Videography and Video Editing - Any pros with tips?

Bryan Kortez · 11 Jun 2015 at 23:36

I am looking to get into videography and video editing as a bit of a hobby and make some basic videos for youtube etc. Can anyone provide me with some tips that might help a beginner?

James J · 11 Jun 2015 at 23:54

I've recently started doing this for gaming content and due to not owning a mac so no access to final cut pro, I decided to buy cyber links power director 13 software after reading reviews and watching comparison videos on it. It's very easy to use and can easily make advanced looking content with minimal effort.

Bryan Kortez · 12 Jun 2015 at 00:09

I have got an older macbook pro that I use for basic things, but think it may struggle with video editing as its only a 2.26Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo, 8gb 1333Mhz DDR3 Ram and a 120gb SSD.

My main PC has the Nvidea Geforce capture software which seems to work pretty well, so I could record some footage and give it a try.

How long did it take you to get your head around the software and start getting acceptable videos?

Bryan Kortez · 12 Jun 2015 at 00:11

Also, did you find it awkward at all talking over your videos?

I question my sanity at times, and I find the idea of sitting in a room talking to yourself a bit strange ha.

CREATIVE!11 · 12 Jun 2015 at 01:29

You have few choices as far as video editing goes, I tend to use after effects (Because I love all advanced plugins you can get for it and to make basic animations) and premiere pro.

Sony vegas is a popular choice because it's a little easier to use.

go to lynda.com and you can find lessons on after effects / premier pro / vegas and whatever else you want to learn and it'll teach you everything you need to know basics wise at least.

Also if you want to commentate over your own youtube videos you need a good condensor mircrophone and interface.

AT 2020 usb will do... or you can buy a AT2020 and then buy a focusrite scarlet 2i2 (My favourite great sound quality and cheap).

But a large diaphragm condenser is a must for that quality radio voice.

Bryan Kortez · 12 Jun 2015 at 13:56

Tried to install the final cut pro demo on my mac, but I think it's to old as it says it wont install on the machine.

Any idea what the lights are called with the big white sheets in front of them to create even light? Might see if I can find a DIY to make one, and finish some pictures off of my prodigy build.

ginger_pat · 12 Jun 2015 at 14:18

I use a 2010 MBP with the same specs as yourself - upgraded 8gb Ram and an SSD and use Final Cut Pro, it can be slow but you can definitely get great results with them.

How I edit is with an external Hard Drive with proxy media, once I am happy with the edit I then convert it back to full resolution, this is editing with 1080p 30fps.
It can be frustrating if i'm being honest but if you can't afford to upgrade then it's definitely a viable option.

If you have any questions please ask away I am more than happy to help out if I can.

englishpremier · 12 Jun 2015 at 17:09

Every computer will struggle with video editing that's just the nature of the beast. You can never have a powerful enough CPU or enough ram.

Biggest thing I find with videograohy is just getting nice stable shots. Nothing ruins a video more than jeky camera action. Trust me, I've got some what otherwise would be nice holiday shots to prove it.

I just final cut which I'm still learning. I still haven't produced anything I dare share yet.

AHarvey · 12 Jun 2015 at 20:50

Bryan Kortez said:
Any idea what the lights are called with the big white sheets in front of them to create even light?

softboxes

Might see if I can find a DIY to make one, and finish some pictures off of my prodigy build.

http://www.diyphotography.net/how-to-build-24-diy-softboxes/

mainly for photography lights though.

ideally, daylight bulbs in lamps and some white sheets, or LED panels and frosted perspex.

its not just what you use, its the size of it in comparison to the subject and how close it is.