Video QuickTips

Switching from Avid to Adobe Premiere Pro CS6

admin — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:42:30 +0000

After much consternation, getting things set up and activated, I have switched from Avid to Premiere CS6 at work .

18 years on Avid gives you expectations on how things should work in your mind anyway. That doesn’t always coincide with how Adobe thinks they should work.

As I was getting my first project underway, I was having issues with audio. It was coming in as a stereo track. Well, I don’t want it that way, I want individual mono tracks. That way I have more control over levels, I can easily delete the ambient track or do whatever I want in a way that is more natural to me. I poked around in the settings, preferences, effects, couldn’t find anything that made sense until I stumbled upon this, so I thought I could share…It has kind of a long intro but good info.

Have no fear Video QuickTips will be back, just have a lot on my plate lately and finding “free” time is difficult.

New Camera Stabilizer: Is it a Game Changer?

admin — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:16:45 +0000

Firefly Systems has come out with a new rig that is a bit like a steadi-cam but not. MōVI is a handheld 3-axis digital stabilized camera gimbal. In layman’s terms that means you shoothand held, no body mounted vest, no tripod, no nothing. And you can still get smooth, great looking, shots. Here’s a video

Not the most frugal piece of gear with a price tag of about $15,000. I also have concerns about the stress on the operators arms, shoulders and back for any lengthy shots, but I guess that’s what a Steadi-cam is for.

Some Tips for Staying Organized [VQT #54]

admin — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:40:23 +0000

Cables, tapes, cards, connectors, adapters, clips, keeping it all organized can be a challenge. Episode 54 of Video QuickTips offers some ideas on how to corral all those little things that can bring a shoot to a standstill if you can’t find them when you need them.

What do you do to stay organized? Let’s share some ideas.

Camera Caddie Demo Video

admin — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:49:57 +0000

A really QuickTip. Some viewers asked for some handheld footage using the camera reviewed in VideoQuickTip Episode #53. So I went out and got some shots around the park. The ground was a bit wet and “suctiony” which may have had an effect on the walking shots. But there you go a really quick tip showing the camera caddie in action.

Hope that helps. Again I picked this up for $15 from an ebay seller, EmilyandLilly. Free shipping.

Camera Supports [VQT#53]

admin — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:33:25 +0000

Cameras have been getting smaller for years. DSLRs are getting more and more popular. One of the things they have in common is their size, or lack thereof. That lack of size makes them more difficult to hold steady, which means camera supports are more necessary. Tripods rule, but are not always practical and sometimes you just want a handheld shot. Not shaky, but handheld. This episode takes a look at one alternative.

What are you using?

DIY Camera Slider: Less than $50

admin — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:30 +0000

At least that is what Auston Wilson the creator of this video says it will cost. He doesn’t add in the cost of the tripod head, and I haven’t checked current prices, but this looks like a pretty easy build and quite functional. All parts available at your local big box home improvement center.

DIY Slider from Auston Wilson on Vimeo.

If you build one of these, post a video and let us know how it worked for you.

DSLR Shoulder Rig Review [Video QuickTips Episode #52]

admin — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 01:45:30 +0000

Camcorders and cameras have gotten smaller. Videographers are always looking at a way to get steadier handheld video. If you use a small camcorder or DSLR you have probably searched for what is commonly called a shoulder rig. Undoubtedly you have come up with a slew of possibilities and one sticks out because of its price and its convertibility. Some call it the Spider Steady. We take a look at it in this episode of Video QuickTips.

Happy Holidays from Video QuickTips

admin — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 01:14:54 +0000

Just a short video to say thanks for another great year. We’ll see you in 2013, may all your videos be great!

The Perils of Royalty Free Music

admin — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:36:24 +0000

I have long urged videomakers to stay legal and not use copywritten music, but rather use royalty-free music in their videos. Some you pay for a license, others are free, provided you follow the author’s rules for use. i.e. credited a certain way etc.

One of the free sites I have suggested is Kevin MacLeod’s Incompetech.com. I read his blog and found this Post(click here to visit his site) where he details issues he has uncovered with companies laying claim to Public Domain compositions, not recordings which would or could still be under copyright, but compositions, some hundreds of years old.
He explains it in more detail, so check it out.

So if you use Public Domain music, that is copyright free, and get flagged by Youtube for copyright infringement, dispute it. It seems some companies are laying claim to these pieces, getting ad profits from Youtube on music they do not own. Nice work if you can get it. So don’t let them get away with it. If you are snagged, let Kevin MacLeod know, he is building a database to try to battle this infestation. And remember, Stay Legal!

DIY Product Turntable [VQT #51]

admin — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 02:25:31 +0000

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Happy New Year! This is the final episode of Video QuickTips for 2012, and no it has nothing to do with the Mayan Calendar.

If you’re shooting product videos and easy way to add some movement and interest to an otherwise stagnant shot is a turntable. I’m not talking about the kind that plays records, or 45s’ (I know I’m showing my age) but a turntable that has some strength to turn products that have some weight.

So enough already… here’s episode 51.

Comments, questions and suggestions always welcome. Either here or at Facebook.