September 2010
As digital technology moves forward a nagging question remains: which is better - tape or tapeless? In this month's feature Weighing in on the Tapeless World, we take a look at the pros and cons of both tapeless and tape-based productions. We also continue our four-part series on How to Make a Documentary with Part 3 - Shooting and Editing.
If you're looking for tips for better audio gathering, great video production, or just trying to get a grasp on the 180-degree rule, be sure to check out this month's columns. Also this month, we review the Panasonic HDC-TM700 HD Camcorder, LaCie 4Big Quadra Hard Drive, the Blue "Snowball" USB 5:1 Microphone, three software plug-ins, and Green Mountain Video's tommy-Track.
Features Stories
How to Make a Documentary: Part 3 - Shooting and Editing
Almost everyone who has a story to tell dreams about making a documentary at some time. Bringing that dream to fruition can become a reality now that the democratization of video has truly leveled the playing field. So if you're ready, let's get shooting.
Field Mixer and Recorders Buyer's Guide
If your audio is inaudible or undecipherable, you are going to lose your viewers. One way to ensure your production's audio is the best that it can be is by using a Field Audio Mixer.
Weighing In on the Tapeless World
A move to a tapeless-based production is not an easy one but in the end proves to be rather beneficial.
Reviews
Panasonic HDC-TM700 HD Camcorder Review
The Panasonic HDC-TM700 is a welcome addition to the latest line of camcorders and one you'll definitely want to check out.
LaCie 4Big Quadra Review
The LaCie 4Big Quadra is a high performance storage device perfect for the video editor working with HD footage.
Blue Microphones Snowball USB Pro Microphone Review
Unique look, ease of use, versatility and great sound capture equal a product worth investigating. The Snowball has definitely made my short list of future purchases.
Green Mountain Video tommy-TRACK Tripod Mounted Tube Dolly System Review
For anyone looking to increase the value of their production, the tommy-TRACK is a great investment. It proved to be an extremely valuable tool in the studio and out in the field.
Plug Ins: Imagineer Systems Mocha for AE Version 2, Digital Anarchy's Beauty Box and Singular Software PluralEyes Review
These plug-ins will give video editors even more tools to make compelling videos that make people say, "How did they do that?"
Columns
Viewfinder: Trusted Brands
What are your most trusted brand names of the companies making products or offering services in the field of video production?
The 180 Degree Rule
In video production, every time you break the rules, you take the viewer outside of the viewing experience to puzzle over what just happened instead of simply enjoying the story.
Streaming Video, No Longer an Upstream Row
Streaming video has evolved tremendously over the years. It's as stark a contrast as Dorothy's barren black and white farm was to the glory of the Emerald City.
6 Steps to Great Video Production
Just about every video producer, rank and file, from first time beginner to award-winning professional likes to grab the camera and run, shooting whatever inspiration has seized the moment.
Reader Profile - Jorge A. Santana
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.
The MPEG-4 Super Hero
It wasn't too long ago when MPEG-4 compression was strictly considered a deliverable format, but many camcorders now capture moving images in this format. So what gives? Has MPEG-4 become the super hero of formats?
Audio Gathering Tips
Audio: get it right and your project has a professional feel. Get it wrong and the video sounds like every other hard-to-understand video on YouTube.
Departments
Some Video Projects to Bring in Cash
Comments and links to recent Videomaker Magazine Articles written to help people create better video.
New Gear: SteadePod, LitePanels, SmallHD, VeriCorder, Sony
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.
