-
A few quetsions regarding a newbe.
Hello, guys
i have been lurking these forums (BTW, i never thought i’ve learned so much from a cow, lol).
it is my understanding that one must read and read and read before asking. i’ve been part of many forums and it usually takes me months before i get the courage of asking a question and today is that day.A little about me: i am a I.T. Specialist for a Resort in Miami Beach. i have taken a liking on video for about 5 months now. i do have crappy cameras, but it is all about learning. I use Final Cut Pro Studio 2 (it was in the imac when i purchased it used) and have actually watched some tutorial videos about it. i feel confortable using FCP but ovbiously i know about 20% of all that there is to elarn about it. I am ready to take it to the next level.
These are some of the vids i’ve made so far…in chronological order from oldest to newest…you can see i’ve gotten a little better.critizism about the videos is highly appreciated.
now, the question.
as you can see , in the last video. the video looks really good..that was shot with a sony PD170 camera(my first encounter with a prosumer camera) ovbiously, i do not have 2000$+ dollars to spend on such a camera, so i was hoping someone here would suggest a cheap camera, that has many manual features and shoots nice video. i have some ’90s cameras that shoot at 0 lux made by sony, one is a D8mm the other 2 just a plain 8mm.My other question is, is there a place where i can get ideas as far as how to make (i know you guys hate this word) “ken burns” style static video? i have a few pictures i want to incorporate and it is driving me nuts!
I have already purchased the book tittled “in the blink of an eye” by munch. i hope is a good read 🙂
well, that’s all..i am sorry for the long post…
Thanks in advance for any help on this.
“Are you recording this?” -Wife
-
12 Replies
-
It looks like you’ve got a good start from your samples there… everyone has to start somewhere.
In answer to your first question, I would say that it’s pretty easy to get a cheap camera that produces much better video than your Video 8 Sony; a popular really low-budget choice I’ve seen is the Canon HV30 and similar Canon HDV models.
Unfortunately, cheap cameras with decent manual controls and pro features are hard to find. If you can stretch your budget and don’t mind purchasing used, I would consider getting a nice used SD camera like a Canon XL-1 or Panasonic DVX100. The prices of these are now dipping down into the $1000 range used on eBay, and they’re great for starting out.
The “Ken Burns” effect is easy in FCP… you can use keyframes in the FCP viewer’s Motion tab to define image movement. In fact, after a quick search I found a video tutorial on it right here on the COW that you can watch here.
-
thnx for link
i watched, and well…i have been doing that…i guess i am too perfectionist and it always looked like poo to me.about the camera, yes…i’ve looked at thevx100, i drool….let’s see how the incometax return checks looks like…the wife will kill me..but heck..i’ll have a great camera 🙂
the xl-1, altho probably a good camera, i find it a little unconfortable to handle. mind you, i’ve never actually picked one up.but they look like good choices..
thnx!
“Are you recording this?” -Wife
-
We have XL1s where I work and I own a DVX100a; I agree with your suspicion that the XL1 has weird ergonomics and isn’t as user friendly. I also prefer the image of the Panasonic over the original XL1; it can mimic a great “filmic” look (as much as I hate that term) and is very versatile.
The newer Canons have improved much in picture quality, but they’ll be out of that price range, as are the newer Panasonics.
-
so, in regards to the editing…i’m i on a good track or am i falling victing of the usual “home videographer” mistakes
“Are you recording this?” -Wife
-
Relative to the “Ken Burns” effect, you might also look at placing photos over a (subtly) moving, tastefully soft “paint” background if they are not filling the entire frame.
Keyframing will do that subtle movement for you in almost any editing application out there.
Remember, subtlety – if it’s calling too much attention to itself it’s distracting from your content.
-
Don’t worry about that. Experience will bring you your own style and that is what will make yuo marketable… not the ability to do stuff like other folks do.
I dig your passion. Keep shooting and editing. Keep loving it. It’ll take ya far.
since you are a car enthusiast, check out my show site:
https://ModdinArt.com/show.html
I started shooting car shows that I was entered in about 23 years ago.
Today, I’ll literally shoot hand-held while doing tripple digits in any kind of race under the sun. Shooting stuff you are into will always make it fun for people to watch.
-
Sir, that was AWESOME..watched the whole thing…
got a few ideas too 🙂 B-Roll is your friend….i’ve noticed that i don’t have enough b-roll 🙂i will continue saving towards a betetr camera and try to use the company’s camera(PD170) as much as i can.
i will be shooting a quick meet at a dave&busters on Dec 17th, let’s see how that goes..hopefully they won’t freakout.
“Are you recording this?” -Wife
-
naaa, they’ll be good with it as long as you don’t bring the camera inside.
You’ll find that showing up and acting like you are suppose to be there buys you much more press passes than calling and trying to aquire one… at least in motorsports. Il ike to walk up to the biggest security dude right off the bat and ask him to step aside… maybe send him to get me a bottled water. lol Once ya do that, there is no place you are not free to go. -
so, i’ll try not to bring the big camera and just do a handheld…because who are they not to say i am shooting that video so i can show to my dying sister who has cancer and has 2 weeks to live and she wanted to come to the party but the doctors said no…a little dramatic…but the tears will seal the deal 🙂
anyways, thnx to all of you for your support.
i’m waiting for the arrival of my new mac 21 1/2″ dual core 4gb ram..so it should cut rendering a fair amount….it’s gonna be nice!
“Are you recording this?” -Wife
-
Here’s a book rec, also. https://www.amazon.com/Bare-Bones-Camera-Course-Video/dp/0960371818
The book is cheap and short.
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up