September 2008
Features Stories
TutorialThe ABCs of Chromakeys
Without a doubt, you see chromakeys used countless times - probably every time you watch the news on TV - and perhaps you aren't even aware of it.
Audio Monitors Buyer's Guide
If you are listening to your edited masterpiece on the speakers that came with your computer, you are in need of an upgrade.
Call for EntriesThe 21st Annual Videomaker/Canon Short Video Contest
It's time once again for the Videomaker/Canon Short Video Contest. You've got the video, we've got the prizes - go ahead ... take the chance. Whether you operate in standard definition or have taken the HD plunge, we can't wait to see your entry. Don't wait around, though - to qualify for the contest, your entry must be received in our office by Friday, October 31, 2008, at 5PM Pacific Time.
Reviews
Sony HDR-HC9 HDV Camcorder Review
A robust, flexible camera. Good choice for those who want their video on tape.
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 12 Editing Software Review
Including 3 great plugins, and following the SmartMovie guide and Montage templates, a beginner can have a nice movie edited and uploaded within a few hours.
Cerise Eight-Core Workstation Review
Hands-down, one of the speediest video editing machines we've seen.
Disc Makers Forte DVD Duplicator Review
A simple but remarkably useful duplicator that is ready for practically any short run.
Columns
Viewfinder Stories
When we create video, we are telling stories, and this is the essence of the craft. With all of the complexities of video production, it is easy for the focus to shift away from storytelling. We often pay too much attention to equipment, technique or crewmembers, while neglecting the story.
Intro to White Balance
Why would we want to concentrate on white when we shoot in color? Because incandescent, fluorescent and sunlight differ a lot, proving that white isn't always white.
CD/DVD Duplication Services versus Home-Use Duplicators
A guide to which DVD mass-production option works best for you. You've burned a master disc of your pice de rsistance and are ready to ship it all over. Just one problem: you have only one disc, and burning hundreds by yourself isn't feasible. Or is it? Both duplication services and home-use duplicators create the same outcome, so which one should you go with? This article will arm you with the information you need to choose the option that works best for you, so you can tackle your next big project with ease.
Lighting Equipment Technology
Lighting equipment used to be the one static aspect of video, but today new advances in lighting technology like LED lighting and lighting gel are changing that.
Take 5: Class in Session5 Tips for Videotaping in Schools
It's that time of year when students return to the classroom with fresh shiny faces, new schedules and a plethora of activities to fill their calendars from now until June. Here's a few tips to get you ready to hit the books, too.
Color Correction 201
Ever want to enhance a washed-out sky or push the color on a less-than-vibrant hill of grass? How did they do that black-and-white/color effect in Sin City or Pleasantville?
Audio Compression Shootout
MP3 is now a distribution standard. iTunes has sold over a billion compressed audio tracks in AAC format. DVDs, Blu-ray Discs and digital TV all use audio compression.
Departments
New Titles reviews
Compositing Visual Effects: Essentials for the Aspiring Artist; Producing Great Sound for Film and Video, Third Edition; Call Box: Digital Color Correction - The Final Cut Studio Workflow with Apples Color; Art of the Storyboard: A Filmmakers Introduction (second edition)
What's the Correct Term, Footage or Bittage?
Footage vs. Bittage... 6 versus 25 Minutes of Film... and Pani's 0001 Still in Use... In Michael Moore's Defense... More on Moore... Throw in Some Spice and Sarcasm... Visual Contagion... Brief and to the Point...
New Gear hot off the presses
TMPGEnc MPEG Editor 3 provides frame-accurate MPEG-2 editing...Artbeats has added to its Ultra collection of clips shot at 1000fps... Focus' FS-5 direct capture device can be attached to many DV and HDV camcorders.
