marginal due to poor pre-amps on the camera. With a separate recorder, you have to push 2 record buttons and then sync the sound afterwards - it is a pain - but you get terrific sound this way.  You have an enormous amount to do at the recording session without<br /> adding additional work load - unless you can bring along a dedicated<br /> audio guy.  That I highly recommend if you stick with your Canon. </p> <p>To offset focusing issues, a separate monitor with peaking is sorely needed.  A marshall 5 or 7" will do a superb job.  I tell you, i have lost soooooooooo much footage due to focusing issues.  When I do night shots as f1.4 or 2 at 2500 ISO, the depth of field is razor thin and if there is any fore and aft movement, you either move the camera or move focus. It is a pain.  Don't know about autofocus on your camera, but this is a huge issue.</p> <p>Now another problem surfaces - noise - especially at night.  The 5D is remarkable, but at 2500 iso, noise starts.  At 5,000, it is no good.  Ideally is 640 tops - not powerful enough for night.  I try to max out at 1250, but sometimes I am forced to 2500.  Then noise.  rats!</p> <p>A dedicated camera does everything - I mean everything either automatically or manually or in combinations.  You can add any sort of mic system, line input, phantom power and so on.  You will not get shallow Depth of field, that is the only downfall and that is where the DSLR wins big time. And you will not get the best of night shots either - again noise.  But the 5D is better - much better.</p> <p>The Canon will need a moderate telephoto lens. I use a 28-85 zeiss zoom from my Contax line and I swear by it.  All manual of course. but it is not good at night as it is only f 3.3. Night shots are always f1.4-2.  Even my f2.8 28mm is too dark.</p> <p>You must have a darn good tripod with a great fluid head.  I have Manfrottos and quite pleased with them.  Non-negotiable.  Get a rather hefty one with a long control arm. Nothing looks so good as a steady shot on a tripod.  Jerky motions scream amateur.</p> <p>If you get a dedicated camera which I highly recommend, get a 20X zoom, dual XLR inputs.  The cameras that you are looking at in this league of those 2 options will give you everything you will ever need.  Don't get caught up in the trap of a gear head, but get shooting every darn thing you can.  And you will find out soon enough what your real needs are.  </p> <p>Best of luck. Dave</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newby-herewhat-do-i-need#post-73467 Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:14:29 +0000 vid-e-o-man 73467@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&nbsp;Ashley, in my previous post I didn't address your inquiry about equipment, sorry. After googling the camera that you presently have, it appears that it should be adequate for video shooting. The only initial suggestion that I have is some sort of equipment to get audio. I recommend some sort of on-camera microphone (stereo?) that can plug into the microphone input on your camera or some wireless setup (VHF or better still UHF)&nbsp;or a freestanding audio recorder (H1, H2, etc.). Other than this equipment, I think that you have all the basic stuff that you will need to make great video. If you search this forum you will find suggestions and feedback about the equipment that I have suggested. Once again I suggest that you keep shooting and making video, you have enough stuff to make great video. All that you need is experience and practice. Keep shooting.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newby-herewhat-do-i-need#post-73466 Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:49:13 +0000 vid-e-o-man 73466@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&nbsp;Ashley, welcome to the Videomaker forum. You mentioned that you are a newby ('newby, but actually been compiling...over the past year'). My suggestion to you would be to continue shooting and making videos. Shooting landscapes, family gatherings, events, real estate tours, etc. Get to know your equipment and the process of creating video outputs (DVD, Blurays, you tube, etc). As you progress in your experience and talent at this, you will be better able to decide what additional equipment might be needed. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newby-herewhat-do-i-need#post-73436 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:13:12 +0000 Ashley Peery 73436@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I say I'm a newby, but I've actually been compiling some things over the past year.  I am starting a videography buisness this coming year and hope to be transitioning out of my job as a therapist sometime mid to late 2012.  My question is..."I have a lot of equipment right now and know that I am either lacking, or could upgrade, in various areas.  What do you think would be a good way to start spending my money in regards to equipment purchases? (ie, back-up harddrives, faster computer, better camera, etc).  Here is a list of what I have so far...</p> <p>Canon t2i, Sigma 28mm 1.4, Tamron 10-24mm 3.5-4.5, Neewer viewfinder, Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 monopod, a couple 16gb class 10 cards, homemade steadicam &amp; slider, 3y/o 24in iMac, 1y/0 15in Macbook Pro (i7 dualcore w/ 8gb ram), using FCPX &amp; Motion 5, LaCie 1TB external HD, another 500gb for Timemachine, and probably some small things I forgot to mention, but that's the big stuff.</p> <p>So should I look at investing in a Drobo for storage, a Canon 5D MkII, a 8-12core Mac Pro (preowned), more memory cards, Zoom H4N, wireless lavs, etc? How do you suggest I prioritize?  