There are many transitions you can use when editing, such as a cut, dissolve, or fade. But how do you edit in a way that adds intrigue to your story? By using a split edit.
A split edit, also known as a J-cut or an L-cut, is a transition in which the audio and video of a clip are introduced at different times. For example, you may hear several seconds of a person being interviewed before you actually see the person who is speaking. This technique is used to add a dramatic effect to the scene and is relatively easy to accomplish. After selecting a clip, unlink the audio and video tracks. Once you’ve done that, you’re able to shorten or lengthen either track, depending on the desired effect.
Split edits are a great way to add spice to your everyday transitions while keeping the audience engaged in what’s happening on-screen. Whether you’re trying to add intrigue, maintain continuity, or just break from your normal editing choices, using a split edit can help.
To find out more about using split edits and the effect it can have your story, check out Tricks for J and L Cuts.
Interested in more tips on Editing? Sign up for Videomaker’s free Video Editing Course. This free tip series is designed to help you improve your video production skills, fast. Learn More.
The new Bloggie Touch captures full 1920x1080p high definition MP4 video and 12.8 megapixel photos on 8GB or 4GB of embedded memory offering roughly four hours of HD movie recording. Its body sports a three-inch diagonal capacitive touch screen enabling intuitive operation as well as attractive shooting and playback options.
The Bloggie Touch cameras feature minimal hard keys and a large, vibrant touch screen that automatically adjusts for vertical or horizontal shooting and viewing, enabling customers to shoot video right-handed, left-handed, right-side-up or even upside-down. You can record video, snap photos, or both at the same time, just by pressing two of three simplified buttons on the device. An advanced user interface features intuitive “touch and flick” recording control, search and playback operation, as well as a simple Share-it-Later function to tag the clips and pictures you want to post for easy upload when you are online.
Sony’s Bloggie Touch cameras now deliver amazingly high quality video and photos. Equipped with a F2.8 wide angle lens and a sensitive Exmor CMOS sensor, the new cameras achieve high resolution video and crisply-detailed still photos with less noise, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, its processor allows videographers to attain 4x digital zoom and auto focus capabilities, including Auto Macro to focus sharply on objects as close as four inches away.
The ultra-compact, lightweight cameras slip easily into a pocket or purse so they can record your favorite moments anytime, anywhere. The Bloggie Touch has SteadyShot image stabilization for smoother footage, Face Detection technology to enhance faces by automatically correcting exposure and a built-in USB arm for easy charging and uploading to a computer. It even features an HDMI output to enjoy content on your HDTV.
By connecting the camera to an internet-connected compatible computer via the built-in USB, pre-installed Bloggie software quickly imports your content and makes it a breeze to edit, organize, and even transfer your videos and photos to popular sharing websites with simple drag and drop motions. It includes direct upload to Facebook, Flickr, Picasa Web Albums and YouTube photo and video sharing sites.
The built-in Bloggie software also connects to Sony’s Personal Space online service that shares your photos and videos privately with individuals you select. Personal Space service offers registered users the ability to create Sharing Groups by entering email addresses of friends and family. Once footage and images have been uploaded, the service sends an email invitation to those groups with a link to view content on your Personal Space service. It’s easier, quicker and safer than sending big file attachments via email, and no registration is required by email recipients.
Available in silver or black, the MHS-TS20 and MHS-TS10 will be available in October for about $200 and $180.
Just a few weeks ago, Videomaker had the privilege of sending a member of it’s staff to Yellowstone national park with the exciting promise of being able to get our hands on one of Canon’s newest releases. What we saw when we arrived was Canon’s completely redesigned 60D. With 1920×1080 video resolution plus an articulating LCD screen, this camera immediately drew our undivided attention. The first place we were able to put the camera to use was on an exciting gondola ride up into the Grand Teton mountains. On our way up to the top, the Canon representative told us all about the camera such as how it has an upgraded sensor that can capture 18 megapixel pictures, a built-in flash, records on SDXC cards, and best of all has a manual feature for controlling audio. That means that even though this camera still can’t compete with the EOS 1D and 7D for picture quality, when it comes to audio, has everything but the 5D Mark ii beat.
When we finally reached the top of the Grand Tetons, I was happy to see that the camera was very simple to use as it resembles every other Canon camera’s buttons and designs very closely. The camera was also very durable and lightweight – two things that matter a lot in location shooting. When we next went to a waterfall in Yellowstone, we were happy to have a number of different frame rates for shooting video. The 60D allows for 30, 25, and 24 in full HD, and 60, 50, 30, 25, and 24 in 720p. Moving water looked really nice in 720p60 and the HDR bracket shooting allowed for some really nice separation between the waterfall and the sky. Even so, as with all cameras with CMOS sensors, there was still some rolling shutter issues to deal with which became very apparent when capturing a strolling black bear with an 800 millimeter lens. As enthralling as it was to capture a black bear on film, almost all of the footage was unusable. Of course to Canon’s credit if we would have captured the video using a fluid head tripod rather than a ball head, there’s no doubt the footage would have looked a lot better. As it was, the articulating screen helped out immensely for getting shots from all angles and allowed us to capture great video of the wildlife at Yellowstone park. Honestly, after using this camera with its articulating lcd screen, it’s hard to believe that this won’t become a standard in Canon’s entire line of cameras. To see how this camera performed as well as the beauty of Yellowstone make sure to take a look at the pictures after the break or the video below.
