http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Forums Tag: studio en Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:46:27 +0000 http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-av-studio-need-advice-for-hardware#post-39759 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 21:03:39 +0000 robgrauert 39759@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Meh2424,</p> <p>When you say "studio", do you mean a studio that has a room with the cameras and a set and then a control room, which contains things like a mixer, switcher, monitors, decks, CCUs, etc.</p> <p>or</p> <p>Do you mean just a big room where you can record with multiple cameras and then do multi-camera editing in post?</p> <p> </p> <p>I don't think 20 grand will get you much if you are going for the first option. So hopefully you are going with the second option, and I can give you some good advice on that.  </p> <p> </p> <p>No matter what kind of video you produce, I think the bare essentials are a camera(obviously), camera support, lights, and mics.</p> <p>Let's start with mics. If what you're mainly shooting is talking heads, then some wired lavalier mics would be efficient. I use the Sony EMC-44B microphone and have had a lot of success with it. I've never had a problem with this model. If you shoot subjects who get scared in front of the camera, they may become even more stressed when they have a mic on them. So you could use a shotgun mic and place it as close to your subject without it being in the shot. Ideally you would want a long boom pole to hold the mic above the subject as the shotgun is aimed downward and toward the subject. If you can't afford that, I'm sure you can rig up a stand using a crappy tripod from Best Buy or something, and place it in front of your subject. When you research mics, you want to look at the signal to noise ratio. 64db = fair, 74dB = good, 84dB = outstanding. The Sony lav mic I suggested is 62dB and I find it to be completely acceptable. </p> <p> </p> <p>There's also a lot to select from when it comes to lights. I've used Arri lights a lot in the past. Not that I throw my stuff around, but I feel like Arri is quite rugged, but they are pricey. I'd say 3 150-watt lights and 3 300-watt lights would be enough, depending on how many people you typically shoot per video. Tungsten lights also give off a lot of heat, which may be annoying to your subjects. So florescent lights may be a good option too. Kino Flo seems to be a decent brand of florescent lights. You may also want some gels and scrims. </p> <p>When you buy lights, don't forget to buy things like reflectors/bounce cards to use for fill light and flags for blocking excess light. You'll also needs some more stands and clamps for securing these. I don't get high tech when it comes to this. Just go to an art store and buy some stuff foam core to use as reflectors and flags. </p> <p> </p> <p>When you buy a tripod, you definitely want something sturdy, otherwise, what's the point? Luckily you're in a studio, so weight isn't an issue. Just buy a heavy one that you know can support the weight of your camera. Some features you may want in a tripod are pan and tilt drag adjustment, pan and tilt locking, a leveling bubble, height, a sliding plate for balancing the camera forward and backward, aaaaand...i guess that's about it. Definitely get one that has a fluid head, not a friction head. </p> <p> </p> <p>I guess last is the cameras. If you aren't connecting to a mixer in a control room, then I believe genlock and timecode out isn't an issue, which is nice because those features in a camera really jack up the price. Unless your clients really want HD, I wouldn't buy into it. For what I do, I don't like the XL2, but it does seem like it would be a nice camera for studio work. Although Canon does make good lenses, if you have enough money, I would buy the body of an XL2 and then get a really good lens. From what I've heard, the quality of your lens is more important than the quality of your camera body. If that is too pricey, I'm sure the lens that comes with the XL2 would be acceptable. </p> <p> </p> <p>Some other things you may want to invest in is a monitor so you can really see what your camera is shooting, and a mixer if you will be putting mics on more than 2 people. If you're not broadcasting, regular 13-inch TVs will work fine and save you money. Just be sure to set color bars. Mackie makes good mixers. </p> <p>These are all the things I can think of now. Now that I think of it, this will probably come close to the 20 grand budget, especially since you're probably getting more than one camera. That means more tripods and monitors. Don't forget to save money for making a set.  </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-av-studio-need-advice-for-hardware#post-39755 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:31:26 +0000 dtraer 39755@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I need to get a good Apple desktop system to edit FCP projects. My budget is about $1500. Does anyone have advice or guidance? What is a minimum system in your opinion?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/getting-ready-to-set-up-a-home-studio-for-making-videos#post-39587 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:44:11 +0000 domineaux 39587@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I appreciate your responses.  I'm using a PC, not a mac.