I will be shooting events (weddings and other events, as well as real estate property tours).  Any help would be very much appreciated!  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-do-the-contests-work#post-56651 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 07:51:54 +0000 rakklub 56651@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for all the comments!  I will definitely make sure that I read and watch out for those scams.  You all have been a great help</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-do-the-contests-work#post-56626 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:41:00 +0000 grinner 56626@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> The videomaker contests are a great way for you to gain experience, confidence, and build the required reel for obtaining gigs. </p> <p>Be careful with other "contests" though. You'll see music video contests that are obviously just ways for non-create types with no budget to weeze a cheap video, ad agencies who multiply the "winnings" for doing nothing, and other scams that feed of of folks trying to get into the industry.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-do-the-contests-work#post-56526 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:27:17 +0000 Derek Sine 56526@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Anyone can submit a contest in that area of the site - rules vary per contest. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-do-the-contests-work#post-56525 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:33:09 +0000 rakklub 56525@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I have an idea in participating in one!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-do-the-contests-work#post-56522 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:01:49 +0000 CraftersOfLight 56522@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Rakklub</p> <p>Are you talking about an idea for participating in one? Or an idea to run a contest yourself?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-do-the-contests-work#post-56520 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:12:57 +0000 rakklub 56520@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Yah!  I think that is what it is called.  It is under community tab.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-do-the-contests-work#post-56507 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:46:33 +0000 Derek Sine 56507@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Videomaker contests? </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-do-the-contests-work#post-56505 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:13:45 +0000 rakklub 56505@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Can anyone explain to me how these contest work?  I have a good idea for one of the contest, but not sure how it all works?  Is it for real?  Any help would be appreciated.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-lot-of-hard-question-from-a-starting-pro-production-worker#post-52983 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:08:15 +0000 Bowman15 52983@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I cant give you any technical answers for the fear of me being wrong, but I can say that you can use an HdTV as a computer monitor and Premiere Pro will let you use the screen. I was using a 32 in lcd screen from LG for my last project and it worked just fine. I'm not sure if it will be accurate enough for color correction though....</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-lot-of-hard-question-from-a-starting-pro-production-worker#post-52951 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:33:14 +0000 coimbras 52951@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello to all .</p> <p> </p> <p>This is my first post found this site and is a  very good one that have a lot of info on it.</p> <p> </p> <p>So I started working in the area and I´m facing a lot of question . I´m a freelancer , so money is a importante factor in the next questions.</p> <p> </p> <p>My machine</p> <p>Phenom X4 965 -  4 * 3,40 Ghz</p> <p>8 Gb Ram - 1600 mhz</p> <p>Nvidia Quadro Fx 3800 ( 1 Gb Gpu, and a lot of other features)</p> <p>Windows 7</p> <p> </p> <p>My work is focus in Tv comercials.</p> <p> </p> <p>1- (HDTv , Broadcast Monitor, way to view the work looking for troubles)</p> <p> I use adobe workflow  in my projects (Premier, After effects, etc) , first of all , I need a screen to test for flickers and color correction problems.  Can I buy any Hd Tv and in premier, output to him and see the problems or do I need anything else ? And If I only need a Hd tv, can you suggest some models that are not that big or expensive that I can have in my desk?</p> <p> </p> <p>2- (Best codecs to use in my workflow, or plug in that I may get that improve image quality of the renders)</p> <p>At this moment we use a DV Cam that record Pal , and then they give me the footage uncompressed, or they use canopus codec , before thet give it to me. Then I normaly work on that footage and then export it to mpg2 using a preset that is the Dv Pal high quality in Premier with some changes, but I see that the picture loose a lot of quality in that process. How can I improve, and what is the best codec I can use. To export to Pal tv .</p> <p>Note: I have que adobe media encoder  and Sorenson Squeeze</p> <p> </p> <p>3- (Dvd footage , using it on Premier )</p> <p>Sometimes I receve DVD that I need to take the footage and use it, but the problem is that it comes in Vob files and Premier doesnt read that files, so I need to convert them, what is the best way of doing it, and the best sofware to do it or the best way to work around this problem ??