Powerful Consumer Editing Software Comparison
Muvee Reveal X, Adobe Premiere Elements, Cyberlink PowerDirector, and Sony Vegas Comparison from a Pro Editor.
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)
DSLR vs Video Camera
Are DSLRs Better than Camcorders for capturing video?
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
What about a camcorder?
The camcorder is a better choice for most casual videographers.
• They are lightweight
• Zoom lens is built in
• Easy to transport
• FAR more economical
The negatives of a camcorder vs. a DSLR
• 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!
We Scare Because We Care
When my son was a little younger he liked to jump out of hiding spots in the hopes of scaring the ba-geebies out of me.
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!
Here’s some tips for getting your own scary adventures on video…
• 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.
5 Free Ways to Make the Audio In Your Videos Better
A quick way to prevent anybody from ever watching your video is to have crappy audio underneath it.
- Do you want crappy audio, kids?
Of course you don’t. I’ll tell you right now how to dramatically improve your audio- without having to spend a dime!
Pay attention.
We’ll Begin With Audio Acquisition Tips- Record Better Audio To Begin With.
- Put a homemade windscreen on your camera’s microphone. This will prevent those annoying wind “pops” from ever being recorded.
- cut a patch from an old cotton sock that’s the size of your camera’s microphone.
- Do likewise with an old pair of pantyhose.
- Layer the sock and then the pantyhose on top of your microphone and adhere to camera with gaffers tape. (You can use duct tape as well-but it may leaf adhesive on your camera body.)
- Pay attention to the sound levels of your camera while recording.
- If your camera has audio meters- turn them on. Adjust the mic level input accordingly.
- Many cameras don’t have this feature. That’s ok. Get a pair of headphones, and plug them into the camera.
- Put the headphones on and start shooting the way you normally do- except this time you’ll hear what is getting recorded adequately- and what’s not.
- Adjust your shooting style accordingly.
- If you self narrate a lot- then you’ll know if you have to speak softer or louder.
- If your shooting subject can’t be heard, ask them to speak up.
- Adjust your shooting style accordingly.
- Put the headphones on and start shooting the way you normally do- except this time you’ll hear what is getting recorded adequately- and what’s not.
- Avoid noisy shooting locations
- Seems obvious, but sometimes you don’t realize just how noisy a place is because your brain will try to filter noise out automagically for you.
- If you have to shoot your BFF at the food court next to the wishing fountain- make sure they either shout to camera- or they have a hand-held microphone.
Well Done. Next, We Have Tricks For Better Audio in Edits.
4. Do An Audio Pass- for cryin’ out loud.
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- Once your done editing the picture- Your still not done-done.
- Go back and use the audio gain tools to level out all the audio.
- Adjust everything so each audio clip is the same perceived audio level when playing it back. (Turn off the music tracks until all the spoken words are level. Then, go back and adjust the music so it sounds good with the spoken word.)
- Go back and use the audio gain tools to level out all the audio.
- Once your done editing the picture- Your still not done-done.
5. Double The Audio Track
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- If you’re using editing software, like Final Cut Express or Sony Vegas, then it will allow you to double up the audio segments.
- Very useful for when you have cranked up the audio gain already to the maximum, but it’s not enough.
- If you’re using editing software, like Final Cut Express or Sony Vegas, then it will allow you to double up the audio segments.
Do these 5 things for your next video, and people may actually watch it.
Now, get out there, and make an awesome home movie!
How a Good Back Up Plan Will Save Your Bacon. (Part 1 of 2)
I apologize if, you in fact, are a pig- but this is shiznit you need to know!
BACK UP YOUR HARD DRIVE REGULARLY.
How would you feel if you lost every family picture and video you had from the last 5 years? That would be stinky- right?
You can never be sure when your computer’s gonna take a big plopper, so be ready.
How to Recover your Lost Camcorder
My wife once lost our only working camcorder in the middle of a huge amusement park.
In her defense, it was a brand new camera. It was much smaller than our old one. (Why did I have to pick out the one camera that could so easily go unnoticed.)
It's NO fun if you lose your camera.
Is there something you can do in advance to retrieve a lost camcorder?
Let’s start with some easy stuff.
• Engrave your phone number on the bottom of the camera.
The person who stumbles across your lost camera, may be honorable and just.
Other people, however, have been so mistreated and abused in their lives, that their human decency has been covered up by a hard-candy shell of maleficence.
To appeal to these people…
• Make a creative message that even the most jaded of human beings would have no choice but to do the right thing.
If I found this camera, I'm calling the owner immediately!
Now if a message like this doesn’t get somebody to pick up the phone, then they are truly bad people.
You can at least console in the knowledge that the Universe will eventually deal out some sweet karmic justice.
For those who have trouble seeing the picture, the example message is:
“Against my better judgement, I trusted this camera with my wife. If you’re reading this now, then you still have time. She hasn’t tracked you down yet. For the love of God, call me and return my camera before she finds you. Please. I know what she’s capable of.”
CHM -006 – Camcorder Buying Guide Part 1 of 3
The Holiday season has officially begun,
but you must see this before you lay down your cool cash for those hot camcorder deals out there.
- Did you know there are 3 different categories of camcorders?
- Can you tell me the biggest thing to consider when looking for your next camcorder?
- Any idea why I’m grilling you like this?
This is Part 1 of 3 episodes that will help answer all these questions- and more!
CHM -005 – Big Camcorder vs. Little and Cute
There’s been a bumper crop of new camcorders that fit in your pocket.
I’ll give you the skinny on these new slim cams.
What Brand of MiniDV Tapes are Best?
Sony DVC and TDK DVC Tapes
People ask me all the time, “What brand of tape is best?”
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