Big news!
The charge of all these plugins will be to make great looking, simple to use plugins that will help you save time and money.
Magic Wand Wipes is the first plugin to be offered at FCPXtreme.com.
Here’s a video showing what the plugin can do, and how to use it.
I’ve been a professional editor for 20 years. I’ve seen and used just about everything that has been created for the purpose of juggling picture and sound into a meaningful sequence. One observation I can honestly make is that there has never been better options to the amateur videographer for editing than there is right now. If you want to edit your home movies, make content for YouTube, or showcase your small business with video demos, then you’re in luck.
If you would like to make your own videos, but don’t want the expense of full-featured professional software, then here’s the list of applications that i recommend. (In alphabetical order of publisher)
If you’re really like me, then you can’t really afford to throw money away either!
I was very upset when I broke the quick release mounting plate on my Manfrotto Travel Tripod.
These tripods are light weight, but incredibly sturdy.
I purchased it on clearance when Manfrotto introduced a replacement model for it. Checking Amazon listings, I saw that replaceing it with a comparable new model would set me back $250!
Ouch. That was not going to happen- not while I had other bills to pay! So I put the tripod on a shelf for a while and thought about how to fix it.
After a few months, a solution came to me. Using just a few wood screws, I knew I could get my tripod back to active duty. The best part, is that it cost me only about 25 cents in parts.
Check it out!
This nifty camera has the Canon optics that make almost anything with a decent light source look rich and buttery. It boasts a pretty wide f1.8 aperture opening that produces some very nice Bokeh. (The highly sought-after bright discs of light that appear in an image that has either the distant background or near foreground out of focus.)
I really like the control surfaces for the aperture and focus controls. It’s not a professional camera, but you can really dial in the looks you’re after with practice. I also love the big lcd screen, and the ability to focus using the touchscreen.
As a video editor I really appreciate the true 24p or 30p recording modes. This goes a long way in making your videos look more filmic. Yes, that is a word.
Other exceptional features that doesn’t get much mention in other write-ups is the Auto Gain Control Limit. This allows the user to manually balance the image sensor’s light sensativity. This allows you to balance how much noise will be introduced into your image during low-light situations. Other cameras would just crank up the gain automatically to try to expose for as much of the darker areas as possible. This usually leads to poor low-light imagery- so it’s really nice to be able to control this yourself. It’s almost like being able to dial in manual ISO if you’re familiar with DSLR lingo.
This camera also boasts a 28mm wide angle lens. Much wider than most of Canon’s offerings. This lens at it’s widest setting is plenty wide to shoot indoors in cramped settings. This has been a complaint for many other Canon models, but they sure got it right on the HF S30.
Kudos, Canon.
Nice Glass!
For nearly 35 years, I’ve kept a secret from you.
You see, I spent months of tireless research as a young boy to come up with the most perfect junk food combinations.
For the most part, my research ended in failure and pain. (Ding Dongs should never go in a toaster.)
I’ve selfishly kept the recipe a secret for nearly 40 years.
My daughter has reminded me that the world is a mess right now, and I need to help by sharing my discovery.
She’s right, of course. How could I be such a meaner?
If you like it, please leave a comment and let me know.
Peace on Earth. Oreos to all!
Camcorder vs. Still Camera that shoots video
You may have noticed that a lot of people are switching their video production to DSLR cameras. Many hobbyists and prosumers are contemplating a switch to using DSLRs for their own video productions. So what’s the deal?
The answer is yes. The answer is also no. Like most big issues in our world, the true answer really just depends.
Image quality is the most important thing for pros and semi-pros. In this area, the DSLR is capable of providing a superior because the image sensor is much larger than prosumer camcorders. The problem is that to take advantage of the larger sensor, you have to invest in high quality DSLR lenses. You can expect to pay between $700 and $3,000 for a good quality lens that is suitable for video work. If you decide to go this route, you want to look for a lens that has a wide aperture opening and a long focus throw.
The other draw back to using a DSLR is the body design. They’re purpose-built to provide a still photographer the tools he needs to take excellent still photos. Most videographers will find it awkward to shoot video with a DSLR camera body. You can expect to pay another $600 to $3,000 (or more) for a camera stabilization platform. These camera rigs make the camera controls more accessible to the videographer, but they do add significant weight and are unwieldy to transport from place to place. Many home movie makers will build their own camera rig. I built the one pictured here for about $30. I would, by no means, use this on a professional shoot. I think such a camera platform is terrific for shooting quick things for your own use, but it would not instill much confidence in your clients if such a thing were to be used on a paid shoot.
my home-made camera stabilization rig
The camcorder is a better choice for most casual videographers.
