Better Videos
First Entry: June 5, 2009
Every once in a while you have to challenge yourself, past what others say makes sense or can (should?) be done. So here’s the debate: can the videos we do be made better in post production, and yet produced quickly and efficiently so that we can create enough of them to meet demand?
Over the next few months I’ll report here about my adventures in exploring different video technology. Both the work I’ve done already in exploring various options leading up to my personal investment in a different set of hardware and software than is normally used, and in the work I’ll be doing in pushing the envelope in creating innovative videos on an aggressive schedule.
In the meantime, now that I’ve bought it, I’m truly psyched about my new editing environment. Here is an overview of the spec so far (explanation of why this and not other choices, to come). This is not a finished decision, but where things stand today…
Recording Environment
Dell 390 Precision; Dual Core, 4 Gigabytes running Windows 7 with Visual Studio 10 and Visual Studio 8 and Silverlight 3.
Recording Software is Camtasia 6.0.2
Choosing one of two microphones; either
Plantronics Audio 510 USB noise Canceling Headset or the Samson CO1U condensor with cardoid pickup and spider mount.
Editing
After much consultation I’ve narrowed to two editing packages; either Final Cut Express, or, the current favorite: Premier Pro (Actually, CS4 Production Premium).
In either case, I’ve purchased an Apple Pro (4 core, 8 Gig) with twin 24” Cinema displays and a pair of 1T drives, so it should scream. We’ll see if it makes the significant difference in both quality and time-to-produce that I’ve been promised.
I’ll keep you informed as I go.
