Camtasia or Camstudio?

[sylviad]

Huge question, I know, but maybe you can cut it down into short relevant parts.

What's the difference between Camtasia and Camstudio?

I haven't tried either yet, but I see that Camtasia is a bit costly. Camstudio, on the other hand, was a free download I got from somewhere... one of those giveaways, maybe.

I'm thinking of doing some videos to sell/promote products so the program doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just something that enables me to do screen capture, add text and audio, insert images and allow viewers to click to view at their own speed, ie: it doesn't start automatically until the viewer clicks the run button.

The finished product would appear on a web page, just like the ones you see with Camtasia. It would have to be of sufficient size for people to view the contents. I've seen some videos that are quite teeny (about 2 inches square). Don't know what program created those.

Are there any glitches or shortcomings with Camstudio that you know about? Perhaps too big a file size, only works on certain platforms, etc. Or perhaps it's too complicated to use? Useful features missing?

Yes, I know. I could go ahead and start using it and see for myself, but I'm not ready yet and was hoping to get some feedback before I waste time with it.

Your feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Sylvia

[Steven Wagenheim]

Sylvia, it has been a very long time since I used CamStudio, but I do have
Camtasia and I don't recall Camstudio having all the features that Camtasia
has.

Let me put it this way. Camtasia is in my top 5 of purchases I've made as
an IMer since I've begun doing this, so that should say something about
the quality of the software.

[sylviad]

Thanks, Steven.

From what I've seen, Camtasia certainly is the elite in this category. Unfortunately, it is pricey so I was thinking Camstudio would be sufficient for my needs at this time. I'm just wondering if there's something about it that I should know about before I proceed. I haven't even installed it and looked at it yet. You never know. Someone might know that it screws up your computer!

Sylvia

[Steven Wagenheim]

Originally Posted by sylviad

Thanks, Steven.

From what I've seen, Camtasia certainly is the elite in this category. Unfortunately, it is pricey so I was thinking Camstudio would be sufficient for my needs at this time. I'm just wondering if there's something about it that I should know about before I proceed. I haven't even installed it and looked at it yet. You never know. Someone might know that it screws up your computer!

Sylvia

I do remember when installing it that I had no trouble with it. I wasn't all
that impressed with it either, which is why after a few "tests" I stopped
using it. I only even bought Camtasia because of so many recommendations
and I can honestly say that I am not sorry.

[lakshaybehl]

My message is consistent with Steven's... Camtasia

You get what you pay for... And with Camtasia, you can also quickly create an MP3 recording of the video to submit to podcasting sites for more traffic... or list building freebie.

People are making millions with this software.

[lakshaybehl]

Also editing functionalities that come with Camtasia are just too valuable... you can eve add background music tracks... Take some nice royalty free music clips and get ready to create some killer videos to post onYoutube and get some dangerously high levels of traffic.

ok... a little exaggeration is acceptable isn't it??

[Gene Pimentel]

Hi Sylvia,

You may want to take a look at another free tool that has been receiving rave reviews: http://www.jingproject.com

I have not tried it myself, but it seems everyone who has tried it has only good to say about it.

[BerkleyStreet]

Could those of you that use Camtasia tell me what the limitations of the the following are?

"Camtasia 3 Full Featured Education Version"

Is this version better than the Camstudio?

Thanks,
Bob

[Jason Fladlien]

Jing project is great for videos that are 5 minutes or less.

-Jason

[sparrow]

My recommendation is to take advantage of the free download from Camtasia after that then try Camstudio

I own Camtasia now, but started off with Camstudio

They both worked to get a simple video done and some of my videos from Camstudio are still brining people to an optin page daily

After you have used both of them only you can determine if making the investment is worth it

the previous year Camtasia was offering version 3 for free but since then it has been halted

Give the free trial a try then make the decision

Ed

[ravijayagopal]

Sylvia,

If all you need is "screen capture", then CamStudio is more than enough.

But if you want some of the advanced features, like advanced timeline editing, adding callouts, inserting multiple voice tracks, re-dubbing sections, creating menu-based videos, etc, then you've just got to get Camtasia.