Canon announced today the new Canon XF105 and XF100 Professional Camcorders for mobile HD video capture in a compact form factor. Canon’s smallest professional camcorders, the new XF105 and XF100 utilize the same Canon XF Codec featured in the Canon XF305 and XF300, introduced earlier this year. The Canon XF Codec is an MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps codec used for exceptional high-definition image quality, full non-linear editing (NLE) systems compatibility and efficient, robust workflow. These camcorders include in-camera features enabling the easy set-up and capture of high-definition 3-D video when two XF105 or XF100 camcorders are paired, as well as Canon’s built-in infrared low-light feature enabling the capture of HD video in complete darkness. Both models record to Compact Flash (CF) cards and feature hot-swappable card slots for maximum performance. Differentiating the two models are industry-standard HD-SDI output and genlock in/SMPTE time code (in/out) terminals available on the Canon XF105. The XF105 and XF100 camcorders are ideal for Electronic News Gathering, documentary and independent filmmaking and event videography.
“Whether used as a companion to the XF305 or XF300, or as a stand-alone camcorder, the XF105 and XF100 are geared for a wide range of applications where high image quality, extreme portability and efficient workflow are of the utmost importance. And with true stereoscopic 3-D production and infrared recording capabilities, they allow users to expand into new markets,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., “This week we will be exhibiting both the Canon XF105 and XF100 at Canon EXPO 2010 in New York and demonstrate the versatile low-cost capabilities.”
The Canon XF105 and XF100 Professional Camcorders feature a Genuine Canon 10x HD Zoom lens which provides the mobility and optical performance required by the most demanding professionals. Each model includes a Canon developed and designed native Full HD 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensor and the new Canon XF Codec for extreme color detail required for accurate chroma-keying, color-grading and compositing for digital filmmaking. For finer transitions in tone and color, 4:2:2 color sampling offers twice the color resolution of HDV and other 4:2:0 formats. And to maximize compatability with existing industry infrastructure, video, audio and metadata are combined in an MXF (Material eXchange Format) File Wrapper, a widely supported open-source format. The Canon XF Codec is currently compatible with leading software programs widely used within the video production and broadcast industries including those available from Adobe, Apple, Avid, and Grass Valley.
To maximize the camcorders’ adaptability across various production environments, Canon has equipped each model with the ability to record at multiple bit rates, resolutions and variable frame rates for slow and fast motion.
Additional professional features include variable-interval (for time-lapse) and frame-record for stop-motion animation, and a photo feature for frame-grabs.
The Canon XF105 and XF100 Professional Camcorders feature dual XLR inputs for external audio sources as well as a built-in stereo microphone. The new camcorders support 16-bit PCM audio at 48 kHz with automatic and manual audio level adjustment
Both the Canon XF105 and XF100 are scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2011.
SNEAK PEEK!Videomaker recently had one of the first hands-on looks at Sony‘s new revolutionary camcorder with interchangeable lens – the NEX-VG10.We were excited to check it out and put it through some tests to bring you this exclusive first full review.
Since we were the first camcorder test lab to receive this cam our reviewer was burning the candle until the wee hours of the morning to get this review ready for you.
Many of those familiar with the Handycam market will know that this is a consumer camera, but it has some very unique features that everyone from beginner and intermediate to professional users have been looking for – the option to change the lens at will.
Many of us might be familiar with Canon’s XL series that have the interchangeable option, but these are pro camcorders. Never before has a consumer camcorder offered this feature. Although Sony places this squarely in the consumer family with the Handycam name, this camera is in a class of its own and can comfortably fit in the prosumer category.
Imagine the possibilities! Great depth of field shots with a long lens, full panoramic coverage with a wide angle lens and many other options with lenses of all types and features. That, on top of a few other features of this new camcorder from Sony are reason enough to get the buzz a-going. Read our Exclusive review here.
It’s hard to believe that Videomaker’s weekly Webinar Training series has already been up and running for a month! During the last several weeks we have covered the topics of advanced shooting, green screen and special effects, and documentary production. In next week’s webinar we revisit the topic of Advanced Editing.
