November 2012

Audio is one half of your video production. In this issue of Videomaker, learn about the best gear for audio gathering with our Microphones and Audio Editing Software buyer's guides. Also, can you get arrested when recording in public? Find out with our legal tips on Public Access. Plus tips for buying a new camera, shooting events, getting video on smartphones, directing stunts and more.

Features Stories

Microphone Buyer's Guide

One way to dramatically increase the quality of your video productions is by using an external microphone rather than the one that is built into your camcorder. You will be able to get your mic closer to your talent and capture the sharpest, clearest sound possible.

Recording in Public Places and Your First Amendment Rights

Ever since video cameras became accessible to the masses, there's been grand debate on what one can or cannot record while in public.

What to Charge - Freelance Video Hourly Rate Calculator

The video business is so unlike most businesses when it comes to "how to pay" and "how to charge" for services. "It depends" is a big factor - shooting rates or editing rates? Do you charge for set up and pre-planning time or not? A rate calculator will at least get you started.

13 Keys to Successful Event Video

Whether you're shooting a tax seminar, a wedding or a break-dance summit, event video can be some of the most interesting, stressful, exciting, and ultimately rewarding video work you will come across.

Audio Editing Software Buyer's Guide

Audio has always taken a back-seat to video in the consumer’s mind – in fact, people did not care that the very first movies were silent because they had moving pictures to watch.

Reviews

Panasonic HX-WA2 Waterproof Camera Review

If you're looking for a small camcorder, with lots of features, that you can take with you next time someone tells you to go jump in the lake, then the HX-WA2 may be just what the mermaid ordered.

Adobe Creative Suite 6 Production Premium Advanced Editing Software Review

Part 2 - After Effects and all of CS6 Production Premium's applications are well worth the upgrade price if you want to get the most out of your edit time.

Roland Systems Group R-26 Portable Audio Recorder Review

Six-channels of quality audio, a variety of input types and a reasonable price make the Roland R-26 a strong contender in today's portable audio recorder market.

indiSYSTEM AIRjib and AIRjibXL Advanced Support Review

Take your video to new heights, at a price you can afford, with indiSYSTEM's lightweight and portable, AIRjib and AIRjibXL.

Buffalo Technology AirStation AC1300/N900 Gigabit Dual Band Wireless Router WZR-D1800H Review

If you're ready to take your wireless network into the next frontier, Buffalo's AirStation AC1300/N900 dual band router will take you there at warp speed.

Sony NEX-VG900 Professional Camcorder Review

For full-frame, 35mm image capture excellence and multiple lens options in a camcorder form factor, check out the NEX-VG900 from Sony.

Sony NEX-FS700 Professional Camcorder Review

With features like super slow-motion, interchangeable lenses, and future 4K video capture, Sony has packed the NEX-FS700 with several highly desirable features at a highly desirable price point.

Columns

Tips for Buying a New Camcorder

Credited with the invention of the automobile assembly line, Henry Ford offered his Model T in "any color" he famously said, "so long as it's black."

Transition Effects

When we think about writing we tend to focus primarily on creating strings of letters to make words and strings of words to make sentences and groups of sentences to make paragraphs. We do not often think about the importance of spaces and punctuation.

Fix It In Post - Sometimes it's a Good Thing

Have you ever heard the phrase, "We'll fix it in post?" Depending on how you tackle it, that line could be your worst nightmare or your best friend.

Sound Effects Every Audio Editor Should Know

Using a simple audio effects software in your video editing program, every audio editor can learn a few simple filters and effects to match even the best sound effects library. These four will get you started.

Top O' The Tube - 5 Tips for Getting Your Video Seen on YouTube

Whether you make commercials, industrials, how-tos, short films or vlogs the goal is to have people see the fruits of your labors. That's why we create content. Right?

Super Editor: Videomaker's Exclusive Interview With Jeffrey Ford, Co-Editor of The Avengers

When the directors of big blockbuster movies like The Avengers and Ironman assembles their crew, they look not only for skills but people they can trust to get the job done. That's when super editor Jeffery Ford gets a call.

6 Phrases that Help Motivate Talent

You can lead your talent to the camera, but you can't make them perform. Here are 6 tips to help them give you the best performance possible.

Directing Stunts for Green Screen

Hollywood creates realistic stunts and effects using green screen tricks. Using shots with dynamic motion and perspective, you can make movie stunts just like the pros.