Camtasia absolutely rocks!

See some of the recent videos I've made (as recent as last night) here:
DigitalAccessPass.com Videos

Hope this helps.

- Ravi Jayagopal

[sylviad]

lakshaybehl...

Hm. Hadn't thought of the MP3 capability. Thanks for the idea. Most certainly a valuable one.

Jason...

Good point. A 5 minute video wouldn't quite cover what I have in mind.

Ed...

Thanks Ed. I've never done a video before (not without an old-fashioned Camcorder or TV Camera), so this is pretty new to me. I'm kind of wavering between just doing a Powerpoint presentation for the web (which I've never done either) or getting started with Camstudio. I'd rather "save" my free trial at Camtasia until I get some exerience doing this to see if it's something I'll continue doing.

Ravi...

Those features are certainly desirable. Does Camstudio not give you editing capabilities? I assume re-dubbing enables you to go back and fix mistakes in your video. Does Camstudio not have that either?

Don't get me wrong, Camtasia is my dream product. Was sold the moment I read the sales page and features. It's just not in my budget at the moment, so I want to start off as affordably as possible, like... free!

Sylvia

[Fender85]

Yeah, Jing is sweet for 5 minute vids. The drawback to it is that it's "live" - ie, no video record and then adding in a voiceover later.

The one thing I didn't like about Cam Studio is that it didn't let me "set up" before it started recording. You'd hit the button and BAM there it goes, no delay or anything, so the Cam Studio display is still in the way and everything!

Here's what I do, though - Buy Sony Vegas (you can get it on CD for like $70 - if you want purely digital, it's like $55) and then use Cam Studio. You can just edit what you create in Cam Studio, and then add in music, voiceovers, transitions/effects, all kinds of stuff. And that's still HUNDREDS of dollars cheaper than Camtasia.

[Tsnyder]

Cam Studio is every bit as good as Camtasia for screen capture.

For editing you already have Windows Movie Maker on your computer
if you have a PC. I have Camtasia Studio 3 and, frankly, I don't see a
huge difference between that and Movie Maker.

Here's a better alternative... use Cam Studio for screen capture
and get Sony Vegas for the editing... it's much better than either
Camtasia or Movie maker and costs a WHOLE LOT LESS than Camtasia.

You can download a full functioning free 30 day trial of Sony Vegas.

Tsnyder

[Dixiebelle]

Sylvia: When TechSmith upgraded to version 5, they were giving away a free full version of #3. I got it but didn't keep the key to open a new copy.

I'm not sure if you can still get a key, but you can try emailing them and asking for one.

Here is the original download link. Good luck.

Techsmith offers free Camtasia Studio download - Download Squad

Dixie

[sylviad]

Originally Posted by Dixiebelle

Sylvia: When TechSmith upgraded to version 5, they were giving away a free full version of #3. I got it but didn't keep the key to open a new copy.

I'm not sure if you can still get a key, but you can try emailing them and asking for one.

Here is the original download link. Good luck.

Techsmith offers free Camtasia Studio download - Download Squad

Dixie

Close one, Dixie! I actually found this Camtasia 3 in one of my download folders. Unfortunately, that link to get a key has been withdrawn and only a trial version of Cam5 is available.

However... Fender85 & TSnyder have an idea I'll check out with Sony Vegas and Windows Movie Maker (which I've never used or looked at). Next option... Powerpoint! since I don't have a webcam anyway.

Sylvia

[asianlunatic]

Let me go against the normal replies posted in here.

Sylvia,

if you are just planning to do a one time use of video creation, i will rather say keep your money, and use the free ones instead. Camstudio, or heck Windows Movie maker could do the trick. Another option is to use the trial copy, and remove it after your done in 30 days.

If you still insist on doing a reliable and pro looking video creation, then outsource it off. Nowadays, things like this can be outsourced dirt cheap if you know the right place to look.
There was once a Warrior who did this as a WSO but nowadays i will just give it off at freelancing sites.

There is many ways to "slaughter the chicken", so i hope i gave you some ideas on how you can do it.

