Hardware/software side for making clips
Hello everyone. Im looking forward to upgrade my filming equipment and interested in your advise or opinion about what hardware qualifying for HD filming and wich software would you recommend or using urself.
For moment I record all my clips with Logitech C930 +Cyberlink Youcam software. This combination also helps me to record some pvt sessions and double sell it.
But I want to move further and improve. Unfortunately im being lame in digital devises.
Webcam is easy to set up and there is quality built-in mic. Camcorder might require extra light. I own softbox but it hurts my eyes so never use it anymore.
I noticed many youtube bloggers using reflex cameras for making their videos. After a bit of search I realised it also needs external mic.
Well anyway I thought I'd give it a try to ask here since we all making videos for personal website.
- Do you use HD camcorder, reflex camera or webcam? If yes could you recommend it or not?
- Do you use external mic? If yes, would you give an advise how to pick a proper one?
- Do you use any pro video editing software or basic Windows MovieMaker is enough?
Speaking about software I heard that Adobe Premiere is being great or Sony Vegas. But I doubt I will use at least 10% of its potential. Final Cut Pro for Mac OS makes miracles but Im PC user.
I would appreciate any ideas and suggestions.
Comments
I use a GH2 with the kit lense that is pretty easily found. It also shoots acceptable stills, and has a flip out screen which is great for self-shooting. Does OK in lower light with a higher ISO. I'm really happy with it, and it was relatively cheap to find used on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Mirrorless-Free-Angle-Black-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B0043VE27Y/ref=sr_1_4?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1465922432&sr=1-4&keywords=gh2. I bet eBay has them even cheaper.
The only drawback is that it doesn't have an external mic, so if it's too far away, I have to talk louder or increase the volume when editing. The built-in mic is pretty good, though.
The GH4 shoots in 4k, but costs more.
For editing, I use Screenflow by Telestream, which I found on sale for about $45. Screenflow does NOT handle "raw" AVCHD files, so you'll need to find a free converter to turn them into mp4 files. Screenflow is basic, but easy and relatively cheap. Camtasia is similar, and also available for both Mac and Windows (and might work better with Windows).
For lighting, I just use a floor lamp with extra bright bulbs in it and bounce off the walls. I know, pretty basic, but it works for most of my stuff.
Sounds like it.
Im hesitating either buying mirrorless camera for video+selfshots+mic either dont be greedy and buy camcorder since the min price is $500 +/- in both cetegories for something good level.
I also using Ikea floor lamp but mostly trying to film during good day light. Many thanks for your reply.
That is why the GH2 works so well for me - it's a VERY good video camera and OK for stills. It also has detatchable lenses... not as wide an angle with the cheap lens as I'd like....
As comparison, I have a BC950 conference cam, which is easier to self-shoot with, but not the same quality... If I were going to get one OR the other, I'd get the conference cam simply because it is so versatile (really an amazing pan-tilt-zoom webcam) and is "good enough" for HD clips. The BC950 costs around $250, but you can do amazing zoom/close up shows and I really really love the remote controled pan-tilt-zoom
Here's my GH2 in fairly low light: http://new.furpassion.com/scene/6337632/candidly-getting-ready-to-smoke-the-biggest-cigar-that-ive-ever-smoked-main-camera-pt-1
Here's the BC950 webcam in the same lighting conditions (different angle, but shot at the same time):
http://new.furpassion.com/scene/6437530/bonus-and-temp-test
Hopefully from these previews, you can make an informed decision. The webcam was about 3 feet away from the GH2 (which was on a tripod).
As far as straight camcorders go, I've always had good luck wiht the JVC brand... I remember about 10 years ago using a firewire to hook mine up and using it as a webcam, and it had a remote control to zoom it :-) Not sure how the newer ones are.
I really like how my GH2 and BC950 compliment each other as technology. Again, I'd get the BC950 first, or if I could only choose ONE.
Hope this helps!
@misshoneyb i don't think you need such a powerfull editor like final cut. If you need to put together files in one clip you better stay with app like movie maker becaue it would be faster for you.
This video was made in final cut and we used color corection to make pictures from 4 diffrent cameras to look similar. also there is sun lights effect added on on 5:37 (there was no sun at all in original files) http://www.pornhub.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ph5752de92ebfab
and in this clip we used optical flow effect to make slow frozen scenes: (2:07 mark) http://www.pornhub.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ph571d60f8d1165
if you don't need such effects and to colorize your videos then you don't need powerful editors.
Effects are always nice but im filming alone so my videos are less creative
.
Can i ask what cameras you used?
@misshoneyb
Which clip are you asking about?
for "come and get it" :
Most of scenes were made by Nikon d750, Sony a66 and DJI Osmo. there also is small part on 4:30 made with panasonic w970 camcorder for zoom following
The Estate was made by Osmo and Nikon d 750.
We don't use Osmo anymore for pure qoulity in low light conditions