January 2013

It's time to get organized and get ready to produce great video. Check out Videomaker's annual "Best Products of the Year" issue. Plus tips for buying a new computer, Gear: When to Rent and When to Buy, and Organizing your Workspace on a Budget.

Videomaker January 2013 image featuring Best Products of the Year Article

Features Stories

Videomaker's Best Picks 2012

This has been another incredible year for video products and video production enthusiasts at all levels. We've seen more powerful editing systems and software, and a miniaturization of audio and lighting systems to meet the needs of DSLR and other small camera users. The camcorder market appears to be ready to strike back and challenge the dominance of DSLRs. It's a great time to be alive and passionate about video don't you think?

Storage Buyer's Guide: Safeguarding Your Digital Creations

From camera to computer to long-term safekeeping, we'll look at everything you need to know about today's storage solutions.

How to Make a Viral Video - 11 Tips to Create a YouTube Sensation

Many videographers dream that their work will go viral, that they will shoot something that so speaks to people that it spreads like wildfire over the Internet.

Smooth Moves: Camera Support Systems

Zooming is not a natural human experience. While some superheroes can zoom with their eyes - we're not so lucky. In the human world, if you want to take a closer look at an object you do just that: get closer.

To Buy or Not to Buy Video Equipment

To Answer the Question: When Should You Rent Production Gear Before You Buy?

Reviews

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CyberLink PowerDirector 11 Ultimate Suite Intermediate Editing Software Review

For the budding beginner or the budget-minded editing aficionado, CyberLink PowerDirector 11 delivers easy-to-use quality results.

Sony Creative Software Vegas Pro 12 Advance Editing Software Review

Vegas Pro 12 is a full-featured editing program for Windows PC/64-bit OS systems, that provides you with a complete end-to-end solution for capture, editing, visual effects, titling, disc authoring, and creation.

ikan MR7 Monitor Review

Professionals who love their display-challenged DSLRs will also love the MR7, 7-inch HD-SDI LCD monitor from ikan.

Que Audio Q Sniper PRO Microphone Kit Review

Whether a serious enthusiast or pro-on-the-go, the Que Audio Q Sniper PRO Kit is a great solution to your small camera audio problems.

Dell Precision Workstation Review

Engineered with accessibility, serviceability and raw power in mind; the Dell Precision T7600 workstation is just what the professional video producer ordered.

DV Nation RAMRod Ultimate Workstation Review

The DV Nation RAMRod Ultimate Workstation offers quick responsiveness with competitive pricing for a customized product.

Columns

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Shoot for Less Than a Grand: 7 Cameras Under $1,000

Every newcomer to film/video making gets caught up in the bells and whistles of the top tiered cameras - RED, 5D, etc. without giving thought to the learning curve that goes along with them.

5 Photography Tools to Use on Your Next Video Shoot

Photography is an essential component of video, and thus it's no surprise that many of the tools used in photography are essential to video production as well.

9 Copyright Laws Every Video Producer Should Know

Copyright law is federal law and does not vary from state to state. It protects your video and every individual piece of that video. The protection occurs automatically and immediately when the video is fixed in a tangible medium.

7 Essential Audio Tools

It can be a distraction for knowing what you need versus what a large production company with unlimited resources might need. So this list will give you a nice lean collection of the minimums to capture professional quality sound for your projects. Note: This assumes that you are aware of cables, media cards, card readers or any other devices to transfer the data to your editing system.

This list of 7 items that everyone should have in their audio toolkit, plus, as a bonus, a couple extra audio tools that aren't necessary but can make your life much easier.

5 Poor Excuses for Bad Video

The classic "my dog ate my homework" excuse that people love to use as a cop-out for carelessness is easy to poke fun at, but many excuses are just that: coverups for not being prepared, not being alert or not being savvy enough to know what you're getting into.

Viewfinder: Sharing Ideas on the Forums

There's a wealth of shared knowledge and experience on the Videomaker Forums. Topic searches bring up numerous posts focusing on something specific, but a serendipitous approach can mine unique and interesting - even entertaining - content useful to all video enthusiasts. We've recently had a new inflow of unique video productions from participants in The Videomaker Video Challenge. Be sure to check that out during your next visit to the Forums.

The Language of Making Movies

Knowing the terminology and phrases that are used on a movie or video production set assures everyone involved that they all understand the production’s needs.

Departments

Sony MDR-7506 Professional Headphones

Every videographer knows that quality audio is key to quality video - and having a good pair of headphones allows you hear when that quality audio is coming through loud and clear. These Sony headphones make it possible to monitor your sound while recording audio or live/broadcast applications.