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Video Warriors - want your thoughts

by Maddi
30 replies
Hey All,

Keeping it short and sweet.

I wanted to get into doing videos for several reasons such as video blogging, for my own products, video sales letters etc

Figured a nice handy camcorder would be a start.

As usual, used the search function here, found 3 threads and all of them had Kodak Zi8 as the favorite option. Now I am about to go ahead and purchase it but there are few things that keep slowing my decision down.

Will I be able to handle the technicalities? If I can figure out editing or simply hire someone to do that for me, what I am most bothered about is the light issues.

I saw a really cool video by fellow warrior Don Schenk showing his setup for the very same camera and he has like 4 different lights and reflectors and what not. How do I set all that up without going into the technicalities?

Are there alternative options besides recording in day light that I can overcome the lighting issues? Cheaper options to set it up without overly complicating things?

Also, any add ons and tips you might wanna give when recording will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your answers and apologies for sounding too complicated. I tend to have issues explaining things when I am on a lack of sleep.

Maddi
#thoughts #video #warriors
  • Profile picture of the author sanssecret
    I don't see how you can set up lighting without 'going into the technicalities' petal. I recall Don saying it was pretty easy but it lost me, lol.:confused:

    Good luck. Be interesting to see what the learning curve is if you don't mind posting it up for the rest of us 'non techies'.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
    Originally Posted by Maddi View Post

    Will I be able to handle the technicalities? If I can figure out editing or simply hire someone to do that for me, what I am most bothered about is the light issues.
    Maddi,

    This is like the UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR!

    I'm sure you'll get the hang of it. If you need any help editing your videos or need special effects, just let me know. I'd be glad to help you out.

    ~Bill
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    • Profile picture of the author Maddi
      Originally Posted by MilesT View Post

      DOING video is pretty simple. A flip cam and a USB cable will put you in business. However, if you have weak content you may as well stay home. Video is only as strong as the content you provide your viewers. I use natural window light when shooting video and the mic right off the camera. Nothing special. I focus on the sales content to ensure my conversions rawk. Way too easy to get caught-up in the techie side of video, try to avoid it and concentrate on rock-solid content.
      Miles, your comment made me giggle. But you are right, if I weak content I may as well stay at home

      However, I do not have weak content and this won't be the first time I do video. I do screen capture videos with audio narration all the time. Just wanted to get into video blogging and the lot.

      I stand behind my content 100% and plan to keep it that way for as long as I'm in business.

      Thanks for the comment.

      Originally Posted by Bill Farnham View Post

      Maddi,

      This is like the UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR!

      I'm sure you'll get the hang of it. If you need any help editing your videos or need special effects, just let me know. I'd be glad to help you out.

      ~Bill
      Listen mate, just because I live in a Cave and you've seen me on cam doesn't mean that I plan to keep it that way

      I took everyone's comments on board and people actually wanna 'see' me I guess I gotta move on and get some lighting solutions lmao

      Will definitely give you shout. Thanks for your help, appreciate it.
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  • Profile picture of the author StrikeNet
    Check out the show Film Riot
    They show you how to do EVERYTHING low budget. It's a cool show. new one every thursday afternoon
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  • Profile picture of the author PeterGarety
    You would want to watch free tips on web video university, it will help you to make decisions.

    Regarding the lightning, you need to get one softbox, as it is the most important element there.

    Furthermore, a very important thing is sound of your recording. You definitely need to get a stand alone microphone, but Dave Kaminski from Web Video University will explain that better.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
    I use a Flip HD and I use a standard lighting kit to resolve lighting issues. They're the same as a normal photographer would use for studio work. You can buy a home starter kit for a few hundred dollars.

    The usually come with 2 halogen lamps and a softbox and reflective filter so you can get rid of shadows and increase light in shaded areas.

    To be honest I wouldn't worry about it too much until you actually get the problem. In most situations you can just position yourself with the light behind you (sun light or whatever the situational light source is) and you'll be fine.

    Good luck with it and welcome to the world of video

    Andy
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    • Profile picture of the author Maddi
      Now THAT is what I call Warrior Spirit. you never feel alone or confused for that matter.