</p> <p> </p> <p>4 - (Footage in diverse formats)</p> <p>That question is a problem that I´m facing , I receved some Dvd of a company and some are 720p (16:9 ; 1024*720, )) and others regular Pal (4:3, 756*576),  and of course they have diferent aspect ratio  1,44 and other 1,09. My final output need to be pal, what is the best way , program, solution , I can use to solve this problem?</p> <p>5- (Improving Workflow)</p> <p>I´m always looking for ways of improving my productivity and image quality of my works, so if you can suggest any software , plug in , codecs, Hardware, I can use that will improve I will be thankfull.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/jib-design-question#post-45160 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:40:52 +0000 svtcobraltd 45160@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The jib we are currently building is all remote controlled.  We have the gears setup up pretty good right now.  Only mounted the camera once yet but it can spin around numous times (until power wires get caught up) and can spin upside down a few times.  It really gives as many angles as possibile I believe.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/jib-design-question#post-45159 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:29:06 +0000 film814 45159@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Good point Phil.  I just remembered a website that has lots of info on this.  <a href="http://www.homebuiltstabilizers.com">http://www.homebuiltstabilizers.com</a>.  There was one jib I saw on there that someone made with a remote pan and tilt control on the end.  This website is great, with stuff about jibs, cranes, dollies, stabilizers, etc.</p> <p>Jeremy</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/jib-design-question#post-45142 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:03:41 +0000 M-323 45142@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>ok thats a kewl lookin jib!</p> <p>when I was drawing mine, I came up with a thought.. I said to myself, "self, the connectors between the main boom and the control arm have to be long(er) than you see in his pic. here is illustration...  In this case, when its on a steep angle like in the picture, he cannot point the camera down anymore due to the lenght of the connectors.</p> <p><img src="http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q232/martial33/Production%20Stills/jibtest.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>(arrows pointing to connectors)</p> <p>yes, I think 12 feet is minimum. two, six foot sections could be sleeved together. two eight foot sections is better still but at 16ft, there might be some problem with camera bounce, due to flex of the boom -- then we're talking about adding shrouds and a spreader. thats getting too copmlicated I think -- espacially for the ONE shot it might get used for occassionally.</p> <p>the only way I can see making it pan at the head, is by a pully horizontally, under the support, with a line wrapping around the pully (maybe 2x for added friction) then coming together at the point of pivot for the head - at the neck of hte head.</p> <p>then I was thinking that the line, could be fed internally, down the boom, exiting before the end, where it wraps around anothter pully that you can use to pan the camera.</p> <p>does that make sense?</p> <p>ok... heres a pic....</p> <p><img src="http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q232/martial33/Production%20Stills/jibtest2.jpg" /></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/jib-design-question#post-45124 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:09:13 +0000 JMM 45124@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hi,</p> <p> </p> <p>I have a friend who made a jib last year, and .... he cant pan. But the jib still really nice and usefull for some artistic shot on low bubjet or non lucrative production. But if you can figure how to make the pan control ! Do it !  BTW do it at least 12 foot ...</p> <p><img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v240/96/62/618400594/n618400594_2908883_2632.jpg" /></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/jib-design-question#post-45097 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 05:39:59 +0000 M-323 45097@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>thanks for the input guys.</p> <p>Jeremy, if you put the head from the tripod on the end of the boom, there still needs to be a mechanism to turn it. If thats the case, It might as well be there permanantly dont you think?</p> <p>best, Phil</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/jib-design-question#post-45083 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:23:24 +0000 film814 45083@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> No, I would say it does not need to be able to pan.  When you need a panning crane shot, you can just take your fluid head off your tripod and put it on the end of the crane.  You will probably never be able to make the end so that it pans extremely fluidly (with good friction).  Hope this helps.  Jeremy</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/jib-design-question#post-45072 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:14:41 +0000 svtcobraltd 45072@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Since you are building it, just include it.  Mine is almost done and even if I decide not to use it, its there incase.