Sign up now and get a free Tip Sheet for Videographers!

October 2008 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Tutorial - The Sword and the Light

by Paul Del Vecchio
With the immense popularity of the Star Wars franchise, the light sword seems to have become the most recognizable special effect in cinema history.

Blu-ray Wave: State of the Technology

by Nathan Beaman
Not since Beta versus VHS has a format war been so hotly contested. When the dust settled, Blu-ray Disc won against HD DVD. So the war is over... now what?

Media Matters: Blank Media Guide

by Charles Fulton
It's easier now than ever to fit large quantities of video into a very small physical space. For you to be able to acquire video, you need media of some kind, whether it's videotape, optical media, a hard drive or even a memory card.

2008 Video Capture Cards Buyer's Guide

by John Devcic
Capturing video is easier than it has ever been. The choices available to you are plentiful. Of course, picking the right card that will suit your needs is not easy. This primer will help you pick the video capture card that is right for you.

Video Horror Stories

by Jennifer O'Rourke
Everyone's done it... didn't record audio at an event, copied over an important tape, forgot to white balance... all the things we here at Videomaker tell you not to do. Now it's your turn to come clean and expose your goofs, gaffes and gotchas to the world in our annual Video Horror Stories.

Columns

Viewfinder
Long-Form Sharing

by Matthew York
Long-form video sharing + network attached storage = a new TV channel. Veoh.com was the first video-sharing site to feature long-form videos (>10 minutes), but when YouTube embraced long-form video, it was big news for people making video. Another development has been happening slowly, so it hardly appears as a blip on the news radar. It's about couches and TV sets.

Basic Training
Cutting on Action

by Kyle Cassidy
One of the advantages of living at the end of 100 years of motion picture editing is that we have access to the collected wisdom of many film and television editors.

Directing
The Director and the DP

by Robert G. Nulph, Ph.D.
As a solo artist, what happens when you land a gig with a budget for crew? Your most important relationship will be with your Director of Photography.

What's Legal
producer's rights

by Mark Levy and Gina Gullace

Editing
Scoping Out Your Video

by Morgan Paar
Many editing software programs offer a variety of colorful scopes to help enhance the hue, color, and brilliance, among other editing tweaks. But how do they work?

Audio
Surround Mixing Secrets

by Hal Robertson
Surround Mixing Secrets... Nearly every motion picture, DVD and many TV shows are mixed in surround sound. Even sporting events use the technology to place the viewer inside the arena.

Test Bench

  • Software Review
    Adobe Visual Communicator 3 Visual Presentation Software

    by Mark Montgomery
    Streaming Video Made Simple... Adobe Visual Communicator 3 turns your computer into a production studio with streaming video capabilities.
  • Camcorder Review
    JVC Everio GZ-HD40 AVCHD Camcorder

    by Tom Skowronski
    JVC has capitalized on the demand for smaller, smarter technology by giving shooters multiple formats to choose from and an endless amount of shooting time.
  • Software Review
    proDAD Adorage Vol. 7: CGM Power Transition Software

    by Charles Fulton
    A powerful, fun-to-explore video transition program... Implementing transitions is not the easiest part of video work. Working with a lot of effects can get intimidating, especially if you're just getting your feet wet with video. ProDAD understands and presents its family of Adorage products, a line of transition products that includes volumes such as Particles and Lights, Universal Tricks, Diamond Composites, Power FX Pearls, Eyecatcher FX and Particles and Objects.
  • Microphone Review
    RODE NTG-3 Shotgun Mic

    by John Burkhart
    Excellent performance and value in a shotgun microphone.... RODE is a well-known Australian manufacturer of microphones, whose products tend to deliver more sound than their prices might suggest.
  • Camcorder Review
    Canon Vixia HV30 HDV Camcorder

    by Greg Robinson
    Shoot a Canon... The HV30 is a good camera. It captures really good images for its category. And, even though it isn't tiny, it will fit nicely in a small bag or even an oversized coat pocket.

Departments

Quick Focus

by Jennifer O'Rourke
Seeing RED? How 'bout Scarlet?... Fair Use Guidelines Receive a Facelift for Online Videos... Sing Happy Birthday, for a Fee.

New Gear
hot off the presses

by Charles Fulton
CyberLink PowerDirector 7 adds features... ExpoImaging's ExpoDisc Video is a white balancing aide... Synology's Disk Station DS508 is a 5-bay SATA network-attached storage device.

December 2007 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

The Craft of Family History Videos: Making Classics Out of Clutter

by Jeanne Rawlings
We treasure our memories, but we can be easily overwhelmed. Fearlessly dive into your archives and uncap your camera lens for the holidays to create a video that will stand the test of time.

eNews Exclusive: Infrared Videography

by Fernando Garcia
The art of infrared videography can produce an image that is ethereal, timeless and full of light.

eNews Exclusive: Online Video Distribution

by Edward B. Driscoll, Jr.
For most of us, creating and editing a video aren't enough - we want to share it with the world.

Cams!

by John Devcic
Camcorder buying is no simple task. The best way to go about it is to decide what you need the camcorder to do for you.

8 On-the-fly Guerrilla Production Tips

by James Williams
Now more than ever, it's possible for one person to venture into the world and capture great video. By following a few simple guidelines, you too can be an on-the-fly guerrilla filmmaker!