Hope it helps

[Ben Roy]

Originally Posted by Tsnyder

Cam Studio is every bit as good as Camtasia for screen capture.

For editing you already have Windows Movie Maker on your computer
if you have a PC. I have Camtasia Studio 3 and, frankly, I don't see a
huge difference between that and Movie Maker.

Here's a better alternative... use Cam Studio for screen capture
and get Sony Vegas for the editing... it's much better than either
Camtasia or Movie maker and costs a WHOLE LOT LESS than Camtasia.

You can download a full functioning free 30 day trial of Sony Vegas.

Tsnyder

This is my thought exactly. Full disclosure: I haven't produce a lot of screen-recording based videos, but I can't imagine buying Camtasia just because it has video editing capabilities. They are far from the market leader in that department. If you want fancy editing, buy an editing tool. If you want basic editing, use something free like Windows Movie Maker. In either case, you can probably use a free capture utility to get the source video to work with.

[cypherslock]

Sylviad, you can create an mp3 of your video. You need to get the A0A Audio extractor which extracts audio from many different movie formats and imports to mp3 etc. Very high quality and freeware...DVD to AVI, iPod Video Converter, DVD Creator, DVD Ripper. Now you can use camstudio and still get the benefits of an alternate format...

[Vince Courtney]

Hi Sylviad

There is an excellent tutorial for cam studio on

youtube here

.

Take a look at that as it shows you exactly how to download, optimize and use the program for best results.

Hope that helps.
Vince

[gxd5]

I use Cam Studio. If you decide to try it, make sure to use the settings Vince showed you. You will get horrible results if you don't change those.

The default settings in Cam Studio are BAD. You CANNOT use it out of the box. But if you tweak the settings, you get very good results.

[Norma Holt]

Vince, is the no sound due to the program not being able to rvord voice or to something else.

I have never use movie maker on my computer. Anyone got instructions on how to do it?

Great thread, thanks Sylvia

Norma

[nmh]

Originally Posted by Tsnyder

Cam Studio is every bit as good as Camtasia for screen capture.

For editing you already have Windows Movie Maker on your computer
if you have a PC. I have Camtasia Studio 3 and, frankly, I don't see a
huge difference between that and Movie Maker.

Here's a better alternative... use Cam Studio for screen capture
and get Sony Vegas for the editing... it's much better than either
Camtasia or Movie maker and costs a WHOLE LOT LESS than Camtasia.

You can download a full functioning free 30 day trial of Sony Vegas.

Tsnyder

My husband has Vegas Platinum Pro for videos we have for our kids sports stuff. Will that work? It seems to be 2 levels higher than the regular $54 Vegas. Neither I have used but I would be willing to try it if it works! This information is great! Movie Maker seems easy to use and I will have to try CamStudio. Will Jing also work w/ Movie Maker and Vegas?

[Josh Anderson]

CamStudio - Free Screen Recording Software (free) will work just fine for you.

Don't be fooled into thinking you need camtasia. You don't unless you need some of its advanced features.

If all you are doing is creating screen capture videos all you need is camstudio, a good flv encoding software, and a player to embed your flv video in your site.

Camstudio is free, Flix 8 standard (flv encoder) is $39 from On2.com and uses the best flv codec in the industry, and you can use either JW player or Flowplayer as a free player.

I own Camtasia.... but I prefer to use camstudio for my own screen capture because I know how to use it to get the best results :-)

[sylviad]

Wow... Where did THIS come from?

For some reason I haven't been getting notification that this thread has new comments. I'll definitely re-bookmark it.

It had to have been buried pretty deep by now, but thanks, whoever dug it back out. I'd forgotten about it. And now I see all these fantastic responses.

Thanks everyone for your great input.

Time to open up my CamStudio and see what it's all about. Thanks for the video, Vince... and all the tips about what I need to get a video built. I didn't realize I'd need other programs to get it on my site... or on YouTube.

