How to make videos
Posted by: Rockingdoc on 10 May 2010
Despite taking the occasional decent still photo, I know nothing about video and have never owned a video camera.
For my work, I now need to be able to video record trainees and send them on their way clutching a recording of their efforts.
I could start reading the magazines, but I suspect all the knowledge is here.
So,
What camera do I need? (low light and audio a priority)
What editing suite do I need? (able to be used by monkeys, to run on PC)
What file types should I use?
Which storage media should I use?
What do I give them to take away with fairly universal playback ability?
I am thinking that I need; a camera recording to SD cards, downloading to a PC with Adobe premiere elements, recording onto DVD-R for takeaway.
It's not my money, but a sensible budget of 1K to 2K (GBP).
Please shoot me down in flames.
Thanks in advance.
For my work, I now need to be able to video record trainees and send them on their way clutching a recording of their efforts.
I could start reading the magazines, but I suspect all the knowledge is here.
So,
What camera do I need? (low light and audio a priority)
What editing suite do I need? (able to be used by monkeys, to run on PC)
What file types should I use?
Which storage media should I use?
What do I give them to take away with fairly universal playback ability?
I am thinking that I need; a camera recording to SD cards, downloading to a PC with Adobe premiere elements, recording onto DVD-R for takeaway.
It's not my money, but a sensible budget of 1K to 2K (GBP).
Please shoot me down in flames.
Thanks in advance.
Firstly I assume from your "name" that you are medical like me (I'm retired). What speciality?
I doubt HD video is necessary if it's really just for training purposes. This reduces the cost and I think you will find that you can do it for much less than £1000.
Almost any current video camera would do the job, unless you want external mikes, in which case just make sure that you can connect them.
I would suggest mounting the camera on a a stand.
Some cameras (my own Panasonic HD being one) switch on a light automatically, therefore check the specs for low light capability and make sure you can disable the camera's inbuilt light.
Doesn't really matter what you record to - my camera uses SDHC cards (ordinary SD cards aren't suitable for HD recording), but Hard disc recorders OK. I would suggest avoiding ones that record direct to DVD. MiniDV seems to be disappearing from the market, so perhaps should be eliminated from your list.
Software is really up to you, but you may well find the bog-standard stuff supplied with whatever camera you get will do what you want to perfectly well.
No doubt others will suggest specific items of equipment, but, as I have already said, I think virtually any current camcorder will do what you want.
Of course, I could have completely misunderstood your question. e.g. you might be looking for a multiple camera setup.
I doubt HD video is necessary if it's really just for training purposes. This reduces the cost and I think you will find that you can do it for much less than £1000.
Almost any current video camera would do the job, unless you want external mikes, in which case just make sure that you can connect them.
I would suggest mounting the camera on a a stand.
Some cameras (my own Panasonic HD being one) switch on a light automatically, therefore check the specs for low light capability and make sure you can disable the camera's inbuilt light.
Doesn't really matter what you record to - my camera uses SDHC cards (ordinary SD cards aren't suitable for HD recording), but Hard disc recorders OK. I would suggest avoiding ones that record direct to DVD. MiniDV seems to be disappearing from the market, so perhaps should be eliminated from your list.
Software is really up to you, but you may well find the bog-standard stuff supplied with whatever camera you get will do what you want to perfectly well.
No doubt others will suggest specific items of equipment, but, as I have already said, I think virtually any current camcorder will do what you want.
Of course, I could have completely misunderstood your question. e.g. you might be looking for a multiple camera setup.
quote:Fair enough, the Panasonic HS-250 or HS-300.
Very good, award winning HD camcorders ...
From the initial posting I assume this camera is to be used for "training purposes". Do you even need HD? Would a SD camcorder not be adequate, especially as you seem to want to dub down to DVD?
... just trying to save the NHS money ...