bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

My granddaughter did something completely outside the family system of tradition and values. She joined a beauty pageant. No one in the family has dared to do that for generations, maybe ever! It was called the "Outstanding Teen" competition and is one rung below the series of Miss "Local County", Miss "Local State" and Miss America. As the grandpa that shoots video, I was obliged to record the event.

I had no control over light, sound or shooting position and could not use a tripod. My current "best video camera" is a m4/3 Panasonic GX8 with a Lumix 14-140 stabilized lens. Unlike most DSLRs, it is mirrorless and the design includes an emphasis on video capability to go along with photo use.

The production process has streamlined over the last couple years. Shooting and clip quality have improved in consumer cameras to include better stabilization and 4K resolution. Editing has improved similarly. I use Premiere Elements. Display and distribution is also easier. The software can put a common format video file on a thumb/flash drive that you plug directly into a TV. Current TV models make that very simple. For friends and family that want to watch on their TVs, phones, computers and tablets, YouTube and Vimeo have also become easy to use.

In the spirit of sharing and bragging about "Video for DSLR and Point and Shoot Cameras", please enjoy my 6 minute adventure into the world of pageants.

https://vimeo.com/205992593

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Wow. What beauty, poise and talent! You must all be proud. And your camera is pretty great too. Well done.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Thanks Bob. She has been one of my favorite video targets!

You might enjoy one where I shot her trying on being a photographer a couple years ago.

https://vimeo.com/123554485

(I think there may only be two people in this section!)

Bill

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

That's great Bill. What a beautiful, happy teenager. Very nice soundtrack and video as well.

I see you are up in Washington. I lived in Issaquah and Seattle for a couple of years of high school back in the 60's.

We may be the only two commenting in the section right now, but more are viewing. Two is better than one or none! At least we are not getting any criticism.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I ended up with a surprise. With a self induced button malfunction I missed a key clip. My son, with a three year old 1080p pocket camera called the Panasonic ZS30, got it. Could I insert a 1080p clip into a 4K project? What would it look like? Could the NLE even render 1080p to a 4K output?

It worked. If you look at the video again, it is longer with the additional clip The transition from 4K to 1080p is at 4:13 and back to 4K at 5:44.

Does it work? Would you see it if you didn't know it was there?

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I grew up in Seattle, as did my parents and grandparents. During the early 60's I was at Ballard High School.


"What a beautiful, happy teenager."

I think it might be the hardest it has ever been to be a teen girl. She and her older sister are incredibly and amazingly good at it.

If you use this video to find my Vimeo channel, look for the "Spy School" video. My two grandaughters were cast in a fight scene for a school play. If you listen closely the sound track records someone behind me in the audience remarking that "they are sisters"!

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

The edit worked fine. If you didn't mention it, I wouldn't have known. If you know it, you can seee a drop in resolution, but much better to have the scene in than left out.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Hi Bill, I enjoyed spy school. An entertaining performance by all the kids, and your grand daughters were great. It brings back memories of high school. Also enjoyed your wildlife clips and Fuzzball Goes to the beach videos.

When I was a sophomore at Issaquah high we had a performance of three one act plays. I played the lead in one. It was called "Sunday Costs Five Pesos." Once you perform the urge can stay with you for life. See my attempt at writing and performing a short science fiction video a few years ago. I also performed the soundtrack music with a friend of mine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPoLIsm0u-A

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Thanks for the compliments. Your science fiction video is fantastically unique!

Bill

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

You are welcome and thank you as well.