</p> <p>There are times where I could see the jib in the area with the camera turn 90 degrees to the left or right.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/jib-design-question#post-45071 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:02:19 +0000 TDedmonSBP 45071@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Although it is not imperative that you include a pan function for your jib, I will say that you should add a dolly base or wheels to the base of the jib if you don't. This way, if you need to pan the camera, you can "fake" it by moving the entire rig...It may be harder on location to do it that way, but not by much. And as for the build, you will have a much easier time.</p> <p>Hope that helps, and snap some pictures along the way...I always enjoy seeing people thinking outside the box.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/jib-design-question#post-44977 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:17:58 +0000 M-323 44977@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi</p> <p>I'm planning to build a camera jib/crane (hoping that if I build it, <em>they</em> will come. Somebody better come!)</p> <p>my question is for anyone that has had lots of experience with a jib/crane -- Do I really need to design the head to to "pan" as well as "tilt"?</p> <p>I don't mean to be lazy, but it is going to be a heck of a lot easier to build with a tilting head only. Of course the entire rig pivots over the tripod, so will the head panning really be that necessary? </p> <p>I'm thinking that if we need to pan, we can either rotate the the entire boom, or just hand hold that shot.</p> <p>you know what I mean? What do you think?</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-cam-for-the-web#post-43230 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:19:46 +0000 chrisColorado 43230@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>What i recommend is a camera that hooks up to your computer with USB cable, NOT firewire. Something such as the little Flip cameras, though probably not so cheap. I have a camera like a Flip, but it's from Aiptek. Seriously, USB is faster than most people give it credit for. I go USB on everything from camera hook-ups to external drives and flash drives.</p> <p>For software, go with Adobe CS4 as you said, or Sony Vegas 8 Pro. Vegas doesn't import your footage like most software programs do, in my opinion, and it is much faster to edit, add basic transitions and tweak your edits. The whole process is great from what I understand of your position.</p> <p>Go get 'em and good luck! chris</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-cam-for-the-web#post-43153 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:00:11 +0000 grinner 43153@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>P2 is yer buddy</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-cam-for-the-web#post-43139 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:30:15 +0000 Johnboy 43139@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>avchd is a very robust and difficult format to work with.  I have seen some great vids on the web from SD cameras.  The quality of the video depends on many factors not limited to the camera or format.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-cam-for-the-web#post-43135 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 07:22:16 +0000 CannarWilm 43135@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> As I haven't got any replies to this yet (is there anybody out there? :-) ) I though I'd put down a bit more about what we will be using the equipment for.  My company runs games tournaments (both on XBox 360 and card games) and we would like to expand our current podcast service to include vidcasting.  It would be great for players who are not at the venue to be able to see what is happeng at the event, especially if they have friends there.  So the idea is to record footage and then upload vidcast to the games website at various stages throughout the day.</p> <p>I thought that might help people to get more of a flavour of what I need the equipment to do.</p> <p>Cheers</p> <p>Glen</p> <p>PS I've been looking at the Panasonic AG-HMC71 AVCHD Camcorder.  Any thoughts?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/which-cam-for-the-web#post-43089 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:31:50 +0000 CannarWilm 43089@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hi,</p> <p>I'm looking to buy cams for my company and thought I'd ask you guys for some advice.  We've been doing some video coverage filming the events that we run and we need to up our game a little.  The videos are for internet upload so the end result will be fairly low resolution.  What is important however is turnaround time from editing to upload.  We have found that, with uploading video and then touchy editing software (Pinnacle Studio), our turnaround time is way too slow.  Were going to invest in new software (probably Adobe premiere CS4 - We are PC based operation) and new equipment.</p> <p>Is there a broadcast/good quality camera that also support a quicker download facility for the raw data?</p> <p>You help would be most appreciated.</p> <p>Cheers</p> <p>Glen</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-suck-at-movie-scripting-help#post-38246 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:32:10 +0000 cdanddvdpublisher 38246@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> free writing helps, so does using dictation and transcription. focus on getting the story worked out, then look to formatting - that's something that can help too</p>