The creator of CreativeHomeMovie.com is currently developing custom plugins for Apple’s FCPX.

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)

Adobe Premiere Elements – A solid choice.  This is a stripped down version of Adobe’s professional offering.  ($100)

What’s Good

• Most similar to professional editing software.
• For PCs and Macs.
• Real editing tools offer great precision.
• Works well with other Adobe products like Photoshop and After Effects.
• Upgradeable to Adobe’s Premier Pro.
• Very good selection of transitions and clip filters.
• Powerful audio mixing and manipulation tools.
• Does very well mixing footage with differing frame rates and resolutions.

What’s Not Good about Adobe Premiere Elements

• The hardest software to learn in this category.
• I find audio track patching to be annoying when you have a great deal of audio tracks.
• Did I mention this software is complicated.
• You need a beefy video card and CPU to really get this software off the ground.

Cyberlink PowerDirector – My pick for the best overall non-pro editor. ($70)

What’s Good

• Easy to learn, yet full-featured.
• I like the trimming tools, and the timeline effects track.
• will work just fine on lesser computers, but will take advantage of faster machines.
• Sports faster render times than I would expect.
• Expandable system of tools- you only buy what you need.  (the full set costs $250 total)
• Free themes available on the Cyberlink website.
• Has an easy to use wizard mode to make movies super fast- similar to MuVee.
• I love the audio controls, and the powerful waveform editor.
• Make Blu Rays right in the application.
• Fun to use.

What’s Not Good about Cyberlink PowerDirector

• For PC only.  (Will run on a Mac with Boot Camp)
• There is not much to ding PowerDirector on.
• Navigating the timeline can be frustrating at times.
• ships with less canned music than some competitors.
• I avoid using the Storyboard Mode because it’s not as responsive as the timeline.

MuVee Reveal X- to really kick things out fast.  This is my pick for the best video software for those that want their computer to handle most of the work.  I have used this package, and I’m always amazed at how incredibly simple it is.  By far, the best entry-level software package! ($65)

What’s Good

• Very easy to learn.
• Face recognition technology automatically keys in on people- cool.
• Automated video assembly tools are very cool.
• Very reasonably priced – this software is a great value for what it can do!
• The software edits to the beat of your music for you- very nifty.
• There’s a more powerful version specifically for small businesses that couldn’t be any easier to use.  The business version is $400, but is well worth it if you just want to get quality video online with as little fuss as possible.  They also have a large selection of business specific themes to purchase for $15 a pop.

What’s Not Good about MuVee Reveal X

• For Windows machines only.*
• If you want themes from multiple packs, the price can add up.
• Editing precision is difficult to achieve in the non-professional version.
• the jump in price from $65 to $400 for the professional version is steep considering that the professional version is still considered a consumer-level editing package.

*Muvee currently offers a photo slideshow product called Muvee Reveal Express for Mac for only $15!  This is an outstanding application for Mac users, but it only makes videos from still images.  Movie clips are currently not supported.  This is conveniently available through the Mac App Store, and I recommend that you get it.

Sony Vegas- Very powerful, but complicated ($599)

What’s Good

• Sony has packed big features and capability into this software.
• Excellent Audio editing and manipulation tools.
• Fast compositing tools.
• Takes advantage of more powerful video cards for advanced users.
• Along with Adobe Premiere Elements- can be difficult to learn how to use.

What’s Not Good about Sony Vegas

• For PC only.  (Will run on Mac with Boot Camp)
• Reputation for being buggy
• Higher price tag than other offerings
• Beefy system requirements make it potentially much more costly to run

There you have it, people!  Muvee has an awesome package for the novice. (Or just to kick out a cool video really fast!)  Adobe and Cyberlink have very good software for editing- which one you choose depends on how serious you want to get, and how much time you want to invest in learning.

Now go out there, and make some great videos!

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!

If you like the “Magic Wand” transitions in this video, you can buy them for your own projects!  They are for FCPX, so you need to have a Mac and FCPX to buy them.  If that sounds like you, please buy your set today!  They are priced to move!

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!

Don’t forget to check out this camera, and my other top picks at the new Gear Garage.

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.)

But my work paid off- in a huge way.  I developed a recipe for the most amazingly scrumptious junk comfort food combination.

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?

Here’s the best way to eat Oreo Cookies ever devised by man.

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

 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!

People Don’t Like it When CreativeHomeMovie.com goes dormant. It creates crankiness in the world!

It has been several months since my last post.  I am both apologetic, and glad all at the same time.

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…

CreativeHomeMovie.com is nearing a time for a serious reboot.

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.

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…

After using FCP X for several months, I’m ready to change my tune… mostly.

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.

While AVR 77 AVID video looked like crap, it marked a milestone of change in our industry.

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.

This is the main feature of Final Cut Pro X for me.

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.

• It has miserable compositing tools. (I know Motion 5 is $30, but it doesn’t count)
• Timeline navigation is wonky – undoing often results in teleportation to nether regions of your show.
• Subclip? There’s no such thing.
• Still subject to random crashes.

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.

What’s this have to do with Creative Home Movies?

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!

You Too, Can Defeat Your Personal Demons.

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.

• If that’s the case then try throwing  a camcorder at your old tormentor.

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!

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.