Sylvia

[sparky.ebiz]

Another great solution is CamStudio Pro. This is CamStudio on steroids. I picked up my copy online for $20. It comes packaged with a ton of features that make it compete with Camtasia. (Actually the Camtasia owners would know better about this part - but I think CamStudio Pro actually has new "web friendly" features that go beyond what Camtasia 6 can do) It's pretty clever how the author did this - mostly adding on 3rd party free or open source software to the menu so it's transparent to the operator. Also, has tons of free video tutorials on their website. I plan on using this for my next 2 youtube videos!

[Joe Giannetti]

Camtasia all the way.....Forget Cam Stidio piece of crap

[Josh Anderson]

Originally Posted by sparky.ebiz

Another great solution is CamStudio Pro. This is CamStudio on steroids.

No its not.

Its the exact same screen capture features as camstudio.

Please understand that I think Dave did a great job resolving the two major flaws in the software as well as making it more appealing to use... but since then the opensource project at Camstudio.org has released those same two improvements in the free open source version.

This version: http://camstudio.org/blog/camstudio-...-1-released%3E Fixed the embed issues and added a redirect feature.

Those were the two main improvements made by Dave in Camstudio Pro but they now exist in Camstudio.org the free version. He did do other improvements but they are mostly design improvements so there is no real advantage in his Pro version over the new 2.5 free one at Camstudio.org.

Also those features only matter if you use camstudio to encode your videos and embed them which you should NEVER do for many reasons but here are the primary reasons:

1. It uses inferior opensource codecs for compression and encoding sacrificing image quality and file size.

2. It lacks many play controls that are essential to optimized publishing and response boosting performance.

This has little to do with camstudio pro but more to do with the fact that it is based on an opensource software and that the industry leading codecs and encoding are prohibitively expensive for most projects like camstudio.

This is one area where camtasia has an edge because they can afford to negotiate and pay the licenses for industry leading codecs such as vp6 and h.264 to include them in their encoding options...

However, encoding and embedding with camtasia introduces major flaws as well in both optimization and response boosting deployment...

Which is why even if I do use camtasia to screen capture I always save as avi and encode with professional industry leading encoding solutions and always embed with professional video player solutions that offer me more control over things like bit rate, frame rate, vbr vs cbr, codecs, playback performance etc.

[Josh Anderson]

Originally Posted by Joe Giannetti

Camtasia all the way.....Forget Cam Stidio piece of crap

Joe, you get the least helpful post of the day award.

And since I can I am going to throw it back in your face.

I wasn't going to post this because I normally sell this training but I want to make a point...

So for anyone who is paying attention I am about to provide a video that should pretty well blow your mind and settle the debate about just how great camstudio can be:

Click Here to Watch a Camstudio Mastery Video Tutorial - And Get your mind blown.

In yo face buddy

I am probably going to remove that video from the pubic eye again soon because I sell this info normally so if anyone is not sleeping at the wheel and wants to know just how powerful camstudio can be watch the video and you will learn one of my biggest camstudio secrets.

Combine that video tutorial with the links and notes I posted in my other resources and a few of the other quality comments in this thread and you will likely never need Camtasia.

[Josh Anderson]

Originally Posted by AbbyJane

If you are looking for quality hen you will have to pay some money for it.

Are you talking about the quality of a video?

Watch my video (big link in post above) and have your mind changed

Obviously camtasia is a quality application that offers some great quality features that camstudio does not...

But when it comes to the feature of screen capture of video and the quality of the actual captured video they are identical.

----

Here is a winning formula that will cost less and provide you many more features and abilities than camtasia:

Camstudio.org - Free
FlowPlayer or Longtailvideo Player - Free
Flix 8 Standard - $39
Sony Vegas Movie Studio - $55

Total cost = $99

You will have more and better features than Camtasia which costs $300.

Or you could just spend $300 on camtasia and have less features and less options ;-)

[sylviad]

Josh, you're scaring me!

I wasn't aware there would be so much to know about creating a video.

Thanks so much for that excellent video. It taught me a lot... and yes, I took notes.

I'm looking forward to installing Camstudio and practicing on my first video. All I need now is an idea.

So here's what I'm understanding...

CamStudio is simply a screen capture / audio capture program?

