http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: tips - Recent Posts en Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:26:20 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-do-i-make-better-videos#post-73860 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:00:50 +0000 EarlC 73860@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>OK, the sample you'd like to be more like. Don't. Sorry, but after a minute I wanted to turn it off and comment. At 2:12 I'd had enough ... all I could take. WHY?</p> <p>Centered, straight on angle. Boring. Too much space and the reflective water caused some lighting issues as well with this one. I think the single most effective thing THIS VIDEO and yours could use is multiple shoots, repetitive performances, varying angles and POV, then using the new editing power Elements will provide you, cutting to keep some interest.</p> <p>I'd shoot tighter. Unless the background is a significant and participating point of the focus, it's NOT contributing to, but taking away from, the point of interest. In both cases, the talent. I liked your intro for your first attempt, but when you got into the production you got to it. No lag. The buildup for sample two was too long. Totally boring and nothing like the BIG PICTURE or "larger than life" description you led me to believe I'd perceive.</p> <p>Tight shots, varied angles, avoid backlighting, control the audio and you're going to have something that knocks the socks off your reference sample IMHO. What was cute in the second video was the obvious audio source being set, then placed on the block, but obviously the actual sound was recorded from a closer proximity in post. But nothing else about the second sample appealed to me to the extent your first effort did.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-do-i-make-better-videos#post-73859 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:57:51 +0000 Moab Man 73859@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>It looks like the wall is in focus and not the two of you during the introduction. The dance part is suffering from bad lighting. It's dark in front of you two girls, very bright behind you, too much activity seen through the window, and overall the light is just washing out your colors. The clothing colors blend too much with the surroundings. Looked at your other video and I would make all the same statements. To put it simply, you're not lighting your subject. The background is what's lit up.</p> <p>The video you like has plenty of lighting and the girl is wearing strong colors that really pop out against the background, although I couldn't stop my eye from being drawn to the completely out of place drink bottle in front of her.</p> <p>Just so you know, for what you're doing it's not a software issue. Windows Movie Maker will do everything you're doing so far. However, I would encourage you to learn the Adobe program so that once you get your lighting correct you can use the color adjustments to improve.</p> <p>What are the setting you're using, there is a lot of interlacing (when you're moving and your arm for example breaks up) showing up?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-do-i-make-better-videos#post-73858 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:51:28 +0000 EarlC 73858@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ally &amp; Sally, for a first attempt the first example you shared in the links above was GREAT. I do understand what you mean when you say you want to be more satisfied with the final results and I think I can see what might help.</p> <p>BACKLIGHT ... your biggest problem with the dance in a diner sequence is the backlight from the window. You could, of course, set your iris to cut the vignetting, or add gels to the windows, but probably your best bet would be to try to find a position that does not include such a large swath of backlight to contend with. I perceive that the location you used might be a bit tight, providing little, if any, choice of positions away from the window. But the backlighting works against you here, instead of perhaps helping create GREAT lighting as a source from front or side.</p> <p>THE WINDOW ... camera POV, while interesting, and in addition to backlighting, also generates bit too much distraction with pedestrian and auto activity outside, taking attention away from your routine.</p> <p>Your music levels and audio levels are good, but you might consider doing the routine to the selection, then close recording (lip syncing). It appears you're using the audio from the on-camera mic. If I'm wrong, you still are too far away from the mic and need to address that for increased clarity.</p> <p>The last thing simply is to shoot more than one take from more than one angle and/or POV, giving you the opportunity to change angles and points of view in the editing and generate a more creative and interesting piece.</p> <p>All-in-all, ladies, you did a GREAT job and I very much enjoyed you sharing your creativity. I hope you'll find some of what I said useful and that you'll share more as you adjust your productions.</p> <p>When I view the video you'd LIKE to be more like. I'll see if I have anything more ton contribute. By all means, don't stop. This is way awesome!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-do-i-make-better-videos#post-73857 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:20:53 +0000 Ally & Sally 73857@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello! My sister and I have been making simple dance videos for Youtube and and Japanese video community called Nico Nico Douga. We've only made a couple so far, but we're not satisfied with the outcome of our videos. We took some video production classes in high school, but we're using totally different equipment for a totally different end product this time. We were hoping we could get some well needed tips from the community here!