Comments are closed on this post. Winner TBD next week. Thanks!
“Oh my god, you guys are OLD! You HAVE to do video!”
That’s a video blogger I’ve found myself in the company of at a meetup or two and were he not packaged as what otherwise seems like a nice guy, this sentence would end with “and then I skewered him with my chopsticks.” No need. Plus, while I don’t agree that I have to do video, I do see the value in it. I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t a little curious about what I could do with the medium were I to have the tools to produce interesting footage.
“Cut to the chase,” you are thinking, I know it. I’m giving away a video camera. Actually, JVC is giving it away, I’m just the facilitator. The camera is a nice one, the JVC Everio HM-550. I’m doing a random draw– one lucky commenter will their bloggy paws on this compact little gadget that opens a whole world of complicated production questions.
And that’s what you have to do to qualify. Tell me your nagging question about video. Hardware, software, hosting, production tools, whatever… what do you wish you knew about video that you don’t already know? And if you’re a video whiz but just wish you had newer hardware, leave me a tip, some tiny piece of useful advice for a video novice. No question, no tip, no camera. That’s a pretty easy requirement and it helps me know you’re a real human. One comment only, entering more than once disqualifies you and I’ll check, I’m fussy that way. JVC will ship worldwide, though if you’re dinged with custom fees, that’s your responsibility — heads up on that. I’ll close comments on May 31st and draw a winner using Random.org.
I’ve been noodling with the exact model I’m giving away — JVC gave me one to review. My impressions so far?
- Wow, it’s teeny tiny! I’m AMAZED by how small and lightweight it is. Stack two Flip cams. It’s about like that. Maybe a little bigger.
- It’s fairly easy to use. I haven’t cracked all the features yet, but the controls are well placed and the onscreen tools are easy to use.
- I appreciate that it’s got a decent chunk of on board memory. You can buy flash cards, but you don’t have to.
- The video is sharp and clear, even in fairly low light.
- I don’t know bunk about shooting video. My stuff is shaky and boring as hell so far.
- The auto-focus is a little odd sometimes. I shot a bunch of “out the window” stuff in the rain and couldn’t figure out when it was focusing on the rain spattered glass and when it was focusing on the landscape. The photographer in me wants to control that and can’t figure out how.
- The battery life seems great, but I always recommend carrying a spare, regardless.
- It’s right handed. If you’re a lefty, you might be frustrated by this.
- Mac folks, my outdated version of iMovie (6.x) wouldn’t read the .mts files generated by the camera.Also, in the latest version of Windows Movie Maker, the files played but had no sound. There are some compatibility issues, clearly.
And hey, just in case you’re curious, here’s a “video postcard” we shot a few weekends back when the sun was (intermittently) out. I’m keenly aware of the flaws, but if you know more of video than I do, I welcome your comments on how to fix them — and yes, that can count as your entry. Don’t talk with your mouth full of salmon burger doesn’t count, wise guy.
Video Postcard: Seattle
Dying to start a video show of my travels. So essentially I’d like to learn everything there is about video from editing, audio, production, shooting… everything…
A tip for Travellers who don’t want to carry a tripod (I think that’s most of us!): use a nearby post or wall to lean against and steady most of your body. Then tuck your shooting arm in close to avoid the excesses of camera shake.
(And great competition opportunity, Pam.)
I’m relatively new to video and the thing I have never been able to manage well is editing. What is the best – FREE and user-friendly – video editing software?
“Mac folks, my outdated version of iMovie (6.x) wouldn’t read the .mts files generated by the camera.”
I had the same problem with the files that my Flip HD produced (I’m sticking with iMovie 6.x myself). The files used the ‘latest and greatest’ H.264 video standard. The solution was to get the “Flip4Mac WMV.mpkg” and install it.
If the JVC uses the same codec (and I’d bet a real American dime it does) that might help you too. I made a zip package of it and put it in my Public Dropbox folder. Here’s the download link:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1125378/Flip4Mac%20WMV.mpkg.zip
(Don’t know how your comments work, so you might have to copy that whole link and drop it into your browser’s address bar.)
When you unzip you should get a folder called “Flip4Mac WMV.mpkg” with a bunch of subfolders and asst. stuff. Your Mac installer should recognize the mpkg extension on the parent folder and just rock with it.
Let me know if it helps.
