September 1998 Cover Image

September 1998 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Video Time Machine: A Look Back to Life Before Camcorders

Step back in time with video pioneer Roger Miller as he takes us on a guided tour that revisits the "old days" of home video equiopment. Your time machine awaits…

How Suite It Is

Take an up-close look at this sweet editing suite. It's versatile, user friendly and 100% digital.

Videomaker Quiz

Making the right equipment selection depends on many factors. Take this easy quiz to find out what you should consider for your next equipment acquisition.

8 is Enough

1998's latest and greatest 8mm and Hi8 offerings from all the top camcorder manufacturers. If you are shopping for an 8mm model, this is the most complete buyer's guide out there.

Grading the Formats: How They Stack Up - and Why

Formats, which one is the best? Have you ever asked yourself that question? We compare them all, VHS, S-VHS, 8mm, Hi8, and DV.

The Chromakey Genie

Chromakey, it's not just for weathermen anymore. Learn the basics of this versatile electronic effect and some tips on how and when to use it in your next video.

Getting From Here to There: Transitions for the "Cuts-only" Editor

Transitions from scene to scene can be the thread of consistency that turns an ordinary home video into a comprehensive story.

Global Webcasting with Streaming Video

The future is now, and it's streaming your way. Video is being transmitted over the World Wide Web. Yours can be too (and it's more affordable than you think).

Quick Tips

Some helpful tidbits for camcorder users.

Please Release Me

It is good practice to always use a release form when you'll be including a person's name, face or voice in a video that you are producing for pay. A signed and dated release form for each person in a video is the best way to protect yourself legally from requests for additional compensation.

Reviews

Benchmarks

  • Sony DCR-TRV9 Mini-DV camcorder
  • Rab-Byte 3-D Animation Library Professional Tapes Volumes 1-19.
  • Elite Video Variety Pack Volume #1 Royalty-free Music CD
  • Videonics Python Video/Still Digitizer
  • Pinnacle Systems Studio 400 Video Digitizer and Edit Suite

Columns

Viewfinder: You Can Make Better Video

A five step plan for better productions.

Getting Started: Handheld Camera Techniques

Steady camera shots without a tripod can be easy if you practice these simple tips.

Edit Suite: The Power of Suggestion

How can you achieve a big-budget look for your video with a no-budget budget?

Sound Track: An Introduction to Microphonicus Videus

A brief discourse on the behavioral patterns of the common video microphone.

Projects That Pay: Memorial Videos: Gone but Not Forgotten

Memories on video can be treasures for future generations.

Special F/X: Rain Drops Keep Fallin …

You can turn any day into a rainy day with this easy effect.

Departments

In Box

Quick Focus

Book and Tape Reviews

Produce Spectacular Home Videos: A Practical Guide for Camcorder Users, On Assignment: The Video Guide to Basic Videography, Directing Single Camera Drama

Gear

  • FAST Multimedia U.S. DV Master Pro
  • TenLab MultiTest 100
  • TenLab MultiTest 200
  • Beseler Contour 700 Series
  • Video Research VR-200 FishCam
  • Porta-Brace RS-1000
  • Century Precision Optics Digital Series .55x Reversible Wide Angle Adapter
  • Century Precision Optics Digital Series .3x Ultra Fisheye Adapter
  • Yamaha DSP Factory
  • Spider Support Systems Spider Pod version 2.0
  • Bogen Photo Avenger Jaw Clamp
  • Lowel-Light Go Kits

Video Help from Videographers

Our subscribers give advice, and share lessons learned in their videography experience.

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Latest Videos

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  • The Action Genre The Action Genre
    We take a look at the Action Genre. Learn the steps to creating your very own action video as we examine how to shoot it, edit it and stylize it.
  • The Documentary Genre The Documentary Genre
    We show you how to make professional looking documentaries. Find out how to shoot, edit and stylize stories that center around real life and real emotion.

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