</p> <p>Our Youtube channel is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/moetwinstyle">here</a>. They're just simple videos that follow the general formula of one continuos shot while we dance (and sing).</p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/kTyWCT4HzJ4"><strong>[An example of one of our videos]</strong></a></p> <p>We are using a Canon Vixia HF R20 camera with a tripod. For the videos we've uploaded so far, we've only used Window Movie Maker, but we now have Adobe Premier Elements 10 that we are using to edit our future videos. We hoped to have better lighting/quality and an overall more professional feeling product, but we're falling quite short of what we want. How can we achieve this?</p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/GrC2OM0kXK0"><strong>[What we'd like to have our videos like]</strong></a></p> <p>We'd like to achieve an end product like the video above. Most of the time we'll be filming outdoors, but we'll be filming indoors from time to time as well. How can we get that "larger than life" feeling that the second video has?</p> <p>Thank you very much!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-hdr-xr100-sony-vegas-9#post-61054 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:35:24 +0000 danielgm55 61054@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hello,</p> <p>I am new to this site as well as video recording and editing..so please forgive my ignorance. I record with the Sony HDR XR100 and edit with Sony Vegas Pro 9 (i also have AfterEffects, but havent quite learned how to use it)..anyway..  I am trying to get the best quality that i can, using the limited equipment that i have..I have a couple of general questions..</p> <p>1. Is there a difference (quality loss etc.) between using a usb to transfer video from my camera to my storage device as opposed to using a firewire to transfer video?</p> <p>2. Are there any other elements that affect the quality of a video other than the lighting..the camera..and the rendering settings.</p> <p>3. Are there specific rendering settings that should be used to better compliment the type of camera that i use?</p> <p>4. Are there any plugins or additional software that i can buy to reduce video noise or improve quality to my video?</p> <p>5. What is the best setting for high quality audio.</p> <p>I think thats it..thx in advance for any help</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tips-from-the-guy-who-invented-dslr-filmmaking#post-59932 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:02:12 +0000 composite1 59932@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I ran across these two vids interviewing Vincent Laforet the 'Father' of DSLR filmmaking. It was his short film "Reverie" made with the Canon 5D Mk II the Photographer turned the Digital Film industry on its collective head. Now barely two years later, he is now a premiere DP and expert in DSLR filmmaking. In this interview with the Phoenix Group, Laforet gives his views on types of lenses to use with your Canon DSLR rigs and tips on the best ways to shoot your images to make life easier in post.</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/12917316">Vincent Laforet, Episode One: Shooting with EF Lenses</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3447564">The Phoenix Group</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/12917908">Vincent Laforet, Episode Two: Camera Settings</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3447564">The Phoenix Group</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basic-audio-tips#post-57187 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:25:45 +0000 composite1 57187@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><em>"When the cellphones are silent, what exactly make that weird sound?</em></p> <p>Sarge,</p> <p>That 'weird sound' is your audio gear picking up the wireless 'ping' as the system locates your phone or bluetooth device prior to making it ring. Shielded audio gear will cut down on that. Best thing to do is just turn off your cellphone and bluetooth devices while filming.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basic-audio-tips#post-57185 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:22:53 +0000 SargeHero 57185@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>When the cellphones are silent, what exactly make that weird sound? One time I was recording something using my Audio interface (Audiobox USB) with handheld mics. I had that exact same problem so I told everyone to turn off their cellphones, but I could still hear that weird sound. There was an Ipod touch so I thought that was the problem, but it wasn't. Then when I turned off the bluetooth from my computer the weird sound stops.  I had no idea why or if the bluetooth was actually the cause, but it stop. That was the last time that happen to me and it also was the first time that happen. Is very troublesome when you hear for the first time the weird sound and not having a clue where on earth is coming from.  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basic-audio-tips#post-57179 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 10:30:48 +0000 composite1 57179@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I love sound work almost as much as video. For some dumb reason Sound Design and Field Audio are always considered 'secondary' aspects of film and videomaking. Unless you plan on making a silent movie (good luck with that), you're going to have to pay attention to sound. Even at the highest ends of production you can still get bit in the backside by poor sound capture. Here is a video by Ben Slotover with some 'Tips for Good Sound'. Be advised, there is some salty language in spots so watch at your discretion.