I’ve always wanted to do video blog once I graduate. Any advice on some key things I need to note when choosing a Video Camera,and what good editors are simple to begin with? Thanks!!
Well, Pam, we’re old together. But not for long! See, I’ve been using my iPhone for video, but I’m sure this JVC would blow that away. And since you clued me in to the free Windows movie maker that’s just sitting unopened on my PC (thank you!), I should be SO ready to take the plunge. Yet… I haven’t opened the darn software. Which makes me realize that I’m still totally terrified of the whole thing. Not usually such a Luddite, I am coming to the realization that something else is holding me back. See, I *cannot* read manuals or help texts. If something isn’t obvious to me, I run. (This is why I love Adobe products.) So, my question to you is: if I crack open that Windows movie maker, am I going to be able to figure it out fairly easily without touching the dreaded HELP button? Thanks!
I wish I knew all the basics of how to upload, edit, process, duplicate, etc., video files on my computer.
Of course, the fact that I have never owned a video camera of any kind, and have thus never tried to do any of this, might be a key factor.
Ya think?
= Love, yer `ukulele pals G’n’L =
So here’s my question: Why can’t the easy-to-use and affordable editing software programs (in my case, Windows Movie Maker and Muvee Reveal) read most of the formats of the newer cameras? I’d like to use more video, but I’m afraid of getting sucked into an endless cycle of investing more money, and time, and then more money again.
Question: Now that you have the video camera, do find that you carry multiple cameras now, one for video and one for stills, or have you just jumped into the video thing with both feet? I can imagine there would be times where you wouldn’t want to capture video of a scene because it wouldn’t be so interesting, but capturing a still image of it would be amazing.
OMG, what an INCREDIBLE giveaway!!!!! I have been dying to learn more about video, because it’s definitely a great way to create lasting memories of your trip. I would love to learn about the editing part of it. It seems pretty difficult.
Y’know, I’m not old — still hanging on to the “early 20s” category — but I never got into the video thing. It wasn’t until a lot of my favorite bloggers started doing vlogs that I really paid attention to the storm of online video content. Now that I have seen it…
I’m most curious how the shoots are planned. -Are- they planned? In how much detail? How many extra pieces do you need to get a decent quality shot (in terms of microphones, light reflectors, etc.)?
Baffled, but willing (and desiring) to learn!
I would love to get more into the editing side of video – I’ve just started dabbling into video in the past year and it’s been tough to put together professional-ish looking videos using Windows Movie Maker – which is what I use. And it’s free so that’s good, but like you, the fact that it doesn’t support a lot of newer video file formats is frustrating!
Really? You have to do video? I *hate* video.
It takes so much longer to absorb video or audio information than to read an article. A/V isn’t searchable. The line between “painfully amateurish” and “too slickly professional to believe a word of it” is very very fine.
It’s nice to give your readers more options, and most will probably enjoy your videos. But could there be at least a little bit of boring text and stills left?
It looks slick would I be able to shoot a low budget documentary with it?
I would like to know what video editing software people recommend for windows and also for linux?
I have never been much into video until I saw some of the amazing things bloggers are doing with it on their sites. I want to know more about easy ways to do editing.
Video is an area in which I have zero experience but it’s on my list of deficits to rectify this year. Cool give-away!
I have never tried video, but I think it would be an interesting challenge. What (inexpensive) editing software is recommended for my Mac?
Would love to see more NerdsEyeView.com video.
Tip: Don’t zoom while filming. It never looks as cool as you think.
Question: The JVC Everio HM-550 says “Compatible with iTunes.” Never seen that before. What does it mean? Do the video files (AVCHD) work natively on Mac systems?
I’ve just had the painful experience of spending ages putting together a vid and then discovering the audio wasn’t up to scratch. Would love to get my hands on a decent camera so I can really start getting to grips with making some vids as I travel around South America. You haven’t mentioned the audio on this particular camera, so that would be my question – what’s it like? Is there a socket to plug in an external mic? Or don’t you need one?
I also have a more technical question for the experts… I find my version of iMovie (08) is rubbish for trying to splice cutaways into sequences. Is there an easier way around this? Should I try another version of iMovie (I hear older ones were more user-friendly)? Or should I switch to another programme? I have Final Cut but it looks like a terrifying place for a beginner to be.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on editing software, check out JayCut (http://jaycut.com/) – it’s a browser-based editing interface, and easy to use. It’s a great introduction to video editing, and a great tool if you’re trying to figure out if you like creating and editing videos and want to step up the investment. (I have no connection with JayCut, I just know people who have used it and love it as a low-cost start to editing).