• They are lightweight
• Zoom lens is built in
• Easy to transport
• FAR more economical
• Image quality is not as good as DSLR
• The shooting system is not as flexible because you can not change lenses
The bottom line is that a DSLR is a good option for pros and semipros. It’s also good for the experienced hobbyist that has a deep understanding of photography/cinematography. It’s not the best choice if you want to shoot the occasional family event or quick video. Camcorders still provide the best combination of video quality, convenience of use, and economy.
If you’d like me to answer any specific questions, go ahead and leave a comment.
Until next time- Go out there and record something you love!
People Don’t Like it When CreativeHomeMovie.com goes dormant. It creates crankiness in the world!
Obviously, I want to apologize to anyone who has been checking in to see new content and have been disappointed.
However, I have good news…
I think that it’s time to close the chapter on the old format for my blog. I’ve learned that I need to get more in tune with the spirit of YouTube, and make my blog more of a community thing. I want you guys to help me write the next chapter.
In a few weeks, there will be some very exciting new content, and a new attitude from your humble host.
Cheers,
and stay tuned for more details.
There has been all kinds of outrage over Apple’s release of Final Cut Pro X.
It was so bad that Apple broke one of their most sacred rules and offered cash refunds to the disenchanted.
Even yours truly, shortly after buying my own license, jumped onto the bandwagon.
However, I must now apologize to all my fellow professional editors, and say…
Though it's still not ready for prime time, Final Cut Pro X is pretty close.
Yes, it took some getting used to, but that’s only because I was conditioned to edit in the traditional “professional” way.
I’ve found enough powerful editing tools in this interface that I can achieve everything I want with even more precision than any other tool i’ve ever used.
I can definitely understand why other long-time editors would reject this software package. It defies the time honored methods that have sustained our livelihoods for so long. Change like this has always been met with resistance. If your old enough you surely remember the same kind of push-back when Grass Valley Switchers became swapped out for Avid boxes. It sure seemed like a huge step backward.
Those that did not understand the shift from linear to computer-based editing where missing the whole point back then.
I certainly didn’t embrace AVID 16 years ago when my employer switched over, but I respected the fact that things were going to be different. I respected that I was either going to go along with the change, or I was going to be left behind.
Of course, I was young and bouncy 16 years ago. The idea of paradigm shifts in time-honored work pipelines didn’t mean as much to me. I was just thrilled back then to be editing.
I have done several projects on it, and I ‘m having fun again. Storytelling is again, as it should be, my main involvement.
Don’t mistake the mechanics of injesting footage, transcoding formats, and logging clips for the joy of telling a story.
Apple has litterally brought the joy of story telling back to me.
There are problems with Final Cut Pro X, I mean let’s be real.
Still, despite all the unbelievable oversights on Apple’s part- I love using Final Cut Pro X. I’ve found work-arounds for all the above problems. The crashes aren’t nearly as frequent as say Media Composer 3. Also, unlike AVID’s earlier offerings, crashes never seem to result in any loss of editing work. (Thanks to the latest update, anyway.)
I’m sorry. During the last revolution (linear to non-linear) I just wasn’t this happy, guys.
The Summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of college, I worked for Disney World.
In addition to the daily humiliation of being dressed in polyester lederhosen, I was exposed to the most terrifying force in Orlando, Florida.
I, of course, am referring to the attraction they call “It’s a Small World.” My candy stand was nearby to the exit of that ride, and I had to listen to the song all day.
Combined with the incredible heat and humidity, my wee-little brain turned all mushy and susceptible to evil. Luckily, I never caved in to the horrible voices that echoed in my head.
I’ll tell you.
After nearly 20 years since first being exposed to Disney’s “It’s a Small World”- I bravely picked up my camcorder, and set out to face my demons.
With the help and support of my family, I took a boat ride into the belly of the beast, and I emerged a new man!
Grab a camcorder. You may be surprised to see that, through the viewfinder, your child-hood demons don’t seem so intimidating anymore.
-Or maybe they’re completely more ghastly than you ever recalled.
That should buy you enough time to make an escape- if you’re lucky.
When he was 7 years old, scaring his dad, or being scared by his dad were awesome moments.
I was fortunate enough to capture a few of these precious times on my camcorder.
Even now, he gets a kick out of seeing how scared he got!
• Use the Night Vision Feature on your camcorder. Many SONY models have infrared built in to them. (I was using a SONY PC101 for this video)
• Buy a third party Infrared video light. Most camcorders will be able to pick up a picture just fine with one.
• Put your camera on a tripod. Keep it in the corner of a room ,where it won’t get tripped on by your unsuspecting offspring.
• Be patient and wait in the dark for the right moment. I waited for my wife to send Ryan to say good night to me. Then I played Hide-and -Seek. It took over 10 minutes of me waiting in the dark before he stumbled into my trap! Mha-ha-ha-ha!
Capturing on camera those cherished times with your family is what it’s all about.
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