I still need something like Sony Vegas Movie Studio to actually put together the video?


Sylvia

[nick1123]

If your goal with these videos is to make money then I would highly recommend using Camtasia. It's what I use to make videos and it's a fantastic tool that I wish I would've purchased a long time.

You try to create videos with no intention of making money then the free solution might be best.

[dndoseller]

I just completed a video course using cam studio for my day job to train the employees how to use a new site.

It works great using Windows Movie Maker for the editing - the two combined are a professional free solution.

[nmh]

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

Joe, you get the least helpful post of the day award.

And since I can I am going to throw it back in your face.

I wasn't going to post this because I normally sell this training but I want to make a point...

So for anyone who is paying attention I am about to provide a video that should pretty well blow your mind and settle the debate about just how great camstudio can be:

Click Here to Watch a Camstudio Mastery Video Tutorial - And Get your mind blown.

In yo face buddy

I am probably going to remove that video from the pubic eye again soon because I sell this info normally so if anyone is not sleeping at the wheel and wants to know just how powerful camstudio can be watch the video and you will learn one of my biggest camstudio secrets.

Combine that video tutorial with the links and notes I posted in my other resources and a few of the other quality comments in this thread and you will likely never need Camtasia.

Josh YOU ROCK w/ the video!!! CamStudio, here I come!!!!

[Gene Pimentel]

Josh, AWESOME information, thank you! Can you explain the need for "FlowPlayer or LongTailVideo", and "Flix 8 Standard"?

Gene

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

Are you talking about the quality of a video?

Watch my video (big link in post above) and have your mind changed

Obviously camtasia is a quality application that offers some great quality features that camstudio does not...

But when it comes to the feature of screen capture of video and the quality of the actual captured video they are identical.

----

Here is a winning formula that will cost less and provide you many more features and abilities than camtasia:

Camstudio.org - Free
FlowPlayer or Longtailvideo Player - Free
Flix 8 Standard - $39
Sony Vegas Movie Studio - $55

Total cost = $99

You will have more and better features than Camtasia which costs $300.

Or you could just spend $300 on camtasia and have less features and less options ;-)

[plester]

Hey Josh,

Thanks for that free camstudio video!

Paul

[nmh]

I think you can use MouseZoom that is a Firefox add on as well to zoom in. I haven't tried it but that is free also.

[Josh Anderson]

Originally Posted by sylviad

So here's what I'm understanding...

CamStudio is simply a screen capture / audio capture program?

I still need something like Sony Vegas Movie Studio to actually put together the video?


Sylvia

Correct so my last list of recommended resources is your best solution for everything... however, I have a sneaky technique which allows me to create killer screen captures without editing on the fly...

That is to use the hot keys feature in Camstudio to pause while recording and get my thoughts strait when needed ;-)

This saves time and effort and allows me to whip out capture content with no editing when I want to...

Or you can use Sony Vegas which is a far better editor than most people need and surpasses Camtasia in every way.

Josh, AWESOME information, thank you! Can you explain the need for "FlowPlayer or LongTailVideo", and "Flix 8 Standard"?

Gene

Sure...

Camtasia includes encoding and embedding features such as its built in players. However, camtasia's encoder offers very limited encoding options and I cannot stand its players. They are quite limited...

Of course you have to recognize I am saying this from the perspective of one who develops and sells players and encoding training as part of my everyday business.

So if you want better encoding and player control you would go with the recommendations.

By getting all the items in the list I suggest above for $99 you far surpass any benefits of Camtasia and it will save you $200.

[Josh Anderson]

Originally Posted by nick1123

If your goal with these videos is to make money then I would highly recommend using Camtasia. It's what I use to make videos and it's a fantastic tool that I wish I would've purchased a long time.

You try to create videos with no intention of making money then the free solution might be best.

Hey Nick,

I bet I make more money producing training videos using camstudio than most people using camtasia ;-)

The correlation has no validity whatsoever.

Whether you choose camstudio or camtasia it will have zero impact on the amount of money you can make.

