Video storytelling
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Equipment
Laptop (required)
You need a laptop loaded with video editing software. If you have a Windows laptop, get Adobe Premiere Pro (not Premiere Elements). If you have a Macintosh, get either Adobe Premiere Pro or any version of Final Cut (not iMovie). The current Final Cut is Pro X, available as a download through the online Macintosh App Store. Final Cut Pro X is easier to learn to use but Adobe Premiere is not difficult.
Video camera (required)
Any camera (not a cellphone) that will capture video can work. These days, that means pretty much any camera. And you can produce a nice video for this class using a very inexpensive camera.
If you're buying a camera for the first time, start with the CNET digital camera buying guide. For those on a budget, a good choice is a point-and-shoot camera. I like the Canon Elph series as a nice blend of quality and size. The Canon Elph 110 offers a lot of camera for the money. If you have more cash and wish to get a better camera with better lenses, consider the Nikon D3200 or the Canon Rebel series. For videos, a dedicated camcorder can produce better results than a point-and-shoot or even a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) such as the Nikon D3200. Canon makes good consumer camcorders in its Vixia line, such as the HF M500. Don't be misled by manufacturers' claims. More megapixels doesn't equal quality. The only things that matter is the quality of the camera sensor and the lens. And for what we do, 720p is HD -- high definition. The next step up, 1080p, is only useful if you have a really big screen or Blu-ray burner. DVDs can only go to 720p, and even that resolution will tax download speeds. Investigate carefully. Go to a camera store and electronics store such as Best Buy and hold the camera in your hand to see how it feels and how easy it is for you to use. |
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Sound Recorder (optional)
Sound is as important as video. If your video camera has limited sound capacity or a small microphone, consider an audio recorder and a lavalier microphone. I used the Audio-Technica lavaliere microphone (left), which is just $25. If your camera has an external microphone jack, the lavaliere microphone is all you need. If not, consider a dedicated recorder like one of the following:
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You can get the mono (not stereo) Olympus (left) for about $52. It is very good for capturing voice. It is mostly used by reporters who want to quote a speaker accurately. It stores hours of voice and its batteries last a long time.
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A more versatile handheld option is the Zoom H2n stereo recorder (right). It is a terrific recorder for voice, ambient sound ("nat" sound) and music. It
records music so well that some bands use it to make demos.
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Tripod (required)
You must have a tripod to create good-looking video. No one can steady themselves sufficiently to avoid distracting camera shake. The difference between holding the camera with your own hands and using a tripod is the difference between looking like an amateur and looking like a pro.
I use the Manfrotto tripod at left because it is light, it has a quick-release plate so I can easily put my camera on the tripod without having to screw it in, and it collapses to a size that fits in my Pacsafe backpack while still extending high enough for my 6-foot-3 frame. Plus, this one costs less than $60. As with cameras, you have lots of options for tripods. Try them out at a camera store or Best Buy. |
Storage
Video files can take a lot of space, so be sure to bring plenty of storage cards. What kind of card you get will depend on your device. Above is an SD card.
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