      Thanks all for your replies, keep them coming.

      Originally Posted by sanssecret View Post

      I don't see how you can set up lighting without 'going into the technicalities' petal. I recall Don saying it was pretty easy but it lost me, lol.:confused:

      Good luck. Be interesting to see what the learning curve is if you don't mind posting it up for the rest of us 'non techies'.
      Will post the details if I do get round sort the lighting equipment out Susan.

      Originally Posted by StrikeNet View Post

      Check out the show Film Riot
      They show you how to do EVERYTHING low budget. It's a cool show. new one every thursday afternoon
      Thanks, will check it out.

      Originally Posted by PeterGarety View Post

      You would want to watch free tips on web video university, it will help you to make decisions.

      Regarding the lightning, you need to get one softbox, as it is the most important element there.

      Furthermore, a very important thing is sound of your recording. You definitely need to get a stand alone microphone, but Dave Kaminski from Web Video University will explain that better.
      Yes, sound is without a doubt most important and from what I gathered from searching through threads for camera recommendations, Kodak Zi8 is better because it has an external mic jack.

      Originally Posted by Andyhenry View Post

      I use a Flip HD and I use a standard lighting kit to resolve lighting issues. They're the same as a normal photographer would use for studio work. You can buy a home starter kit for a few hundred dollars.

      The usually come with 2 halogen lamps and a softbox and reflective filter so you can get rid of shadows and increase light in shaded areas.

      To be honest I wouldn't worry about it too much until you actually get the problem. In most situations you can just position yourself with the light behind you (sun light or whatever the situational light source is) and you'll be fine.

      Good luck with it and welcome to the world of video

      Andy
      Hey Andy, thanks for your reply.

      I guess I'll go ahead and get the external mic and the Kodak Zi8 and see how it goes. Will keep on building and setting things up after that.

      don't wanna get stuck up in sorting the nitty gritty and just get on with it, thanks for the tips though, I can fork out a few hundred for a kit as you suggested.
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  • Profile picture of the author MilesT
    DOING video is pretty simple. A flip cam and a USB cable will put you in business. However, if you have weak content you may as well stay home. Video is only as strong as the content you provide your viewers. I use natural window light when shooting video and the mic right off the camera. Nothing special. I focus on the sales content to ensure my conversions rawk. Way too easy to get caught-up in the techie side of video, try to avoid it and concentrate on rock-solid content.
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  • Profile picture of the author dergutepaul
    Cool Answers here.
    But I still have a question for you pro's.
    I am a big fan of frank kern and his videos @mass control. I really want to do something like he does but I don't know how he's doing it. I mean what light or camerea does he use and do you think he uses a teleprompter. In his videos he acts really natural what i really hard in my opinion.
    I really looking forward to hearing answer from the experts.

    Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author StrikeNet
    1. Please don't use a flip camera. I'm begging you.
    2. I haven't seen his videos at all, but form a quick visit to the site, looks like they're editing with final cut pro or premier, and that the intro is done in after effects. Yes, they are using a teleprompter. Digital Juice has a cool promo going on now that lets you use your iphone/ipad for a teleprompter

    EDIT: my mistake, there's no after effects in there, just some simple editing.
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    • Profile picture of the author dergutepaul
      @strikeNet: How do you know they are using teleprompter. I mean he looks off camera more often and sometimes he makes a pause....
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      • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
        Maddi,

        Just get the silly camera already and go shoot some stuff. Do some test shoots and play them back so you'll know immediately how much lighting you will need.

        You can get a ton of stuff at the hardware store.

        It's not going to be perfect to start. What is more important is getting the content shot and up there.

        I think you are over thinking it.

        You won't need nearly the amount of light that is needed for something like a film shoot.

        That video Don did was a highly stylized special effect - but you don't need to do that for regular video blogging.

        Wear white. Turn the lights on, and kick in a couple of clamp on lights - the kind painters use that have that reflective background. If they are too strong, cover the top of the aluminum cone with a layer of mylar paper to diffuse it. This should cost well under 50 bucks for the whole set up.