[Lloyd Buchinski]

Well I just slammed my cursor down on a thanks button. Josh you are the first person ever to get 2 of them from me. I appreciate the enthusiasm and experience and the detail. So many posts around here are opinions one way or another without a lot offered to back it up but some of us are really interested in the why? part of it. Thanks again.

[sylviad]

Does anyone save web pages to their computer when they contain
great information like this thread?

I'm just wondering if there's anything wrong with that, because I
do it all the time. It's a great way to save a resource like this. Many
people say they just bookmark the page... but I've learned the hard
way that the page can disappear and the excellent content with it.

At the very least, I will copy the most important comments into
Word and save that for future reference.

Thank you everyone who contributed to this thread. It has proven
very enlightening.

Sylvia

[Gene Pimentel]

Sylvia, I do it all the time. I usually just do a:
FILE-->PRINT-->Print To PDF

...which saves the whole page/thread as a PDF for future reference. In fact I did it with this thread yesterday

Originally Posted by sylviad

Does anyone save web pages to their computer when they contain
great information like this thread?

I'm just wondering if there's anything wrong with that, because I
do it all the time. It's a great way to save a resource like this. Many
people say they just bookmark the page... but I've learned the hard
way that the page can disappear and the excellent content with it.

At the very least, I will copy the most important comments into
Word and save that for future reference.

Thank you everyone who contributed to this thread. It has proven
very enlightening.

Sylvia

[sylviad]

Ah. Good idea. Never thought of saving as a PDF.
Might try that next time.

Thanks.

Yes, this is a good thread, isn't it?
So glad I started it.

Sylvia

[CJontheweb]

Why Camtasia over Youtube if you don't mind me asking?

[sylviad]

What are you going to PUT on YouTube?
Just a video from your webcam? Or a proper presentation,
like a training course with visual aids? Can you build a training
video on the fly, without any editing? It's tough, even for the
pros, to get it right first time in one take.

That's why.

Sylvia

[Josh Anderson]

Originally Posted by sylviad

Does anyone save web pages to their computer when they contain
great information like this thread?

I'm just wondering if there's anything wrong with that, because I
do it all the time. It's a great way to save a resource like this. Many
people say they just bookmark the page... but I've learned the hard
way that the page can disappear and the excellent content with it.

At the very least, I will copy the most important comments into
Word and save that for future reference.

Thank you everyone who contributed to this thread. It has proven
very enlightening.

Sylvia

I do it all the time using Adobe Acrobat. Acrobat has a one click button that turns a webpage into a pdf and I use it to archive good great threads for later reference.

I also use the subscribe without email notification option to log threads I am interested in for later reference.

[Darrel Hawes]

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

I also use the subscribe without email notification option to log threads I am interested in for later reference.

I do that same thing, as well as subscribing WITH email notifications for specific threads. I have them sorted into a separate folder in my email program.

That way, even if the thread goes away, I'll have all the postings that occurred after I subscribed. I can delete the ones I don't need.

[mario_a]

Originally Posted by sylviad

Does anyone save web pages to their computer when they contain
great information like this thread?

There's a great Firefox plugin that I use for this called Scrapbook.
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/427

Regards,
Mario

[LastWarrior]

I have both and with small short segments, Camstudio worked fine. One thing I didn't like is the quality wasn't as good as Camtasia and the file sizes were too large, but that could be due to my lack of experience using it.

I tried the 30-day free trial of Camtasia and LOVED it. It is awesome. However, somehow it errored on me and I only got to use it or had the ability to use for only about 13 days because it defaulted to 0 days left after using less than 2 weeks.

Get the free download, save the $300 in the next month, then when you go to purchase, you'll have the money and know how to use it!

LastWarrior

[Neil S]

To Josh or other CamStudio users:

When I am doing a screen recording of myself using a software program, the video tends to "blip" as in it can't seem to handle the recording seamlessly. The audio and video slightly cut out. Recording myself just clicking around is fine, but when I do something that requires additional system resources it never records perfectly.

I was thinking of purchasing Camtasia for this reason. But would this be a foolish purchase? Is the problem not CamStudio but my own computer?