Documentation:Video Basics/What do I need

From UBC Wiki

In addition to the specific suggestions below, you might be able to borrow an all-in-one iPad recording kit from the CTLT.

No matter what you use, make sure to test all of your equipment, including transferring files from your recording device to your computer, before you begin recording. You want to address any issues before you spend hours shooting your production. If you find that you don't have the equipment you need, you might be able to borrow it.

Hardware

You likely have the tools to make a video already, even if you don't have a camcorder. Web cams, digital cameras, and smart phones often have video recording features. Many digital cameras even have a simple switch to choose between taking stills and video.

Video recording devices

While it's possible to go all-out and find a camcorder to use for your DIY media project, the essence of DIY is that you don't have a spend a lot of money to create a quality production. If you have (or have access to) a smartphone or tablet, you can use the built-in camera and a free app to record your footage.

Microphones

While most of the video recorders mentioned above have some built-in audio capture device, a stand-alone microphone will dramatically increase the quality of your audio, and is strongly recommended if you're doing an interview or other audio-heavy video. Here are a few useful links if you're looking at microphones.

  • The DIY Media website has a page on microphone suggestions, going over the various types of microphones available.
  • Choosing Microphones is a 4-minute video from lynda.com which has some helpful tips for deciding what kind of microphone will best suit your needs.
  • Wistia's Learning Centre demonstrates the quality of sound achieved with different mics in this 4.5 minute video.

Lighting

Lighting is an often-overlooked but important component of a good video project. You can use lights as simple as desk lamps to dramatically increase the quality and professionalism of your video. Have a look at this link for an example of a DIY lighting set up.

Software

The only software you should need to create a video production is a piece of editing software. (If you're recording footage on your computer, refer to the screencasting toolkits for software-related advice.)

Editing software

  • Camtasia (Mac, Windows)
    • Camtasia is a dedicated screencasting and video editing tool. While the focus is on editing screencasting footage, Camtasia will work perfectly well for editing video from any source. For tutorials and help, have a look at the Using Camtasia section of the DIY Media website.
  • Windows Movie Maker (Windows)
    • Windows Movie Maker is reasonably powerful, free, editing software.
  • iMovie (Mac)
    • iMovie comes pre-installed on most Mac computers. Advanced users will prefer the features offered by more powerful programs, like Final Cut, but iMovie combines a reasonable number of features with ease-of-use.
  • Final Cut (Mac)
    • Final Cut is expensive but powerful professional editing software. It's available for use at various Mac workstations in UBC Vancouver Library locations. For faculty and graduate students registered with lynda.com, Final Cut Pro X Essential Training is available. This course will help you with the full editing process, from preparation to exporting. For undergraduate students, a basic tutorial for iMovie and Final Cut Pro is hosted on the UBC Wiki.
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