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Home: Video University Forums: Tech Q & A:
Confused and in need of help for video

wootan
Novice

Apr 3, 2006, 2:13 AM

Post #1 of 15 (3281 views)
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Confused and in need of help for video	Can't Post

Hello, my background is in graphic design, so I know all of the major print programs InDesign, QuarkXpress, PageMaker, Illustrator, Photoshop. I work in the pre-press field, so I daily make files ready for going to press, and know the advantages and limitations associated with all of the forementioned programs.

My current interest is getting into video for weddings and events. I have been reading through the forums trying to get information as to which way to go with equipment purchases, editing software, and platforms, but I am running into a brick wall. From my past experiences, I have always made my purchases too early, and always ended up buying the wrong thing for what I needed.

So, it would be helpful if someone could point me to a link that could help me, or go ahead and start this thread as a call out of equipment.

I use the PC, Windows XP at home, but I use both OSXTiger and Windows XP at work.

What I am looking for is the following:

Most commonly used editing software for PC and Mac.
Audio software that is necessary for aiding quality.
Good entry level camera for digital video.
Microphones needed.
Steadycam harness necessary or WAY too expensive.
Accessories to be aware of that make life easier.

Any help would be appreciated.

It would be REALLY awesome if people could list out their camera and gear, operating system and software they use to get the results that they are happy with.

Thank you in advance!
WOOTAN

videobear
Veteran

Apr 3, 2006, 12:03 PM

Post #2 of 15 (3263 views)
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Re: [wootan] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

Oh, boy...

The answer to that question is WAAAY too involved to put into a thread response. And some of the answers depend on you, your preferences, budget, and goals.

I suggest several resources to get you started on your research:

1. These forums, especially the Weddings forum, which is the most active. Use the Search feature, or just spend some time cruising through past threads. Lots of stuff on all sorts of equipment.

2. Hal's book and DVD on wedding video. http://www.videouniversity.com/wedbook.htm and http://www.videouniversity.com/wedbook.htm

3. The educational resources (training DVDs, traveling seminars, etc.) offered by organizations like the 4EVER Group and WEVA.

4. EventDV magazine.

While you are having fun doing your research on equipment, be sure to also spend some time developing a business plan. Things like researching the local market, the competition, how you will finance your business, and a host of other details are actually going to be more important than what camera you buy.

Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions

wootan
Novice

Apr 3, 2006, 4:37 PM

Post #3 of 15 (3246 views)
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Re: [videobear] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

Awesome, thank you for the information! I appreciate it!

WOOTAN

videochicke
Veteran

Apr 7, 2006, 11:08 AM

Post #4 of 15 (3195 views)
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Re: [wootan] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

I would suggest going on a couple of shoots with a videographer to see if this is something you really want to do before you invest in equipment. Or perhaps hook up with a studio that provides the equipment to gain experience so you have a better idea what you want for yourself. Where are you from?
Julie

wootan
Novice

Apr 7, 2006, 4:04 PM

Post #5 of 15 (3182 views)
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Re: [videochicke] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello, I am from the Austin, Texas area. My wife already has a portrait studio and is moving into weddings, so it seemed natural for me to go the video route since I already have an interest in this area.

Thank you,
WOOTAN

backfocus
User

Apr 8, 2006, 6:13 AM

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AndrewMSV
Veteran

Apr 8, 2006, 7:38 AM

Post #7 of 15 (3151 views)
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Re: [backfocus] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Backfocus,

what do you use gaffers tape for?
I always want to buy some but can't think of a single use for it.

Cheers!

Andrew
m o r n i n g__s t a r__v i d e o g r a p h y
sf chapter, vu california crew
I think we should turn that whole region into one shiny piece of radioactive glass. - CartoonChris

ppatton
User

Apr 8, 2006, 10:19 AM

Post #8 of 15 (3146 views)
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Re: [AndrewMSV] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

depending on our setup, especially if doing projection and the need to run cables to sound or electrical. it comes in handy

videobear
Veteran

Apr 8, 2006, 4:47 PM

Post #9 of 15 (3133 views)
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Re: [AndrewMSV] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

Gaffers tape is used to temporarily tape audio cables to things. The nice thing about it is that it peels up without taking (much of) the finish off of what it's taped to.

Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions

AndrewMSV
Veteran

Apr 8, 2006, 5:48 PM

Post #10 of 15 (3128 views)
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Re: [videobear] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

I know what people on sets use gaffers tape for... I just have never needed it or thought, 'gee, I wish I had some gaffers tape right about now'.

I guess maybe during presentations where video, audio and electrical cables and extension cords abound...
Anyway, I was just wondering what you guys use it for. Personally, I never have the time to tape anything down anyway. It's always set up, show it, tear it down. That's a maximum of 15 minutes from start to finish.

Thanks for the reply.
Cheers!

Andrew
m o r n i n g__s t a r__v i d e o g r a p h y
sf chapter, vu california crew
I think we should turn that whole region into one shiny piece of radioactive glass. - CartoonChris

Bob A
Veteran

Apr 8, 2006, 7:32 PM

Post #11 of 15 (3121 views)
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Re: [AndrewMSV] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have gone through a full case of duct/gaffers tape in the last 2 years. I do events and because of their length (time) and the amount of gear I set up, I most always run power cords from the nearest outlet. Sometimes that outlet may be 150 feet away. That requires that I tape the cords securely to the floor anywhere that there is any possibility of someone stepping on it. (saftey concerns) Sometimes I have to tape cords at both the camera position/s and also the order table position/s. We run a monitor with a live feed from the performance floor at the order tables. That table has monitor, DVD player and wireless A/V reciever needing power. I have often lent the roll to the sound guys/DJ as they seem to forget theirs often.
The funniest use was one gig this year, after confirming on my check list that the cam adapter for the tripod was in the tripod bag, it mysteriously was not there when we arrived at the event. I had to duct tape the cam to the tripod, that looked REAL GOOD!! Blush

Yesterday I couldn't spel 'videographer' today I is one! Smile

Vidiot Tech
Enthusiast

Apr 9, 2006, 12:45 AM

Post #12 of 15 (3108 views)
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Re: [Bob A] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

Grammer, Bob, grammer!

Quote

Yesterday I couldn't spel 'videographer' today I is one!

Should be

Yesterday I couldn't spel 'videographer' today I ARE one!

Sly

Steve

wilebill
User

Apr 9, 2006, 3:36 AM

Post #13 of 15 (3103 views)
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Re: [AndrewMSV] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

As Bob said, taping cables and wires to the floor. I also had to tape a camera to the tripod once because of a missing plate.

I've taped cables to walls, lapel mikes to mike stands, lapel mikes to lapels, lapel mikes to all kinds of things. Taped mike stand legs onto the stand, 2-way radios onto tripod handles, you name it. I even had a wire break loose from the solder connection in a headset once, so I taped it onto the connection (that reminds me, I have to solder that back).

I'd feel naked without a roll of gaffer's tape.

Regards,
Billy Horton
Video Image Productions

Studio & On-Location Video Production
2 NewTek VT[4.6] Editing Suites

AndrewMSV
Veteran

Apr 9, 2006, 5:23 AM

Post #14 of 15 (3093 views)
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Re: [wilebill] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

Quote

I'd feel naked without a roll of gaffer's tape.

So Billy, have you ever taped your... uhh...mmm... to your... err... nevermind.

Cheers!

Andrew
m o r n i n g__s t a r__v i d e o g r a p h y
sf chapter, vu california crew
I think we should turn that whole region into one shiny piece of radioactive glass. - CartoonChris

Bob A
Veteran

Apr 9, 2006, 7:50 AM

Post #15 of 15 (3092 views)
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Re: [wilebill] Confused and in need of help for video [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

As Bob said, taping cables and wires to the floor. I also had to tape a camera to the tripod once because of a missing plate.

And I thought I was the only 'special needs' fellow here! Smile

I have actually done it twice! Once a full size DSR 200. Not too bad for well over 500 remote gigs in 20 years! When in gym bleachers I will tape down tripod legs, LCD monitor base and anything else people will lean against or use as a handrail. Some older gyms have crappy, open seating that shakes wildly when anyone walks up them so everything needs to be secured. I can 'rope' off my area with the tape, looks a little friendlier than yellow "caution" tape. Had a tripod leg keep collapsing - duct tape please...