Videomaker’s Advanced Editing Webinar will take you beyond simple cuts and transitions and teach you techniques that will allow you to advance your video editing skills. Our webinar focuses on the art of editing, filters and effects, multi-camera editing and more; helping you in your quest to create polished and professional-looking video.
In addition to valuable information, our Advanced Editing webinar will also include a live Q&A segment; our team answering your questions. Next week’s Advanced Editing Webinar starts at 11:00am on Wednesday, September 1st, so be sure to sign up soon!
Every story needs a character. Good character development can help the viewer relate to your subject and the issues being presented in your documentary. The most important part of character development is to form an emotional connection between the viewer and your character.
By nature, people want to connect with others on some level or another. If you give the viewer a reason to empathize with your subject they’ll want to stick around to see what happens to them. Establishing this connection should be done at the beginning of your documentary, as you introduce the character. Within a few scenes you should be able to show your character’s personality traits, and gain the viewer’s empathy.
Once the viewer cares what happens to your character, identify your character’s motivation for the goal they are trying to reach. Show your audience the obstacles that the character must overcome to reach those goals, and any barriers that may hold them back. This can help build conflict and shape the development of your character as they struggle in their journey. Interviewing your subject is helpful as well, because it allows your subject to voice their thoughts and emotions.
In the end, it doesn’t matter if your character is successful at reaching their goal or not. If you create an emotional connection between the viewer and the character, the viewer will be able to empathize with the character no matter the outcome. The character is a very powerful tool in the documentary genre. If you are successful in the development of your subject, you will be able to create a more compelling story, and add to the overall emotional impact of your documentary.
From the editors of Videomaker, the Documentary ProductionDVD contains some of our best documentary tips and techniques.
Interested in more tips on documentary production? Sign up for Videomaker’s free Documentary Course. This free tip series is designed to help you improve your video production skills, fast. Learn More.
Canon has released the 18 Megapixel EOS 60D DSLR Camera. For the first time on an EOS camera, the EOS 60D DSLR boasts a three-inch Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen, EOS Full HD video recording with manual overrides including audio level control, and in-camera functionality for RAW image processing plus Creative Filters to manipulate images after taking them.
Designed primarily for advanced amateurs, the EOS 60D replaces the EOS 50D and boasts a broad array of new features that make it easier for photographers to add personal creativity to their images. Whether it’s capturing an overhead shot on the Vari-Angle screen at a graduation ceremony, or converting a color image to black and white for a nostalgic look, Canon is delivering in-camera features and functions that empower advanced photographers to capture, display and print the images they want.
The new 60D camera features a large Vari-Angle 3-inch Clear View LCD screen with 1,040,000 dot/VGA resolution plus anti-reflective and smudge-resistant coatings for bright clear viewing from any angle. The new LCD screen is ideal for composing low-angle or overhead shots whether capturing still images or Full HD video clips.
Another first for the EOS system is the EOS 60D camera’s new Multi-Control Dial, which places a Multi-Controller and Set button inside the Quick Control Dial. This new control layout streamlines camera navigation for vertical as well as horizontal shooting and enables a cleaner camera design. Responding to customer requests, the EOS 60D also features a locking mode dial, which makes camera operation more secure by preventing inadvertent changes to the photographer’s selected shooting mode.
In addition to its new still capture capabilities, the EOS 60D features Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p. Native 24p recording helps videographers achieve a more cinema-style look for their footage without the need for post-processing. The EOS 60D builds upon the great video capabilities Canon has introduced in recent DSLR cameras and packs them into a camera photo enthusiasts will love. Full HD video capture, along with selectable cinematic frame rates for both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards, will help the EOS 60D to be the camera of choice among film students and photography students alike.
The new EOS 60D camera’s movie mode also includes manual controls for exposure as well as manual audio levels in 64 steps, much like the latest firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark II HDSLR. Users can set audio levels on the rear menu screen before shooting begins; once recording is initialized, audio adjustments are not possible. In addition, Canon has added an electronic Wind Filter to the audio controls within the movie shooting menu.
Canon has also included an in-camera movie editing feature, allowing users to shorten a video file by clipping segments from the beginning or the end, removing unwanted portions without outside software. This feature can dramatically accelerate workflow by reducing the time needed to upload video clips to a computer for further editing and assembly. The EOS 60D also includes Canon’s Movie Crop mode, which allows users to achieve 7x magnification when shooting SD video. Unlike the digital zoom feature found in many compact digital cameras, Canon’s Movie Crop mode crops the image directly from the CMOS sensor at full SD resolution to preserve image quality and still provide additional telephoto power.
The Canon EOS 60D allows for three video recording modes – Full HD and HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio, all at selectable frame rates. The EOS 60D Digital SLR camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 pixels in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); 720p HD recording at 50p or 60p (59.94) and SD video at frame rates of 50p or 60p (59.94). The EOS 60D features a dedicated button to initiate live view for both video and still shooting. Once engaged, the same dedicated button will start and stop video recording.
