How David Makes Videos
Posted on January 31, 2007
Filed Under Video Casting, Videoblogging |
From comments on my ALA Midwinter 2007: It Can Be Confusing post, Nancy Dowd asks:
“David, What great quality video - what kind of camera did you use? Any hints on how you posted the video?”
Cool question, and thanks! Here’s what I do:
- I currently use a Sanyo Xacti HD1A camcorder (here’s a great review of the Xacti). It takes mpeg-4 video and saves it on an SD card, rather than the usual Mini DV cassette.
- When I shot the video, I did it in little chunks, as I was walking to the session.
- Next comes downloading the clips to my PC - I can either use the software that came with the Xacti or I can take out the SD card, plug in a USB SD card reader, and upload the clips that way.
Then the real fun begins!
- I wanted to edit the video in Windows Movie Maker, so I first had to turn the mpeg-4 video files into AVI files. I did this with the MP4Cam2AVI Easy Converter
- Then, I dropped the files into Windows Movie Maker and edited away.
- Once I was satisfied with my final movie, I saved the movie as an AVI file
- Then I opened the AVI file in Quicktime Pro and saved it as a much smaller quicktime formatted movie
- Finally, I uploaded the movie into my account at blip.tv (and also my youtube account).
And a few video-taking tips, too:
- Film more footage than you need - good for editing later.
- Always film a little more before and after each clip - that way you don’t end up clipping off your words (like I do sometimes).
- Edit your video. Then edit again. Then cut half of that. Web video should be SHORT (mine clocked in at just over 1 minute).
So there you go!
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Thanks, good info and tips. I’ve been using my Mac for editing (need I say more :-)) The Xacti sounds really awesome- I think I know what I want for my wish list!!! Thanks for all the information. -Nancy