video blogger

Michigan video bloggerSo you want to be a video blogger? At DW Video & Multimedia we are in production for our soon to be released video blog. So we are going to add video blogger to our list of titles.

As part of our marketing campaign I was looking at ways to increase our business and to help people. After some research Video blogging became very appealing to me. My passion has been helping people promote their business, organization and non-profit.  In addition loving promoting Michigan.  So, in the next couple weeks we are beginning our path as a video blogger and promoting Michigan businesses, communities and people.  More info to come.

So back to the question, So you want to be a video blogger?  Here are some helpful tips in creating your program.

First, you need content. What is your expertise?  What can you bring to the table and share that will help teach and inform others on how to do something?  This process is a marathon and you need to have content that is on-going.

How are you going to do this?  For our method we are setting up a new YouTube channel, going to setup a page on our website and use other social media networks to share our message.

Once you have the content and delivery method taken care of.  Lets now look at some basic equipment needs.

zoomAUDIO: I believe that audio is 90% of a great video.  Look for a camcorder that comes with a MIC input and then buy an external microphone.  You can get a Lav mic for the best audio for your video blog. The key here is to get the microphone as close as you can

If you have a camera that does not have a MIC in, you can record the audio on a separate audio recorder like the Zoom H4n Handy Recorder which I have  and merge the audio with video in editing program.

VIDEO: For a basic camera the Zoom Q4 has an external mic input that would be ideal for what you need.  I have one of these cameras and use it for behind the scenes shots all the time.

Need to use our studio or have DW Video produce your Video Blogs?  Contact me at 231-937-5420 or connect on Linkedin. 

 

 

Using the Zoom Q4 and GoPro Hero3 for editing a Music Concert

[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/y8RM-SHPisw” title=”Zoom%20Q4%20and%20GoPro” rel=”0″]

I was recently in a battle of the bands.  For fun and yet still playing with my new Zoom Q4 I decided to  record the music concert.

For this music concert video I used two Zoom Q4’s and a Go Pro Hero 3. Edited on Sony Vegas Pro 12.

I found that the front Q4 due to the amount of light on the stage was washed out.  There is no iris control.  The side Q4 looked great.  However in the viewfinder for both cameras I did not see the wash out image.  The audio would have been better except I made a mistake.  The Zoom Q4 has a pop up stereo mic – which I forgot to pop up.  The mics picked up the ambient sound – however next time I may tap into the sound board.  The Q4 has a line input.

The GoPro Hero3 I placed in on the drums.  All cameras are fixed lens.  All the movement: zoom, pan – was done in editing using Sony Vegas Pro 12.  The cameras were set to 1920 X 1080.  I then did the edit in 720.  This allows me to get some nice camera motion within each video clip.

For music concert videos I cannot wait to try again go check out the sound.

Gained Access is a Christian Rock band praising the Lord.  In this ‘live’ performance the group performs an original song by Wilbur…. HEAVEN.

Video produced by DW Video & Multimedia, LLC

Train Stock Video with Zoom Q4

Arrived in Edgerton, Ohio last evening and noticed there is a train coming by every half hour or so.  When I woke up Saturday morning and the day was nice.  Grabbed the camera bag and out the door I went.

Drove around and found a couple locations to capture some stock video with my Canon 60D.  I also grabbed my new Zoom Q4. Have not had the camera very long and thought “why not see the Zoom can do.

Zoom Q4 power shot

Place the camera on the ground fairly close to the tracks for the power shot.

Zoom Q4 GoPro

The Zoom Q4 can get some really cool shots. It is small and put it almost anywhere. Just like with the GoPro.

Zoom Q4

Here are some frame grabs from the Zoom Q4.

The Zoom Q4 is similar to the GoPro in that is is small and can be concealed almost anywhere.   Having both the Zoom and the GoPro is going to give many many options for creative control over the shots I need.

According to the Zoom Website, “The Zoom Q4 is all about bringing a new dimension to your music.  It combines high-definition video with high-resolution audio, providing everything you need to shoot amazing videos with incredible sound.”

 

The audio was the reason I purchased the Zoom Q4 – having many tools in my toolbox is important to me.  However, for this shoot, I forgot the windsock that comes with the unit.  I left it back in Michigan, so I am not sure how well it works.  The audio here was a bit windy, hence it was windy here.  My mistake.

I used the Zoom Q4 in a concert setting the other day.  The stage was really lit well and the Q4 had areas that were washed out.  I am amazed at what these small cameras can do, but small, compact – I found a weakness.  With no iris control you have to settle for what the camera decides as the correct exposure.  A similar situation happened at my church where I had a camera on two guitar players in the worship team.  The opposite – the lighting was low.  The Zoom was unable to get me that great shot.

[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/M47fZegjtWY” title=”train” rel=”0″]

For the money – the Zoom Q4 ROCKS!  I know now what limitations it has regarding lighting and will do what I can to adapt and modify.

For all your media and video production needs contact DW Video.  We are here to help.

 

 

 

 

 

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