        (Or, just make your life really easy and go get a macbook with the camera built in, get screenflow, and make videos in less than a half an hour to create, edit, and load up to the web. :p)

        Don't forget to look out for an external firewire drive to hold your content.
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        • Profile picture of the author Maddi
          Originally Posted by avenuegirl View Post

          Maddi,

          Just get the silly camera already and go shoot some stuff. Do some test shoots and play them back so you'll know immediately how much lighting you will need.

          You can get a ton of stuff at the hardware store.

          It's not going to be perfect to start. What is more important is getting the content shot and up there.

          I think you are over thinking it.

          You won't need nearly the amount of light that is needed for something like a film shoot.

          That video Don did was a highly stylized special effect - but you don't need to do that for regular video blogging.

          Wear white. Turn the lights on, and kick in a couple of clamp on lights - the kind painters use that have that reflective background. If they are too strong, cover the top of the aluminum cone with a layer of mylar paper to diffuse it. This should cost well under 50 bucks for the whole set up.

          (Or, just make your life really easy and go get a macbook with the camera built in, get screenflow, and make videos in less than a half an hour to create, edit, and load up to the web. :p)

          Don't forget to look out for an external firewire drive to hold your content.
          Yup. Ordered the Kodak Zi8. I'm just going to get on with it.

          The first addition is going to be an external mic and thats it. Will sort out light issues as I go...

          Thanks
          Maddi

          p.s. might borrow some candlelight from the picture on my cave wall to make do for now
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          • Profile picture of the author dergutepaul
            I bought the kodak zi8 as well a couple of weeks ago. It's a good camera and you can plug in an external mic. So it will work ;D
            Post the link here when u finished your video.

            If someone can answer my last question with the teleprompter I'd really appreciate it ;D

            Greetings
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            • Profile picture of the author jlucado
              Teleprompters are excessive and can be expensive.

              If you are just starting to do video marketing and have spent money on a good camera you can make a useful teleprompter with your laptop.

              1. I simply write a script in Word. Use large text so it is easy to see from about 3 feet away. Use text colors and hi-light colors to help you segregate your train of thought.

              2. Prop your laptop directly behind your camera, but make it visible as you look at the camera.

              3. Use a mouse to scroll down the word document as you shoot the video. I normally have a setting where I am sitting and use a mouse on my knee that is not in the field of view.

              This works very well for me.

              If you are using screen capture software or already employing your laptop, simply write a story board and tape it to the wall behind your laptop.

              The trick is make it appear as if you are not just reading. Practice your script or just use the script or story board as a guide for structure.

              Best to you.
              Jerry
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              • Profile picture of the author dergutepaul
                Hi Jerry,

                thanks for your post.

                Do you have an example where i can see you in "action"?

                Looking forward....

                Greetz,

                Paul
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              • Profile picture of the author mcmahanusa
                I found a really good tutorial on inexpensive ways to do your videos. It's got some really good tips. Here 'tis: Free Guide to Learning How To Create Web Videos - OnlineVideoToolKit.com

                The video toolkit is free, definitely worth the opt-in, which is free as well.
                You'll like the cheap lighting solution.

                As for me, while I started with the Flip camera, I have gone to the Kodak just because of the external mic feature.
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                • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
                  A couple other things...

                  PVC piping can be pretty versatile. It's strong, has a lot of available connectors and accessories so you can build all sorts of frameworks as needed either temporarily or permanently and it's also relatively cheap.

                  Also, a sturdy microphone stand can be versatile as well. A pair of them can help hold up a lightweight background. Or, they can be used as mounts for lightweight lighting features. And, of course, they can be used as a microphone stand. But, they can be relatively inexpensive and may cost less than stands designed for lighting and holding backgrounds and such. Just so long as the stand isn't too flimsy for what you need to do; don't risk getting hit in the head with something just in order to save a few bucks. But, if you don't have a lot of heavy duty needs, they can be quite handy.

                  Also, if you're really budget-minded, you can get an inexpensive small tripod. I have one that is maybe 9" high and cost maybe $10-$20 (maybe it was $5; I don't remember). It will hold a digital camera as well as something like a Flip or Kodak zi8. So long as you have a tall enough table (use books to raise it higher if needed), it can be very useful.