</p> <p>I have been reading about the AVCHD so I've been concerned about loading times, etc.</p> <p>My computer is a hotrod... E6600 quad core Pentium, 4 Gigs of Low Latency ram, 8800 GTX 512MB OC Video card.</p> <p>I'm overclocked on the processor to 3.4 ghz. I do have a firewire connection as well, but I don't think the HDR-SR models have a firewire.</p> <p>There isn't much more I could do computer wise to elimiate bottlenecks and delays with loading and editing.</p> <p>You mentioned things I hadn't thought about, so I am very pleased to read what you had to say.</p> <p>I'm not spent out money wise, but it's getting close.  LOL</p> <p>There are quite a large number of people recommend the Sony Vegas so the Premier would be my limit under $150</p> <p>I haven't heard of Ultra 2, but I'll look into it.</p> <p>You mentioned titling, backgrounds,etc., lot's of addtional items I haven't given much thought about.</p> <p>Thanks again </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/getting-ready-to-set-up-a-home-studio-for-making-videos#post-39578 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:03:44 +0000 birdcat 39578@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>If you're going to do chromakey, Ultra2 is the best (now from Adobe).</p> <p>After Effects is another must have (even though I don't have it - I will at some point).</p> <p>Since you're looking to go via the web, Sorenson Squeeze is another tool you'll find invaluable.</p> <p>Pick any of the leading NLE's (Premiere Pro, Vegas Pro, Avid Media Composer, Final Cut Pro if you use a MAC, etc...) - They're all good - just find the one you like.</p> <p>Some good titling software is a must (Bluff Titler for a start, Zaxwerks Pro Animator is really powerful).</p> <p>Good royalty free assets (music, sound effects, stock video and photos, clip art, backgrounds, etc....) - Digital Juice is a great resource for all of that and very cost effective.</p> <p>This is a start- There's always more if have the $$$$$$$$$.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/getting-ready-to-set-up-a-home-studio-for-making-videos#post-39552 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:07:02 +0000 domineaux 39552@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>So far, purchased a Sony HDR-SR12 HD HDD camcorder, A Velbon 7000 Tripod, Azden WLX-PRO wireless Lapel mic system.</p> <p>I've got a first class computer - E6600 quadCore Intel, 4 gigs of low latency ram, 8800 GTX 512MB video card. </p> <p><strong>So far haven't made any purchases of software or chromakey items yet. --- Could sure use some pointers</strong></p> <p>I'd appreciate some links to videos, articles or anything that will help me move along with setting up my home studio.</p> <p>Principally, my plans are to create video for websites.</p> <p>I've built a bunch of PHP type sites, but I've not done anything in the way of placing HD quality video on sites.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/preferred-order-of-editing-vegascinescore#post-36581 Fri, 16 May 2008 20:05:16 +0000 FallingStarFilms 36581@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I just got Cinescore and I'm also using VMS plat.  I don't even have to open Cinescore to use it.  Just right click on the Music channel of the time line in Vegas and click insert generated music.  Ceniscore opens and runs in Vegas.  I've only  been playing with this for a couple of hours but it is incredibly easy and fun!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-av-studio-need-advice-for-hardware#post-35859 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:31:21 +0000 meh2424 35859@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The XL2 looks like a camera that will work well.  Thanks, I will be checking it out.  Any suggestions for peripherals such as wireless mic, mixers, tvs, etc?  Or just somewhere I can read and educate myself on building a production studio?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-av-studio-need-advice-for-hardware#post-35791 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:14:02 +0000 cdanddvdpublisher 35791@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am using the Canon XL2 MiniDV Camcoder and its an excellent little camera. It will do your talking head shots really easily but will also double as a portable camera if you need it to be one in the future. Its also a great price for the kind of quality it produces.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-av-studio-need-advice-for-hardware#post-35724 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:01:29 +0000 meh2424 35724@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I was granted money at work to build a simple av studio.  About $20,000.  Until now I have been producing videos with a consumer level camera, a wireless mic from Radioshack and Pinnacle Studio software.  I will be scrapping all 3 in favor or a more professional approach.  Any equipment a MUST?  I was thinking a mixer of some kind and multiple cameras.  We do a lot of talking head shots.  Lighting and mics, any suggestions?  Camera suggestions?  Thanks, I am new to the site but would love to collaborate going forward.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/2-3-screen-setup#post-35425 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:26:07 +0000 bobjr94 35425@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>He is asking about running more than one monitor off his computer.