Me me! I wonder what the usability and video quality will be like compared to video capable DSLRs.
My question is what is the best software for a beginner to use when editing a short video? I’m looking for something inexpensive, easy to use, and will make it look like I know what I am doing!
(I think my first comment attempt got lost)
Will video make me a stylish raconteur?
So, my main question is: are you going to take all these questions and make blog posts out of the answers from experts?
And a bonus question– since I intend to win this contest, and if I do I’ll buy a netbook for my anniversary trip to Paris in September–what’s a good editing program that would not take up too much capacity on a little netbook, but would still enable me to edit and send home videos?
hey pam…just caught sight of your tweet so hopping over here cuz who wouldn’t wanna try to win one.
My question: how to keep the camera steady…when it’s so apparent no tripod’s involved.
I’ve seen folks shoot themselves while sitting in their car or outside and just the ratio of distance between the subject matter and the camera, how the heck they’re doing that no idea. I have other oober noobie questions like how to upload and how to even use one…but my main question is the steadyness b/c as I watch video the ones I’m most drawn to are those where the camera stays still. I just tonight signed up for a 1 to 1 class at apple. here’s hoping I’ll learn how to use imovie…gotta start somewhere. Happy ukelele playing. How fun 🙂 Enjoy your sun and surf:)
hope you’re having fun in Hawaii testing out the video camera! Can’t wait till you come to Oahu. 😀
I wish I knew how to keep my hands and arms from shaking. There’s not much worse than watching a video that gives you a seizure from the shaking! I just read Tre’s comment above, which is basically the same as mine. How’d they do it? Thanks for the opportunity to win this amazing video camera (which I just mis-typed as “vamera”)!
I’d love something like that for family videos. The kids are growing up way too fast!
My nagging question may be more like a nagging insecurity; I’m a PC girl, and I have yet to find something on my PC – as much as I love it – that compares to the easy video editing on a Mac. And I can’t deal with the idea of needing a Mac to do video. There has to be an easier (and cheaper) way. Also? Editing video just seems so freaking TIME CONSUMING, and of course I’m already burning the candle at both ends just to get WRITING done. Let alone take any video or edit it. But hey, technology is changing all the time, so maybe by the next time I get myself on a plane to Italy there will be some awesome piece of PC software (or someone will tell me about one that already exists) that will make video editing significantly easier & less tedious than it seems to be right now. A girl can dream, anyway.
I’ve been shooting stills for the past few years but am taking a hard look at video and fancy myself making a documentary one day. Would love to breathe life into that dream with a small and portable video camera.
Okay, I gotta jump in here. Here is my question: with these tiny cameras, how does one avoid the shakiness of the film. My current camera is O.L.D. and big and the weight of it seems to help stabilize the pictures. When I’ve tried the smaller cameras, any little twitch of my twitchy hand shows up in the movie. Short of a tripod, what’s the fix?
I am a total video novice- made more so by the fact I have no camera. Definitely something I would love to explore further!
I’d love to win this video camera because I’ve become dependent on my Flip mino. When/if it biffs, I’m going to be sorry I don’t have a back up.
Of course, if I won this video camera, the Flip mino would probably become my back up.
P.S. I am old, truly.
My nagging question: will I ever get accustomed to the sound of my own voice on video? Honestly, do I really sound like that to everyone else? Scary. Should I cultivate a “radio voice”?
I think moving away from photo to vids would be awesome. A photo can capture so much, and there’s something to be said about conveying the spirit of a place in a still image. Still, videos are so easy to shoot, cut and share these days. I think any review of a destination can be helped with even a little bit of video action.
Thanks!
I have less than a month until I graduate and I’d really like to capture all my friends before I move away for college. I’m also into doing Youtube videos but im stuck with a webcam that points in one direction of my room with the JVC camera I’d be able to be multi-dimensional
My nagging question is that nearly every video camera (most JVCs included) aren’t compatible with Macs! As a travel writer, I use a MacBook when on the road and an iMac when home due to all the video and photo editing I have to do.
Still, if you want to pick me, I’d be more than happy to “rough it” and use my husband’s PC to upload the videos =)
just as an fyi- the new version of imovie DOES read .mts files!