                  Mind you, a full-size tripod would be best, but even then a small one can come in handy. (I had a full-size tripod before I got the little one.)
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                  • Profile picture of the author Mbullard
                    First off, AndyHenry mentioned putting the light behind you and you'll be fine. I think what he meant was, put the light behind the camera and you'll be fine. Never, ever, put light behind the subject if it's the only light source. Your image will be ruined.

                    Somebody else mentioned getting a softbox. That's a good idea but you don't have to get an actual softbox. You can get a paper lantern at Pier One for about $10. One or two of those can work wonders. If you want lights specifically for shooting, you can get a set of 3 with umbrellas for about $100 from B&H photo.

                    You're absolutely right about having good audio. Audio in your video is more important than what is shot. You can always fix a bad shot, you can't always fix bad audio. It's a good call that you are getting a camera with an internal mic.

                    Somebody else mentioned a reflector. Something that comes close to that is white poster board. Lean it up on something so it's reflecting light onto you and you're set.

                    So, with 2 paper lanterns and some poster board you can have a workable lighting setup for under $25.
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  • Profile picture of the author source47
    I've heard that the Kodak Zi8 is an awesome camcorder. The Flip is also a great camera.

    My advise is that if you have great content for your videos. Shoot them. In the beginning, they don't have to be professional. You can always work up to having a dedicated room with all of the lighting equipment.

    What I'm saying is that you shouldn't wait to have everything figured out before you start shooting, otherwise, you may never get there. Of course, like anything, there will be a learning curve. You'll figure out what works best and what needs to be improved.

    When you're ready to get a lighting set, you'd probably be able to find one for a few hundred bucks. As far as video editing goes, Mac is hands-down the way to go. iMovie is the easiest video editing software that I've found (including what's available on Windows also.)

    Just one man's opinion. I hoped that this helped!
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    • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
      I'm brand new to video and have both cameras. My first choice was the FLIP since it's supposed to be the Video for Dummies camera. But I purchased the Kodak Zi8 since it was so highly recommended AND it has an input jack for a microphone. I want good quality audio without a lot of background noise, so I want to use a lavalier microphone.

      However, I've been having trouble uploading videos edited and converted in Sony Vegas Home Studio HD 9.0 and it's driving me CRAZY!

      I'd really appreciate some help if you can answer some questions. You can see my post here:

      http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...o-youtube.html

      Bottom line though is I ended up using my FLIP camera.

      I just shot my first videos two days ago and had someone else upload them to YouTube (since I couldn't). I know that lighting is an issue and I don't have the resources to buy a bunch of camera equipment (lights, etc.). I just want to be able to shoot and upload but I'm having a devil of a time doing it!

      Fortunately, I have two halogen lights, so I place one on either side of where I was sitting and the lighting issue was solved. I think it came out very well for my first videos!
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      • Profile picture of the author lamberw
        A zi8 is a good option if you're not really techy.

        AVS Video Converter is easy software as you can trim and edit the photos as well as convert them into a suitable file format for the web such as .avi, .mp4 or .flv

        If you're going down the self-hosting route, DO NOT use your own shared hosting like Go Daddy, HostGator, BlueHost, etc. Instead, host your videos on Amazon S3 and they will stream seamlessly for your users for literally pennies every month.
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        • Profile picture of the author Maddi
          Originally Posted by source47 View Post

          I've heard that the Kodak Zi8 is an awesome camcorder. The Flip is also a great camera.

          My advise is that if you have great content for your videos. Shoot them. In the beginning, they don't have to be professional. You can always work up to having a dedicated room with all of the lighting equipment.

          What I'm saying is that you shouldn't wait to have everything figured out before you start shooting, otherwise, you may never get there. Of course, like anything, there will be a learning curve. You'll figure out what works best and what needs to be improved.

          When you're ready to get a lighting set, you'd probably be able to find one for a few hundred bucks. As far as video editing goes, Mac is hands-down the way to go. iMovie is the easiest video editing software that I've found (including what's available on Windows also.)

          Just one man's opinion. I hoped that this helped!
          Yup, I chose Kodak Zi8 over Flip because of the external mic option as I may compromise on lighting and video quality a little in the start but can't afford to have bad quality audio.

