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Where from here?
Hello All,
Over the past few months, I’ve been motivated by some interesting business opportunities to teach myself basic video editing and graphic design. Though by no means a techie, I am relatively computer literate, and I feel I may have some aptitude for this stuff. Plus, its been a lot of fun.
So far, my projects have been limited to about 20 minutes of final product with minimal effects. Most are ultimately delivered in DVD format. I currently use Movie Studio Platinum 10.0, and I am confident my laptop would be quickly overwhelmed if I asked it to do much more! I wonder if folks on this forum could give me some advice as I contemplate upgrading my equipment.
First, let me give you a sense of my goals. On the computer side of things, I would like to continue to use a laptop. I like the mobility it affords, I am contemplating a move in the near future, and I have neither the money, opportunities, nor the skills to warrant the purchase of an elaborate desktop set up at this time.
On the camera side of things, I am currently using an old borrowed Sony Handycam. Any device will be an upgrade at this point! Like all of us, of course, I want to be able to produce high quality video. Much of my shooting will be in variable outdoor conditions, so the camera must be somewhat portable and weather resistant. Also, I will usually be shooting alone, so it needs to be easy to use as an all-in-one when it comes to video and sound. I will likely continue to deliver final products on DVD, and also in streaming form.
Also, I’m thinking it will be extremely useful to have a portable audio recorder. What an irony that in video, sound is sometimes more important than image.
Rather than ask for specific product recommendations (which, of course, you are free to offer anyway), I hope you all can provide some guidance on HOW to think about the decisions ahead of me. I would like to purchase equipment that will serve me well now and for several years to come, but I want to avoid investing in options and features I am unlikely to ever use. As I pay more for video cameras, what am I getting in return? Are there any technological innovations on the horizon that I should consider waiting for? If even the best laptops are limited by sheer horsepower, are there cameras that I should avoid because they place demands that no laptop can efficiently handle?
I guess I am trying to admit that I am not yet even sure of the right questions to ask! Thanks in advance for your help in guiding me through these decisions.
Best,
James -
4 Replies
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Start with the end in mind….what is your ultimate goal? This will help guide your decisions.
Camera-how portable do I want it to be, do I need to have a ton of manual controls? (I ALWAYS answer yes to that!) Do I wish to shoot in Hi Def? Will I be doing any multi-cam shoots, do I like menu or button controls? Do I want the ability to use a camera remote? What is my budget?
Sound- How many inputs do I need? How simple do I need it to be? What sample rates and bit depths do I wish to do? Do I need just a better mic input for overall sound, or will I be using lav and boom mics as well?
Computer – How much can I afford? You always want to get the fastest processor and as much ram as possible…screen size and attachments are less important?In recent purchases I would recommend the following:
Camera – Canon Vixia HF G10…absolutely LOVE the video it gets and has tons on manual and auto controls and the ability at add a LANC remote.
Audio – Zoom H4N….4 channels of recording, battery powered (AA), can get a remote, has stereo onboard AND 2 additional XLR and 1/4″ inputs
Computer….best you can afford…
Hope this helps!Scott Francis
Mind’s Eye Audio/Video Productions -
Scott,
Thank you for your response. The zoom looks amazing- in your experience, how would it perform in picking up somewhat loud but ambient noises (for example, background noise at an amusement park or playground, wind in the leaves, etc.)?
I don’t imagine ever needing a multi-cam set up, but I would certainly appreciate options when it comes to sound.
The G10 is very impressive, and would undoubtedly put me light years ahead of where I am now. However, it appears there is no option to shoot in standard definition. My main concern about HD is the extra horsepower needed to work with it. As I mentioned, I would like to do most of my work on a laptop, and I certainly don’t want to end up with amazing footage that I can’t use efficiently. Also, since much of my work ends up on DVD, the advantages of HD really don’t come through. The HD would, however, be great for web content, files for play on computer, etc. Decisions, decisions.
Best,
James -
I absolutely LOVE the H4N and it picks up VERY well, I use it all the time with a lav and or handheld and you get all the background stuff from the onboard mics and closeup stuff with the others.
As far as the G10 it DOES allow you to export in SD format!! You just have to do that as you are loading it to your computer! I ALWAYS shoot and edit in HD even if I am going to DVD. A touch of sharpening at render and it looks WAY better than SD even in DVD format! Also, if you need to re-frame up a shot or even do an artificial pan or zoom, you can do that in post without losing pixel quality when going from HD to SD…so you may want to think about it anyway…and frankly, most cams out there worth their salt are HD anyway…the number of new SD cams are shrinking, and you need to think about future-proofing (if that is even possible) your investment! Just my 2 cents…good luck and let me know if you want to pick my brain any more!
regardsScott Francis
Mind’s Eye Audio/Video Productions -
Scott,
I will give your recommendations a serious look! It seems HD is the way to go, no question. Such many opportunities to spend so much money…
Thanks again for your help.
James
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