</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10256943">Tips for good sound</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3397658">Ben Slotover</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-camcorder-recommendation#post-44526 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:51:53 +0000 EarlC 44526@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> FYI - the primary cameras I have been focusing on are in the low- to mid-range price, say $600 to $4K...</p> <p>They are the Canon HV30, a GREAT low-end item ($600 or so) getting many, many kudos on the various boards by users applying them as backup, playback and third POV cams at gigs - records on MiniDV tape; the other two make a major jump, are AVCCAMs using AVCHD format and recording to SDHC cards - no moving parts for tape drive, making for a lighter and less maintenance tool. They are the Panasonic AG-HMC150 and JVC's GY-HM100; both 3CCD camcorders as opposed to the HV30's single chip.</p> <p>Logic says that by the time you spend the money to add better audio, microphone, brackets and accessories necessary to help put the HV30 to semi-pro use,  you'd be close to investing a significant amount of money that could go toward the other two, IMHO, more preferred camcorders.</p> <p>There are a host of other options, but all-in-all I believe these three represent some serious acquisition capabilities. Between the Panasonic and JVC, the latter offers TWO SDHC card slots as opposed to P's single slot, and JVC also (important to QuickTime capable editing users) provides native QT allowing for direct assimilation and editing of the video instead of having to convert in FCP, iMovie, etc. - essentially a true "drag-and-drop" approach further reducing digitizing/transfer wait time before you can start putting your project together.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-camcorder-recommendation#post-44500 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:07:04 +0000 cnwoode 44500@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I can't believe I fell for that one.  :0(</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-camcorder-recommendation#post-44499 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:05:51 +0000 cnwoode 44499@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>haha. <br /> Thanks Guys</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-camcorder-recommendation#post-44247 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:22:00 +0000 NewBirthProductions 44247@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Or just buy a Sony <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/410747-REG/Sony_DVW970_DVW_970_2_3_Inch_3_CCD_Digital.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/410747-REG/Sony_DVW970_DVW_970_2_3_Inch_3_CCD_Digital.html</a> and be done with it.  You can buy Earl and I one too for our advice :0</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-camcorder-recommendation#post-44236 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:56:28 +0000 EarlC 44236@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> There's a LOT of available  information here that has pretty much covered most aspects of your interest. It would be GREAT (for you) if you checked out some of the most recent posts to get a strong idea of what forum participants here have been saying.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-camcorder-recommendation#post-44231 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:18:06 +0000 cnwoode 44231@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>I am new to this site as of today and I hope that I have found a good place to learn from some of the vest out there.  I have a general question, but first I will explain my situation.  I started out as a hobbyist, just taking pictures with my DSLR camera.  After a while, people started noticing my work and were impressed, especially with me being so new at it. </p> <p>I recently was hired for a few birthday parties and for me that was GREAT and the pictures were loved.  Well of course word got out, so now I have been asked to take pictures and video for a wedding in September.  I am not worried about the pictures, but the video I am.  I do not own a camcorder, and I haven't the slightest clue where to start.  I am by no means a professional, but I do not believe in giving people cheap products.  I have been researching for weeks now looking for the perfect, yet not most expensive or cheap camcorder. </p> <p> I have been researching the Canon HF 11, HF 100, HG 20, HG 21 and also the Sony products.  I don't know which formats are best for long filming  MiniDV, DVD, Flash or HDD.  Should I invest in lighting, microphones etc etc.  I know this was rather long for my first post, but I am hoping that enough of you will read this, have been where I am standing, and can share your best practice approach.  Remember....</p> <p> I am a beginner, but I am by no means an amatuer.  What I mean by that is, I am VERY Tech Savvy, and electronics are second nature to me, so I am not intimidated by features or manuals.  Any suggestions, I would greatly appreaciate.  Thank you in advance!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/episode-120-tips-038-tricks-boom-mics#post-37787 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:35:47 +0000 Aspyrider 37787@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I was impressed with this Tips &amp; Tricks. Enjoyed the new graphics. (You misspelled Microphone-LOL)</p> <p>Good tip, good quality video and editing. Better than it has been before.</p> <p>Just wanted to say I like the direction it is going in. ;-)</p> <p>J.</p>