sureshot10 Loc: Parker, Co.

I was looking for references on video applications and was hopeful that there was a separate category for video applications. Just bought a Canon XL H1 video camera and already have a Nikon 7000. I want to get a lot better with video and after just a little bit of research - there is a whole lot of STUFF that I don't know about. More controls on this XL than I care to mention and the Canon Manual sure doesn't do me justice. And then there is the audio - man I could spend a fortune on this. Just bought the Magix Professional Editing Software. Going to clinics to get into the GoPro video camera.

Any comments on a basic to intermediate book, reference or web site?

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

No single source. Start with manuals to your software and hardware.

For audio, the web is FULL of good resources. #1 rule: learn ALL ABOUT how the inverse square law works. Learn about the four main types of microphones, why you need compression, limiting, and equalization, what you can do to capture great audio both separately and in camera...

And for goodness' sake, learn about the LUMIX GH4. Stills, video, and audio ALL in one camera system that can use almost any lens you want to mount on it.

sureshot10 Loc: Parker, Co.

Thanks Bill, I am always astounded by the knowledge base on the Hogs. I will look into the Lumix and how right you are on the sound aspects. I learned about this the hard way when I tried to video a performance of the Blues Brothers. I already have the Sekonic Digitalmaster L-758DR and am trying to come up to speed on all the aspects of frame rate, etc. Did some basic research after the fact and WOW did I get an eyeopener about peak cutoffs and a whole lot more. Looks like I might be getting some professional audio software and a sound board. :thumbup:

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

One recommendation - Cyberlink Powerdirector is an excellent program for processing video. It can do an awful lot. My son uses it just about every day.

daplight Loc: Kansas

Wow, you are jumping into the video scene with both feet. Not to discourage you but there can be a steep learning curve with using editing software, specifically understanding and setting up the settings. I'm talking about codec, frame rates and so on. It is also important on allocating destinations on the computer and hard drives for workflow, enough memory (in terabytes) for storage is a must. Understand how your finished-videos are going to be viewed (YouTubes vs HD), that will determine shooting and editing, say 720 vs 1080.

On audio, well that is another discipline that deserves a healthy respect. DLSR's are not the best recording device for capturing quality sound.

I'm not trying to intimidate you, rather inserting a reality check. There are a lot of things to learn to become a competent videographer. Knowing your equipment is key. Be assured you will make mistakes, but learn from them. Good sources to learn are YouTube, and Lynda.com, worth subscribing to. Good luck.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Actually, you need not invest in tons of equipment to do some seriously great storytelling. How you use what you have is far more important than having all the right toys.

That said, the right software goes a long way. Whether you use Final Cut Pro X, or Adobe Premiere, or some other editor, spend the time with the manual to learn all its tricks and features. Non-linear editing systems have been in development for a good 30 years or so, and for the past decade, they've been pretty mature.

In camera audio doesn't have to suck, if you have the right camera (a dedicated video camera or a LUMIX GH4). Most dSLRs are just okay at it. That's why lots of folks use a zoom, or Røde iXY or something similar to capture separate sound to sync up with and replace the in-camera sound.

I learned a long time ago that the most important thing in video is to have a point, and to plan how you'll make it. Use outlines, scripts, storyboards or shot lists.

Plan how you'll record things with the fewest camera moves. I've done dialogs with just one wireless microphone, by recording each person's lines separately. I've done one-on-one interviews the same way. The interviewer pauses after each answer before asking another question. The camera remains on the person being questioned. Once it's all over, the camera moves to the interviewer, and the questions are asked again. Then it's all edited in the right sequence.

Lighting is really important with video, too, especially if you are working in 4:2:0 (8-bit) mode. You need to control specularity and ratios to avoid burned highlights and plugged shadows. Plenty of schemes are available, from "cine-like" camera profiles to reflector boards, scrims, gobos, frosted diffusion sheets, supplementary LED lights...

Actually, as with any of the audio-visual arts, there is a lot to learn! It never ends. The technology evolves, but the good news is, the laws of physics never change. We just get better at exploiting them.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Having done a career in broadcast television as a videographer I can tell you that an editing system is critical to viewable video. I don't know how much you paid for your editor but I could have most likely saved you some cash on that.

Yes there's lots to learn about video but the basics are really pretty simple. The second most important thing you can do for your viewer(s) is learn to hold the camera steady because shaky video is horrible to watch as you most likely already know.

Best of luck. To me video is so much more fun and the end product much more exciting that stills so that's mostly what I do - video.

SSam Loc: Sierra Vista, AZ

The first 'thing' that I learned when I jumped into video a few years ago was that the AUDIO was at least of equal importance to the video. I read about a 2 or 4 year graduating video class. Their final exam was to divide up into two groups. The first group was to not make any video mistakes. But, just select "so so" background music. The other half of the class was to purposely make every video mistake they were taught never to make (tilt the horizon, focus on everything in the clip: not just the most important 'subject', zoom while 'filming', and many many more). But they were to select background music that pulled the audience in the 'direction' the assignment was to 'move' the audience. That college brought in audience after audience. No one from the 'crappy video' left early. BUT, people just couldn't stay for the perfect video. The music keep them interested from scene to scene.

The first book that I purchased was the least expensive. I highly recommend it: "How to Shoot Video that Doesn't Suck" by Steve Stockman. I looking for a good How To Write a "story line" (screenplay) book. Haven't made up my mind yet.

Best wishes to you. You will have fun! Sam

Tom Lee

I have been shooting videos for several years on a local access TV station and if there's one thing I have learned it's that bad sound can ruin a good video. Viewers will sometimes put up with a poor video but will not do the same when the sound is of poor quality.

sureshot10 Loc: Parker, Co.

Thanks for the recommendation Jerry. I have been doing a lot of research regarding a professional grade of software that has features measured against the cost because I also have to consider some good audio software. I will look into the Cyberlink and measure it against the Premier Pro and Magix Video Pro X.

sureshot10 Loc: Parker, Co.

I haven't bought any software yet Jim. Looking at cost I have sort of narrowed it down to Premier Pro or Magix Video Pro X. Any other suggestions because you are the man. Quickly realized that Video is only one of the aspects and I am researching audio software also. Darn, then it got into the mics, etc. My big camera is the Canon XL H1 but I also mix it up with video from the Nikon D7000. Thinking about also getting a GoPro mini cam. Found out that whipping the camera around gave me vertigo so bought a Manfrotto Video tripod with Manfrotto 501 HDV head. Improved my video right off the bat. Now all I have to do it get the handheld shooting down. Thanks for your input.

sureshot10 Loc: Parker, Co.

Thanks Sam. Always good to get the perspective from someone that has the education and also the hands on experience. I really appreciate the book reference that you provided. I am big on researching before I spend my limited bucks. This hobby will cost me my left arm and right leg. I would sell my wife and first born if I had them.

sureshot10 Loc: Parker, Co.

Yes, Sam from previous quote seemed to say the same thing. Also Jim had some interesting comments. The first thing that I purchased after the tripod was a better mic. I don't know if you would concur that the audio software is also very important. I appreciate your perspective - thanks.