The Canon EOS 60D DSLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers toward the end of September, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $1,099.00. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,399.00.
Sony shipped the new NEX-VG10 to the Videomaker headquarters for an exclusive 48 hour hands on review. At first glance it looks more like a camera you would find in the hands of a pro rather than a consumer but at a closer look the NEX-VG10 is extremely simple with very few buttons and options.
When I picked up the NEX-VG10 the weight of the camera was quite noticeable right off the bat, the NEX-VG10 weighs in at 3 lbs fully loaded with the weight shifted more towards the front of the camera where you can find the E-mount 18-200mm lens that ships with the camera. It also was a little odd holding a consumer camera without a zoom control which ultimately separates this camcorder from your typical Handycam geared towards home movies.
Most of the functions are done within the menu which is quite easy to navigate and the graphical user interface(GUI) resembles the top dial commonly found on most DSLRs. The NEX-VG10 records onto SD/SDHC/SDXC or Sony’s Memory Stick Pro Duo cards which is quite convenient.
The images we captured with this camera are remarkable, although it shoots in 60i it does a have a cinema styled look to the footage it captures, it would have been nice to see 24p on this model. The audio the NEX-VG10 captures is also exceptional with it’s quad capsule stereo microphone. The bottom line the NEX-VG10 has lots of features found in HDSLRs but in a camcorder form factor that is more ergonomic. We will have a full review up soon!
Every once in a blue moon, there are so many changes in current video technology that I feel it is worth my time to imagine what the future with this technology will be. Now I know it’s usually a rookie error for someone to write about what’s coming in the future since it changes just about every minute of the day, but honestly, it’s too fun not to try. Besides, when the pace of technology only grows more rapid with time like it has, it’s probably a good idea to throw one’s hands up and realize that time will most definitely make anyone who dares to presume about the future look foolish.
There was a time when a person could buy a piece of technology and expect it to be at the relative top of technological advancements for almost a year, but alas, those days are far behind us. This is not all bad however. Even though I might have to endure buyer’s remorse within a week of having bought a new piece of video equipment, I also know that by the time I buy my next camera or computer I will have already seen the good and the bad of two generations worth of technology. This means that I have a great chance at buying a real solid piece of advanced equipment by the time my old one wears out. Plus, nothing beats that feeling of knowing you finally have the ability to do what others around you have been doing for years. In light of these facts, let’s take a close look at what is coming around the corner in the world of camcorder technology.
Everyone knows that the more megapixels in an image, the sharper and clearer it is. Given these facts it is exciting to note that Canon recently announced that they have developed a sensor that can pick up 120 megapixels of data in one image. This means there is definitely 13,280×9,184 pixel images in our future. With this kind of clarity, you may actually be able to take a picture of the Eiffel tower and zoom it in to see your friend’s face clearly from the top. Unless you’re making a billboard there may not seem to be a valid reason for a 120 megapixel image for now, but with rapid advancements in the space on hard drives, the better question might by why not?
We truly live in an advanced age in which camera companies are putting video functions in their DSLRs. With this revolution, camcorders suddenly went from sensor sizes of 5 mm or less, to sensor sizes of 24-35 mm or more – not to mention the addition of interchangeable lenses. While this has been a real boon to image quality and shallow depth of field capabilities, some camcorder companies are not satisfied with just that. Instead, companies such as RED are making sensors that are 186×56 mm across allowing video shot at 28K and stills shot at a whopping 261 megapixels. Now granted, there are no televisions in the world that can view the entirety of a 28K film and there isn’t even a 28K camera out yet (as RED loves to tease with information well before they actually produce a product) but you can rest assured that the day is coming. Already we’ve seen 4K and QuadHD televisions at tradeshows like CES with resolution so fine that you can count the amount of noodles in the Ramen a man is eating far off in the background of a scene.
Even the camera and camcorder companies are beginning to give us a glimpse into how they see the future. We reported in an earlier blog that Canon believes the future will hold cameras that can go from macro focus to 500 mm zooms all with one lens while taking such high resolution video that you can simply use a frame from the video and zoom and crop it in Photoshop on your computer at a later date. While this sounds fantastical, at the rate that technology is changing now, it’s not hard to imagine that a camera like that is not too far off in the future. Simply put, there seems to be enough demand for higher end products – and technology is quickly catching up. So here’s to hoping that it’s only a matter of time before pictures and video become so high in quality that it almost won’t matter how wide you shoot a scene – it can always be scaled up and cropped later.
There are many transitions you can use when editing, such as a cut, dissolve, or fade. But how do you edit in a way that adds intrigue to your story? By using a split edit.
Recent Comments