          Thanks for the tips and advice.

          Originally Posted by lamberw View Post

          A zi8 is a good option if you're not really techy.

          AVS Video Converter is easy software as you can trim and edit the photos as well as convert them into a suitable file format for the web such as .avi, .mp4 or .flv

          If you're going down the self-hosting route, DO NOT use your own shared hosting like Go Daddy, HostGator, BlueHost, etc. Instead, host your videos on Amazon S3 and they will stream seamlessly for your users for literally pennies every month.
          I think I've already got AVS but now I'm going to give Bill Farnham a shout for post product It pays to be a Warrior lol

          You bring up a very good point about hosting videos, I just bought a product about S3 for just that.

          I've had nightmare of issues with just hosting audio on one of my domains and luckily I have a reseller account so I only had to manually increase bandwidth on that domain [4 times in a month - thats how heavily it was downloaded]

          I'm gonna check out Amazon S3 setup while I wait for the camera to be delivered.

          Thanks for your help

          Maddi
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  • Profile picture of the author StrikeNet
    Just wondering -- how are you planning on marketing your videos?
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    • Profile picture of the author Maddi
      Originally Posted by StrikeNet View Post

      Just wondering -- how are you planning on marketing your videos?
      For now I'm only going start off by video blogging and will place my videos on the Blog and other videos on youtube.

      At the moment, I do screen capture and powerpoint based videos for my products.

      When I do get into Video Marketing, I'll look into the marketing side of things. Youtube and TubeMogul to start with...

      Maddi
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  • Profile picture of the author activetrader
    Originally Posted by Maddi View Post

    Will I be able to handle the technicalities? If I can figure out editing or simply hire someone to do that for me, what I am most bothered about is the light issues.
    Lighting is very important if you are serious about video marketing. If you plan things like video blogging for instance lighting is critical. If you only plan on making one or two videos you can get away without quality lighting.

    As far as editing, I use Magix software which is super cheap (there are different options but the one I have is under $50).
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
      Maddi,

      You need to get a lighting kit, especially since you live in a cave.

      Look on eBay. I got one a few years back at a very reasonable price. Brand new, not used. I'm sure you can probably pick up deals these days too.

      You could buy a bunch of lamps too, but then you'll probably be spending almost as much as a lighting kit anyway.

      If you want to go low budget, you could film in a white or light colored room. Pick up some cheap lamps at a thrift store; some with white shades, some without. Get full spectrum fluorescent bulbs and arrange the lights so your filming area is fully lit, without washing out anything. You could make a cheap reflector with aluminum foil if you absolutely have to.
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      • Profile picture of the author Maddi
        Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

        Maddi,

        You need to get a lighting kit, especially since you live in a cave.

        Look on eBay. I got one a few years back at a very reasonable price. Brand new, not used. I'm sure you can probably pick up deals these days too.

        You could buy a bunch of lamps too, but then you'll probably be spending almost as much as a lighting kit anyway.

        If you want to go low budget, you could film in a white or light colored room. Pick up some cheap lamps at a thrift store; some with white shades, some without. Get full spectrum fluorescent bulbs and arrange the lights so your filming area is fully lit, without washing out anything. You could make a cheap reflector with aluminum foil if you absolutely have to.
        Nice one. Will check out ebay for that and go through youtube like Scott suggested.

        Its amazing what we can find on youtube these days. You know I was going to use the candles I have under J**'s picture in the Cave, but at no time can I leave that area unlit. You know...

        Thanks everyone.

        Maddi
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  • Profile picture of the author scottsheen
    Maddi,
    Don't forget to search YouTube. There are dozens of DIY solutions to your lighting issue.

    Scott
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  • Profile picture of the author mauricio.quito
    Hey there!

    If I was you I would go for the simplest easiest way... Flip HD camcorder + tripod (must) + a reflection screen (b&h.com) and thats it.

    Shoot your video with some natural source of light as background, could be a window or simply outdoors.. Place the reflection screen up behind the tripod with the camera and action!

    Have fun..

    Mauricio Quito
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