Comments on: How to Shoot Video for Your Blog or Website

By: Nicholas

Nicholas — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 23:41:39 +0000

Ah, yes, that would be quite a journey. Alberta is a great place for vacations though, with Banff just down the road!

By: Chantelle

Chantelle — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 02:07:28 +0000

Hi Nicholas
Many thanks for your response – some very helpful tips. I’m actually in Perth, Western Australia so a bit of a trek to Calgary

By: Nicholas

Nicholas — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:26:19 +0000

Thanks for the comment Chantelle. Technology is great – it’s getting cheaper and better all the time, and camcorders are no exception. Since YouTube now supports HD, any HD camera would work well. Check the maximum resolution – it will say 720 or 1080 (or 720p or 1080p). This will just determine how sharp the video will look when viewed fullscreen.
The other things I would consider are tape vs hard drive, and inputs. There are two thoughts on tape – one is that you have to make sure you always have enough on hand, but unlike hard drives, tape cannot crash and may work better in extreme (ie very cold) conditions. I heard of a snowboarder who uses a tape based camcorder for that very reason. If you are getting a model with a flash drive (like the memory used in mobile phones and the MacBook Air) just make sure you have tons of memory, especially if you plan on using HD.
If you are using an external mic (such as a lapel mic, which will make the voice sound more professional) make sure the camcorder has external mic inputs. Not all models do, particularly at the lower end of the scale. Even using a boom mic (hanging overhead) can greatly improve audio and eliminate that background hiss you often hear on amateur recordings.
For most purposes, USB can work fine for transferring to your computer. Removable memory cards make this even easier. But for a lot of video (ie hours at a time), Firewire800 is fastest.
If you live in Calgary, I would strongly suggest visiting the Camera Store on 11th Avenue. The staff are very knowledgeable and can help everyone from amateurs on vacation to professionals. Tell them Nick sent you!
Hope this helps.

By: Chantelle

Chantelle — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 06:48:42 +0000

Hello,
Thanks for the advice. We’re looking to purchase a digital camcorder for that exact purpose of recording small bits of footage of building related topics and either uploading to our website, you tube or our blog.
Any suggestions on a digital camcorder to purchase – or things it should have to make the whole recording, editing and uploading to medium easier?
Any assistance would be most appreciated.
Thanks!

By: Clair Boutwell

Clair Boutwell — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:29:25 +0000

Awesome Blog, Bro! Admitedly I’m an AV aficionado and am constantly on the lookout for new and interesting sites and postings about cool audio video related stuff… which is what led me here. Anyway i just wanted to check in as I certainly plan on visiting again! See Ya

By: Dora Benes

Dora Benes — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:13:55 +0000

Refreshing blog. My class mates and I were just talking about this the other night. Also your site looks nice on my old palm treo. Now thats uncommon. Keep it up.