My one question would have to be….Does anybody really want to see my face on a video and listen to my voice? or is reading what I write bad enough already?
While I have mixed feelings about a video blog, I can imagine this would come in quite handy in regards to a documentary about backpacking experiences in South America. 🙂
Great giveaway. I’m getting into vlogging and definitely want to know a lot more about lighting. What equipment do you use to get the best possible lighting especially when you are traveling and the light from the sun may not be so great!
I’m just starting to learn more about photography and videography, in time for a trip to Thailand in December. My question – what’s the best program for editing videos? I have a mac, so I’ve used iMovie, but I’m wondering if there’s something that’s better suited for travel videos. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!
Hi! My question–how easy is it to integrate what you film to your computer (a netbook I hardly know how to use; I’m typically a Mac girl but mine is too big to travel!) to your blog. I’m a complete luddite, which is why I’ve stayed away from video in the past! Thanks!
I’m going to Eastern Africa and I’d like to make a cool video on animals. At least one that I can show around at home, not the boring honeymoon-type!
What’s the easiest software to process/edit a video file?
Thanks!
We love to travel and would love to have a video camera – so we could look back and revisit our memories! (We’re old….I’m serious…we need this)
I am a PC user and it seems to me, most of the more high-tech video editing goes with macs.
How can I utilize my PC to create travel videos so I can stop having to borrow everyone’s MacBook Pros?
Here’s my question: will a technical doofus like me be able to point, shoot, and upload with little effort? If so, I’d love to win it. If not, better someone else does. Now, go finish up all that back reading you have to do. I need feedback and the Blogathoners aren’t really being helpful.
LRH
PS: Ms won — 8-1. Great game, gorgeous day.
The newest two versions of iMovie read .mts files.
I’m *just* starting to tinker with video but so far, all I’ve managed to do is fill up my MacBook’s HD :/
Doh! I forgot a question: do I need a fancy mic to do voice-overs or is a, say, iPhone headphones mic good enough?
Question: So what is the minimal amount of gear you should take with you but create great looking and sounding videos? (This is before the editing process)
It’s so complicated being a flashpacker with all the range and options we are given (especially as everything is getting so cheap!). I mean, when traveling we have laptops, cords, memory cards, card readers, microphones, batteries, chargers… so much STUFF to carry! I’d like to create a list of the bare minimal gear required and just take that!
I’d like to learn more about lighting. What kind of lighting/equipment would you recommend for someone looking for an easy to set up, relatively inexpensive lighting arrangement to shoot videos inside her home or in other people’s homes?
Thanks!
Love this giveaway!
A great travel video tip: as soon as you arrive at your destination, take video/pictures of your room before you even bring the bags in. Make everyone stay outside and get those shots!
The room will never look as beautiful as it does right then and you’ll be able to show your friends exactly how nice a room you had.
Salivating over that camera!
Megan
I want to learn to find that video “eye.” I can look at something and see a good still shot, but I don’t know how to translate that in my creative brain to “that would make a good video.” Once the decision to make a video is made, then I need to know how to set it up to make it happen in a effective way.
Have lots of experience with a camera but not so much with a video camera. So my question is, can you control the aperture for depth of field with this camera? Or is it always max to get good lighting?
I don’t want or need another camcorder, eh well I want but don’t need so I’m taking myself out of the drawing.
I have been known to sling a video or two. I understand the enthusiasm of your friend but you don’t have to do video on your blog. It would be cool to do it on your terms such as once in a while, when the mood hits or when you have the time.
Time is the killer. You have to have a chunk of time set aside if you are not doing talking head video. Once you have a plan and a work flow it might not be as much of a time sink.
To convert .mts and .mod videos I recommend a program called MPEG Streamclip from Squared5. This is a free conversion program for both Mac and PC Users. Convert it to an .avi format and you will be able to bring it into iMovie or Windows Movie Maker.
I’m working on a kind of video notebook of things that folks might want to know about getting started in web video. It is a work in progress. So all of the great questions that have been asked I’ll convert to answers when I get a chance.
Agree with Virginia, I can do great photos sometimes, but just don’t “see video” or how to string shots together. I can’t picture an end-result so I don’t know where to start.
Plus, we have a Flip HD: it’s battery life has always been only 20 minutes. It was a complete waste of money.
For some folks, using video is natural. They appear to think in sequences of images, in rolling sound. For me, I enjoy still images and am always surprised by the clutter in video snippets. I forget to stop talking or that I can say relevant things. Also, I am clueless about editing.
