May 2012
Plan to Go Pro? Videomaker's May edition is just your ticket for going beyond the weekend warrior to a full-time professional video producer. You'll find tips on building a home studio, creating a Video Village, audio acquisition and Creative Commons sites, getting documentary funding and buyer's guides on Pro Camcorders and Workstations. Also watch for these reviews: Avid Media Composer, Maya from AutoDesk, Sony's NEX-VG20, Matthew's DC Slider and Dell's Precision M6600 Mobile Workstation.
Features Stories
The Birth of Film - The Beginning of Motion Picture Making
As often is the case, when new technology comes along, many people are afraid of what it represents; they scoff at it, or dismiss it as a fad. (3D movies anyone?)
Building Your Home Video Suite
Many entrepreneurs starting a home business just set a desk in an empty bedroom, hang out their shingle and they're in business. But starting a video business requires specialized needs for space and gear.
Video Editing Workstations Buyer's Guide
You have just recorded your first big event. Now all you need to do is edit it. The next thing you need is a video editing computer.
Pro Camcorder Buyer's Guide
When your craft goes beyond home video projects to professional gigs, you need pro gear to keep up.
Reviews
Avid Media Composer 6 Advanced Editing Software Review
Packed with professional features Avid's Media Composer 6 may well be the ultimate editing system available.
Dell Precision M6600 Mobile Workstation Review
The Dell Precision M6600 is perfect for editors needing speed, durability, and plenty of options.
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2012 3D Graphics and Special Effects Software Review
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2012 is by far the most powerful Maya suite to date. Immense improvements in the interface, dynamics, character animation tools, etc. allow you to create faster than ever.
Matthews DC-Slider Review
With its clever versatility, counterbalance system, and sturdy design, the Matthews DC-Slider is a fun and useful tool that will help cinematographers keep their shots looking both dynamic and professional.
Sony NEX-VG20H Interchangeable Lens Camera Review
For this price you get a solid camera with many available interchangeable lenses and more on the way.
Columns
Directing Tips from The Video Village
Directing your shoot using a "Video Village" setup with monitor feeds allows you to stay organized, out of your crew's way and focused on your project.
Editing Effects Software to Make Your Video Sing
The greatest masterpieces are always well planned, shot beautifully, and edited with precision and intent. Nothing can replace a good story, but the right effects software can put your video heads and tails above the competition.
Creative Commons
Your neighbor might upload something using copyrighted music and no one notices, then you upload something and the copyright police send you a take-down letter.
Viewfinder: Automatic Editing
With technology from facial recognition to understanding the difference between people, pets, backgrounds, objects, behaviors and landscapes - will the human editor become obsolete someday?
Google TV - Ready For Prime Time?
It's not always about whether the technology works well. Sometimes, it's about the interconnectivity and ease of use.
