February 2012
Table of Contents
From 3D camcorders to green screen backgrounds, this month's issue is full of new equipment and great information. Check out our low cost lighting solutions, how to edit music videos, online documentary production and tips on setting correct audio levels. This month's Lighting Buyer's Guide and Camcorder Bag and Cases Buyer's Guide will help you pick the equipment that is right for you. Also, be sure to check out our reviews of the Sony MHS-FS3 3D Bloggie, JVC GY-HMZ1U,Adobe Premiere/Photoshop Elements 10, Audio-Technica AT2022, and HP EliteBook 8760w.
Feature Stories
Online Documentaries
Documentary storytelling is found across a diverse swath of mediums including celluloid film, DVD, online video and even interactive scrapbooking. Even through these changing mediums, the documentary has stuck with us.
Shine On, Videographer: Lighting Buyer's Guide
Video lighting has many options from ultra-portable to semi-permanent. Knowing what lighting technology to buy and what light kit is best is key when there's so many that can put you in the dark. The Videomaker Lighting Buyer's Guide sheds some light on the subject, comparing brands, types, application and pricing to help you decide.
Picking the Right Camcorder Case or Bag - Buyer's Guide
When it comes to buying a camcorder case or bag it's a matter of choice. Do you use your camcorder for work or for play? Do you often travel with your camcorder or rarely? These are some of the questions you will need to ask yourself before you purchase a camcorder case or bag.
Green Screen Backgrounds
It's one of the oldest tricks in the video arsenal, yet it's still one of the most useful and effective. We're talking about the selective subtraction of a color or color range from an image, which can then be replaced with a new image. This is the green screen effect.
Reviews
Sony MHS-FS3 3D Bloggie HD Camera Reviewed
If grab-it-and-go 3D appeals to you then look no further than Sony's 3D Bloggie HD.
Audio-Technica AT2022 X/Y Stereo Microphone Review
For stereo audio on a budget Audio-Technica's AT2022 stereo microphone may well be a sound investment for producers at every level.
Adobe Premiere/
Photoshop Elements 10 Editing Software Review
Adobe Premiere Elements 10 and Photoshop Elements 10 tools leverage advanced technology and automated analysis to reward motivated users with great creative flexibility.
JVC GY-HMZ1U 3D Camcorder Review
Though 3D is still in its infancy, the JVC GY-HMZ1U gets a lot right. It's portable size, professional features, and dual full HD recording makes this camcorder worth thinking about for anyone considering the switch to 3D.
HP EliteBook 8760w Mobile Workstation Review
HP delivers up yet another fast mobile workstation with the EliteBook 8760w.
Columns
Viewfinder: Cinematography
A cinematographer used to be thought of as a film artist, but cinematographers are creators of original works - whether it's film or video. All of us who use a camera to make original video are artists in one form or another and having good skills in all areas of the production process pays off.
Storyboard Examples
From commercial storyboard examples to storyboard camera angles, there's a plethora of illustrative information with great storyboard tips to help you with your masterpeice.
Let There be Light... for Less
Why use light other than the sun or your house lights? Proper lighting will give depth and clarity to your subjects, and soften objects you don't want in the scene.
Reader Profile - Don La Haye
Video creation is sometimes a singular business, but video producers are a social lot who work and play in many areas of video production and love to share their stories. This column introduces you to your fellow video producers.
From Music Video Maker to Hollywood Director
Editing music videos isn't too hard... all you need is a band, a camera or two, some editing software and a lot of patience! Music video editing is all about the pacing and the genre, and is the one place where you get creative and crazy!
Audio Levels
It's a simple question: How loud is too loud? The answer is a bit more complicated. Setting correct audio levels, and monitoring and mixing audio can be perplexing nowadays.
Risky Business - Film and Video Insurance
Don't put your livelihood and creativity at risk. Film and video insurance is a must for most video business people, to protect you, and your product.
Departments
New Titles: 3D TV and 3D Cinema and How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck
We review and rate DVDs, videos, books and online tutorials on the subject of video production. These materials are focused to teach, encourage, inspire and explain the techniques of making the best video you can. Learn composition, lighting, editing and sound design from the pros.
New Gear: Sanho Corporation, Digital Juice, JVC Pro, Matthews Studio Equipment, Nikon
The gear you gotta have - The craft of making video takes a lot of stuff. This page is set to bring you the newest latest pieces of video support tools we find.
Latest Videos
Defining the Film Look
All video professionals and indie filmmakers put a great deal of effort into their final product. Many of them wish to go a step beyond and achieve that pinnacl …
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How to Make Your Own DSLR Camera Rig
Ever since DSLR cameras started recording video, cinematographers everywhere have used them to give their videos a sleek and "professional" feel. However, quali … -
How to Make Your Own Car Mount
It's pretty commonplace for someone to ask how a special effect shot in a summer blockbuster was done, but you don't often hear someone asking how an exterior c … -
How to Make Your Own Boom Pole, Blimp, and Windscreen
Believe it or not, audience members are more likely to forgive poorly captured video than poorly captured sound which means that capturing clear audio is an inc …
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