How does one create focus with a moving image?
That is my question.
Interesting, would like to know if the compatibility issues with osx are solvable in any way, maybe using final cut pro.
If I won the video, I’d probably be most interested in doing interviews from various destinations around the world. Therefore, I wonder what’s the best external mic for recording video?
I’ve posted a few very rough video’s up and I’m just looking for an easier video camera to do the job. This camera you are giving away looks amazing.
Stumped how come video in cam won’t burn to Dvd correctly & puts chapters out of order?
Middle-aged techno dinosaur lusts after video cam and dreams of creating her first ever 21st century travel vids.
Suppose I am traveling with my netbook. It has a 4GB SSD, so I can’t store any raw video on the computer itself. What would you recommend for cloud-based storage and a cloud-based video editing service?
I am not sure on how to do editing. I see everyone around on the internet that say they edit pictures. I would love to learn how to make my pictures look really great. Mine don’t always turn out the way I want them too.
How do you import video from an old jvc video camera on to a dell?
I was wondering if anyone knew any cheap (or free) programs out there that had a decant 3 way color corrector. Something like the one in Final Cut 3. Thanks.
-David
Pam, I’m no video expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I will say software like iMovie makes things really easy to do. Just download the video, import, and start cutting, chopping, adding graphics and music, and before you know it, you have pretty good amateur video! The drawback to video IMO is the size and storage of the files. But storage is pretty cheap these days. Aloha!
I’ve tried a few short video clips, but I’ve yet to come up with much usable footage.
I see a lot of folks are wondering some of the same things I’ve been wondering about…lots of my questions already asked here.
I did one short interview clip with a local author, but the ambient noise where I filmed made it unusable (fortunately, I took a couple of stills with my point-and-shoot). How do others deal with ambient noise in a situation where there really isn’t a completely quiet corner to do a quick interview clip?
I’ve not used a video camera in AGES and would love to have one to document my work – better than a camera. Who knows? Maybe I’ll make YouTube vids for framers. How do you put a video on YouTube?
My naging question: Does this video camera have better audio capabilities than the Flip? I’ve basically had to stop using my Flip outside because the ambient sounds get picked up so much, and the quality is so seriously downgraded as a result, that the resulting vids are distracting to listen to.
I’ve been invited to start writing for one of those “city-directed” websites on the topic of beginning beading (beaders). Have done my research and developed hundreds if not thousands of bookmarks sorted by topic for presenting in-depth review and coverage of each topic. I’m also working on affiliate programs. What I would really love to do is present videos from the very new beader/jewelry maker (me) from juried craft shows, national & local bead shows, bead artists (interviews) and more. But all I have to work with is the webcam on my laptop and about 90 seconds of video on my cell phone. Would love to be able to do all those things my mind is thinking of….and loads it isn’t aware of yet. 😀
When editing video, can you separate the music but leave in sound effects?
I consider myself reasonably savvy in the photography world, but my question is…
What kind of control am I giving up when I make the change from stills to video? I’m used to setting apertures, shutter speeds and all that jazz. You know, making the photo *mine*. Does moving to (or adding) video mean giving up the sort of creative control I’m used to?
Are there are any consumer grade camcorders that allow you to control and change the depth of field?
I have been lucky to have found a job that requires me to travel! As an actor (traveling with a certain “curious” monkey – and previously with a ticklish red monster), I have had many opportunities to explore the country. Along the way I created a puppet character and have been filming a video travelogue of our different experiences and locales.
One of the things I learned quickly (especially when working with the puppet) was that finding an interesting perspective can be a very rewarding challenge! Like you, I started with a lot of my footage aimed down and comfortable, but I urge you to start playing with angles and depth in your videography.
I know that I still have a lot to learn in video production, traveling, and especially how to merge the two worlds, but I would love an opportunity to step up my game with better technology to find new challenges and improve the overall quality of my projects.
Thank you so much!
I’m planning on traveling to Japan and Dubai this summer. I don’t want to carry anything too big and I won’t have a way to download what I recorded until I get back to the States. What kind of camera should I purchase? I’ve heard so many great things about these portable video and shoot camera’s but I don’t want to miss anything while I’m away. I’m pretty sure point and shoot won’t zoom but the size is awesome! By the way, I have a Mac and I know that may be an issue.