March 2011
If you're looking for a pot of gold this month, look no further than the March issue of Videomaker magazine. Though there is no actual gold inside these pages, the articles found within are rich with great information on how to make your green screen effects believable, ways to better direct green screen action, and guides for buying storage and camera supports. If that's not enough to make you feel lucky, we've also included a first look at editing 3D video, tips on how to use a virtual mixing board for your audio, and some creative alternatives to mounting your camcorder. Be sure to check out our reviews of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40, Sony Alpha SLT-A33, Manfrotto 504HD Head with 546B, Blackmagic Intensity Shuttle, Digital Juice's LowRider Mini and Orbit Dolly.
Features Stories
Tripods & Supports Buyer's Guide: Support System
There are probably as many camera support systems on the market today as there are brands of cameras to put on them. From inexpensive do it yourself plans and kits to elaborate rigs like jibs and cranes. They all have one purpose: assure steady and amazing footage from your camera!
Storage Buyer's Guide: What's in Store?
Remember your first computer? You know the one. That heavy CRT monitor, the beige tower with a whopping 486 processor. It was hard to imagine ever being able to fill that baby up with data. Times sure have changed!
Wedding Legalities
With well over two million wedding ceremonies taking place annually in the United States alone, it is not surprising that the wedding industry is still healthy, in spite of the state of our dismal economy.
Selling Your Green Screen Shots to Your Audience
Yes, the tools to create green screen composites have changed and, yes, it is cheaper and easier to produce green screen FX shots, but that doesn't mean it is simple or effortless to "sell" the shot to your audience.
Reviews
Digital Juice LowRider Mini Stabilizing Device Reviewed
Whether you want to hold it, mount it, hang it or wedge it, the LowRider Mini provides additional support while lending itself to the creative process of each shoot.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Review
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced non-professional looking for a feature packed camera to lug around on your next vacation, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40, with options galore, may be just the ticket.
Digital Juice Orbit Dolly Reviewed
The Orbit Dolly makes camera movement easy to obtain without demanding a lot of time to set up.
Manfrotto 504 HD Head with 546B Two-stage Aluminum Tripod System Reviewed
The 504HD is a stable investment. The right foundation for any camera op, the Manfrotto 504HD head will never go out of date, especially with solid legs such as the 546B.
Sony Alpha SLT-A33 HDSLR Camera Reviewed
The Sony Alpha A33 is a huge step in the right direction for HDSLRs becoming a go-to solution for almost all of our video needs.
Blackmagic Design Intensity Shuttle Video Interface Review
The Intensity Shuttle is an easy-to-use affordable solution for capturing and playing back high-quality video, with an array of inputs and outputs, and a well-thought out design.
Columns
Viewfinder: Are You Famous?
Some of Videomaker's readers have been very successful by influencing very important people with their video programs. What is your success story? We want to hear from you.
Creative Camcorder Mounting
We advocate using a tripod or steadying device, but there are times when a lot of gear gets in the way when you need to get mobile. Enter the Cave Dweller Techniques.
Green Screen Directing
Anyone who desires to direct a Hollywood-like movie on an independent budget can do so, now that green screen technology has become easier to produce.
Reader Profile - Alex Nolen
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.
First Look: Editing 3D Video
The world of two-dimensional TV took a major shift last year when new technology gave us the choice to add that third dimension to video. Still in its infancy, 3DTV exposes a new assortment of thrills... and challenges.
Using a Virtual Mixing Board
We've all seen impressive sound boards with a plethora of buttons, sliders and dials. But did you know your editing software might have a similar virtual mixing board?
Departments
New Titles: Michael Freeman Digital Photography Reference System
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.
How Good Directors Deal with Frustration
Comments and links to recent Videomaker Magazine Articles written to help people create better video.
New Gear: CyberLink, ArcSoft, Digital Juice, Singular Software, ViewSonic
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.