</p> <p>Its up to you, but I like matching screens. The dual monitor thing works best when both monitors are set to the same resolution so I would say find one like you have.  Most good video cards have dual outputs anymore, some 2 vga or vga and dvi and many times they come with a dvi to vga adapter. Im using a gforce 7300gs,its a fairly budget (like 70$ I think) card but runs 2 monitors just fine. The more you spend the faster card you get, so its all up to your budget. I often watch a movie on one screen while working on the other. It is also is much easier to do video editing on 2 screens. You not stuck with the little preview window, you can use the 2nd monitor for a full screen preview.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/2-3-screen-setup#post-35412 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:27:22 +0000 Ken 35412@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> jsolomo5,</p> <p>Excuse my ignorance..... but what is a 2-3 screen?</p> <p>Ken Hull</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/2-3-screen-setup#post-35408 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 01:10:58 +0000 jsolomo5 35408@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hello,</p> <p>    I was wanting to try and get a good 2-3 screen setup going, and I have no clue where to start other than screens.  I already have a HPvs19d monitor, and I wanted to get a matching one.  But I have also been looking at a Dell E207WFP too.  Any suggestions?</p> <p> Also, the graphics card dilemma is my problem.  I have no clue where to start, and I don't want to pay an outrageous price for a graphics card.  Any help would be appreciated.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/preferred-order-of-editing-vegascinescore#post-34887 Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:40:36 +0000 rkhanso 34887@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>OK, let's see if I understand this:</p> <p>When I import the video into Cinescore and add various music pieces to it and save it, all Cinescore does is fiddle with the audio. Then when I open the same project back in Vegas, it will essentially be the same, just with the new audio added? Does the new audio show up on a new audio track in Vegas? Or is it somehow mixed in with an existing audio track in Vegas?</p> <p>I suppose I could just try it and see what happens, but I still wouldn't know if what I'm doing is the correct way to work on a project.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/preferred-order-of-editing-vegascinescore#post-34872 Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:08:06 +0000 Johnboy 34872@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>you can import the video track into cinescore, set markers for different moods or flavors, taylor it in cinescore, then bring it back to vegas.  i would suggest that you finish your video, then render it in vegas to a dvd mpeg compliant file and then burn in dvda.</p> <p>john</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/preferred-order-of-editing-vegascinescore#post-34862 Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:02:07 +0000 rkhanso 34862@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I use Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum for video editing. I just purchased Cinescore.</p> <p>Is there a preferred order to editing? Should I do all my video stuff first, then add the music via Cinescore? I'm guessing this is the correct way to do it since if I mess with the video after making music, I'll be busting up the nice music or the timing of the video. If I want to make changes in the video after doing the music in Cinescore, is it a big hassle to correct the music?</p> <p>So, maybe I should ask this: After completing the video editing, I add the music and get it just right. Then, I save the project, but import it into Sony DVD Architect (using Movie Studio Platinum), right. And there is no quality downgrade by using this process?</p> <p>Or, what would be the right process/order to use Sony Movie Studio Platinum and Cinescore?</p> <p>Additionally, I have Cakewalk Music Creator. Are there any good free tutorials on how to make music using loops. I can't quite put my brain around the instructions that came with it.</p> <p>Sorry if this is a dumb question, but thanks for any help/opinions.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/artists-loft-for-sale-in-mt-would-make-a-great-inde-film-studio#post-34577 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:09:17 +0000 crystalk 34577@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&lt;span class="Apple-style-span"&gt;I have a remarkable building for sale in Western Montana, and would love to see an inde film maker in here. The price is great. Missoula now has a number of film festivals, a good school for film, lots of writers, etc. If we can sell this place and move to our property a few miles away, I could help get things going here. I'm a Mac person from way back, an artist for many years, as is my partner, who does construction too. This place would be &lt;span style="font-weight: bold" class="Apple-style-span"&gt;perfect&lt;/span&gt; as a film studio, and it would fulfill one of my dreams if that would happen. See my website for more details: <a href="http://web.mac.com/crystalkingston." rel="nofollow">http://web.mac.com/crystalkingston.</a> &lt;/span&gt;</p>