May 2010
Table of Contents
Often, the hardest parts about making a documentary is knowing where to start. In this month's issue we explore the first of a three-part series, How To Make a Documentary, with May's focus being on story development. If you're looking to buy new equipment check out our feature How to Buy Gear (And Not Regret It), as well as our Pro Cams and Workstation Buyer's Guides for great information that can assist you in finding equipment that matches your needs and budget. Also, don't miss our reviews this month. Find out what we thought of the Panasonic AG-HCK10G POV Cam, the Nikon D3s DSLR Camera, and the LaCie 724 color corrected LCD monitor. Plus, find out how three ATI video cards compared when we put them to the test.
Feature Stories
How to Make a Documentary: Part 1 Story Development
In this four-part series on How to Make a Documentary, we will first look at Story Development, then investigate Funding, Financing and Budgeting and finally look at the nuts and bolts of documentary Shooting and Editing.
The Best camcorders on the Market
The 2010 model cameras are offering more great features in every price range than ever before. Better, Cheaper, More Advanced!
Workstation Buyer's Guide
Is your workstation just not fast enough to do what you want? Perhaps it is time for a new computer or maybe just an upgrade.
How to Buy Gear (And Not Regret It)
You'd think it would be a straightforward decision. You need a new light, you go out and buy one. End of story. Unfortunately, purchasing video gear is not like buying new shoes at the mall.
Reviews
Panasonic's POVCAM and Memory Card Portable Recorder Review
If you're a one-person camera crew, or just need the versatility these products afford, the Panasonic POVCAM and AVCCAM HD Recorder/Player may be the right choice for you.
Nikon D3S DSLR Review
The D3S is aimed at the professional photographer or video producer. Combining crisp pictures with amazing color and the abilities to shoot in any lighting situations possible changes the rules from ordinary video capture.
ATI Video Card Comparison Review
For 3-D modeling a workstation video card is a must. For Adobe CS4 any video card will do. For gaming, a top of the line workstation video card will work, but a gaming video card is a preferred.
NewTek TriCaster TCXD300 Review
Tightly integrated system that works right out of the box. The portable TriCaster TCXD300 offers unprecedented power, pound for pound.
LaCie 724 Color Correct LCD Review
LaCie's 724 LCD is a high-quality product with a wide color range to allow accurate color reproduction.
Columns
Viewfinder: No Space
When space was limited to just one roll of film or a videocassette tape, we learned to use that space succinctly and efficiently. What happens when space in the sky is literally the limit?
Use Analog to Digital Converters Properly
You know the camera moves and names, but that's just half the battle. Here are some answers to WHEN and how to use those moves effectively.
Talking the Talk: Director to DP
Long shot, wide shot and medium closeup are just the beginning of communicating to the DP, your Director of Photography. Talking the talk takes a lot more steps.
Reader Profile - Mikel Estes
Video creation is sometimes a singular business, but video producers are a social lot. Our curiosity about our readers has inspired us to create this new column to introduce you to your fellow video producers.
Getting The Job Done
Video editing can happen on all sorts of modern day personal computers. A fact that was not true when digital video editing was in its infancy. However, the computer you use might not be powerful enough for the program you select.
Internet Audio Encoding
Banking, sales, communication and news are just a few of the areas that have been completely transformed by the digital revolution.
Departments
In Box
Comments and links to recent Videomaker Magazine Articles written to help people create better video.
SteddiePod has over 8 Uses in one device
Barber Tech: SteddiePod, Sony: Bloggie, Noise Industries: FXFactory
Latest Videos
How to Organize a Shoot
In this how-to training video we show you how and why to assemble a storyboard, organize your resources, and manage a production schedule. When film-making, tim …
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How to Cast a Video Production
Here we show you how to bring your characters to life by casting the best talent you can for your production. We show you where to look for actors, and walk you … -
How to Break Down a Script
In this segment learn how to discover the story and the characters of your next production. -
How to Get Rid of Unwanted Objects in Footage
In this training video we look at how to use object removal techniques such as scaling and cropping, chroma keying, or motion tracking.
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