Sometimes, people ask me what gear I use to create a videoblog. For the most part, the stuff you already own is pretty good. But let’s pretend you’re going to run out and buy some new stuff to create videoblogs. I’ll tell you what I’ve got, give you some variations on the theme, and we can discuss other people’s setups in the comments section. Sound good?
My Computer: A MacBook- I have a dual core Intel Macbook. Not the pro. Just a Macbook. This has proven to be strong enough to handle my video needs. I am a Mac guy. I’ve used Macs, PCs, and Linux boxes for decades, but my heart belongs to Apple. Why? Easy. They’re easy.
My Software: iMovie or Final Cut Express- MOST of us don’t need Final Cut Pro. We’re barely scratching past iMovie, most of us. But if you want “real” video editing, I’m told Final Cut is real, and what I do in iMovie is fake. Tell you what: iMovie is free and it’s easy to use. You decide.
Storage: External Hard Drives- Storage is getting cheaper and cheaper. Don’t shackle your computer with buying a big hard drive on board. Use the built-in 40 GIG drive or 80, but use that for your WORKSPACE, and store everything off-box on an external hard drive. And while you’re at it, buy two. They’re cheap. Back one up to the other, and bring the other drive to your family’s house, or to the office, or somewhere that will protect your media, should disaster strike. Do a drive-to-drive backup once a month or once a week, depending on your production volume.
The Camera: Sony DSC-T9: This is where we can all disagree, or pimp our own favorite camera. I have a really nice Sony camera, and I have my T9. I *always* have the T9 with me. I often forget the lah-ti-dah camera. I don’t care which you use. Here’s what to consider:
DV cameras record to little magnetic tapes. This means when you’re ready to load it into your computer, you have to wait for the tape to load.
DVD cameras record to DVDs. This is pretty much only a good option for parents looking to launch unedited DVDs (or lightly edited) to grandma.
HDD cameras (not high def, but hard disk drive) record to a hard drive, and then transfer digital data at digital speeds. I prefer this type of camera, and yet, I read often that DV is better, because doing the on-camera transcode to the hard drive causes some loss of quality. *I* haven’t seen this, but I should let you know, in case you have “mission critical” data conversion requirements.
To go Hi Def, or Not to Go- Andrew Baron of Rocketboom answered this months ago. He says that hi definition is important now, even if you’re uploading video that will go to a two-inch iPod. I used to disagree. I now believe that transcoding your video to the highest quality possible, and then offering a flash or lower resolution version is the way to go. I agree. High definition is probably a good thing to shoot for now.
My Online Host: Blip.tv I need to qualify this. I use Blip.tv because I know the people who make the app. I use it because I’ve had nothing but success. I use Blip.tv because I think their product works well, and it does a ton of things for me that I don’t have to think about, just as a matter of course. So, they’re my favorite.
HOWEVER, all the other guys are reasonably good, too. I like Veoh, Revver, Brightcove, VideoEgg, and plenty of the other hosts, too. I like YouTube for what it is: a platform for fast and easy distribution where the abundance of eyeballs happen to be at present. No slight on any other service.
Your Turn- Why don’t you describe your setup. What do YOU use? What did I miss? Questions?
Chris Brogan blogs at [chrisbrogan.com]. Add him on Twitter
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
This would be great content for newmediacamp.com
Care to cross-post it?
Perfect post! Very informative and helpful to a vidiot like me!
I create video for a living, so I can use the high end equipment we have for my video show, gardenfork.tv.
But, the items Chris has listed are all good. I would suggest a LaCie hard drive, don’t cheap out on your external drive, you will get dropped frames if you do. iMovie works great, no need for Final Cut Envy. you can even edit in QuickTime if need be.
One thing I would add is a good microphone. Either a handheld or lavelier. The Apple store sells a few. Good audio will make bad video look good. When shooting, turn off the stereo playing in the background.
I spoke at podcampNYC about creating gardenfork, you all might find it helpful.
http://ericrochow.com/?p=140
Ha! I actually posted mine last night! Of course, mine is what it is: a simple setup from existing equipment. You know, I’m cheap!
http://www.smallbizsurvival.com/2007/05/how-to-do-simple-videos-for-your.html
It’s awesome to see you’re using a digital camera. I have a sony m2 I’ve been contemplating using, but was afraid I’d have problems editing. Guess I have no excuse for putting it off now, huh? Do you know if final cut or Quicktime let me record and insert voiceovers?
JMCampbell - I think so. I know that iMovie does.
I have a 4 year old camera, the Sony DCR-TRV 330. I really enjoy it and even if it’s a few years old it still produces quality video.
I have an iMac and an external harddrive.
I use Final Cut Express for my editing due to the fact I love Final Cut! It simply rocks for what I do!
I also have a set for my show. It’s in our finished downstairs basement which using some paneling that has the added bonus of being almost sound proof. The set is a green screen or a couch and we have some lights hooked up and just today we installed an extra TV plugged into the camera. Makes me feel like I’m in a real studio.
Then I upload to Revver, Veoh, LiveVideo, and my host.
This setup is pretty much a DIY setup, but I like it.
Oh forgot to mention, I also have a tripod, a monopod, and a shotgun mic plugged into the camera. Those really help my quality I think.
What I love about this post is that it once again prooves what I am always telling people that you can create content with what you have right now. Yes, you can always spend more money and do things “better” but at the end of the day just create the content with what you have and then decide if you want to invest in upgrades.
Me? I’ve got my Sanyo HD2 and Vidblaster (www.vidblaster.com) to make my videos right now. I’m going to be experimenting with iMovie and seeing where we go from there.
Chris, are you using the Sony DSC-T9 for both still and video?
Thank you for sharing this information. I’m a resourceful guy only to the extent resources such as yours exist. In learning how to create video in the past few months, I spent a lot of time trying to problem-solve transferring video from my Canon Elura 100 via firewire to (ducks) Windows MovieMaker. I thought I was stuck with the lower quality tape to internal card to computer when I somehow realized my pcmcia Creative Soundblaster audio card was the culprit. I’m looking forward now to creating content that hopefully will also look good.
I have played around with Vlogit and like some of its features. I have a green screen I hope to use soon. And, I look forward to trying out vidcaster once the cool kids privy to its beta use seem satisfied and Mike releases it to the rest of us.
I love this post.