Video Sharing Sites Technical Specifications

by Andrew Burke
Specs of our favorite video sharing sites.

Columns

Viewfinder

by Matthew York
Join Us!

Director's Chair: Planning Your Shoot

by Hal Robertson
There is an old saying in the business world that goes, "Poor prior planning leads to particularly poor programs." This is especially true in the video industry.

Timeline: Ripple-n-Roll, Slip-n-Slide

by Morgan Paar
The basic editing tools are sometimes the most difficult to understand... here's a look at four of the most powerful techniques in your editing software's toolkit.

Sound Advice: The Art of the Remix

by Hal Robertson
DJs aren't the only people who want to blend the music from song to song for the dance floor; anyone can enhance a song with just a little bit of remixing knowledge.

Test Bench

Departments

Quick Focus

by Jennifer O’Rourke
Holiday Gadget Guide for the Guru in You

Video Tools: DiscPainter prints labels at 1200dpi onto a CD or DVD | EX Super Fisheye

by Charles Fulton
New Gear: Dymo's DiscPainter prints labels onto a CD or DVD in about a minute at 600dpi..EX Super Fisheye conversion lens offers a 116' field of view.

ProDAD Video Stabilizing Plug-In | CS3 Support For Panasonic P2 Technology

by Mark Montgomery
Video Industry News: ProDAD releases Mercalli Video Stabilizing Plug-in for Post Production. Adobe Announces Premiere Pro CS3 support for Panasonic P2 technology.

December 2006 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Article Index

by Charles Fulton

Stock Footage Buyer's Guide

by Julia Camenisch
Something Borrowed, Something New

Camcorder Buyer's Guide 2006

by Randy Hansen
If buying a camcorder is in your future, you'll want to know what's available and what it's going to cost you. Or, if you're not in the market for a new camcorder, you might want to brush up on the new technologies. So much has changed in just the past year.

Recycle That Cam!

by Tony Bruno
The presents have all been opened. Shredded wrapping paper lies like confetti across the living room floor. You've caught the entire day on tape for posterity. Your old video camera has earned its keep for another year.

Columns

Viewfinder

by Matthew York
Why Are You Compelled To Create?

Basic Training: Editing 101

by Kyle Cassidy
"Leave it on the cutting room floor" is an old film phrase signifying to edit out stuff you don't need. It's a good reminder to cut down your piece for a tighter final project.

Director's Chair: Everyday Masterpieces

by Robert G. Nulph, Ph.D
December - a time of cold and perhaps snow. A few weeks of quiet time before the onrush of the holiday season.

Tweaks

by Charles Fulton
The next version of Windows promises to use all of the capabilities that your hardware can provide.

Video Editing : Color Me Perfect

by Morgan Paar
To celebrate 100 years of color imaging, from hand painted frames to video formats, let's take a closer look at what color means to video producers in post.

Audio Advice: Videotaping Conversations

by Hal Robertson
Tips for to improve conversation audio in your video

Test Bench

Departments

Adobe Premiere Elements 3.0 | Pinnacle Studio MovieBox Plus

by Charles Fulton
Digital Hotcakes offers ten matching sets of DVD menu templates. Adobe Premiere Elements 3.0 adds a sceneline view.

JVC Everio Camcorder coming with HD with 1080p | Samson Zoom H4 audio recorder

by Mark Montgomery
JVC Everio Camcorder is HD with 1080p. Samson Zoom H4 field audio recorder with 24-bit/96KHz recording. New vidcasts from Videomaker

December 2005 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

The Softer Side of Blank Media

by Charles Fulton
Just what your video equipment needs.

It's Camcorder Season!

by Jennifer O'Rourke
Whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or other Winter festivities, 'tis the season of celebration, beautiful images, family and fun.

Annual Article Index

by Charles Fulton

Columns

Viewfinder: A New Path

by Matthew York
A New Path

Basic Training: Gearing Up for Battle

by Michael Reff
Before you grab your gear and hop on your trusty steed, you need advance preparation to successfully ride off into battle.

Lighting Your Video: Back to the Hardware Store?

by Jim Stinson
Lighting accessories can be as easy to make as a trip to the local hardware store.

Video Editing : The 3-Ring 3D Title Circus!

by Bill Davis
And in the center ring: the amazing, the gigantic, the most impressive typography known to mankind... Ladies and Gentlemen! Feast your eyes on 3D titles!

Sound Advice: The Sounds of the Holidays

by Hal Robertson
From festive feasts to memorable moments, sound matters on holiday videos! These audio tips can help you make the most of the magiv of your cherished celebrations.

Test Bench

Departments

Tech Support

by Morgan Paar

In Box

by Morgan Paar

Quick Focus

by Morgan Paar

BluffTitler | particleIllusion | Datavideo SE-500

by Charles Fulton
Datavideo SE-500 Video Switcher. WonderTouch particleIllusion 3.0 for Mac OS X. Outerspace Software BluffTitler 3.0.

liquid lens|Premiere Elements 2.0|Photoshop Elements 4.0

by Morgan Paar
How Does $45,000 Sound for Your Next Video? Two New Elements From Adobe. A*STAR has developed a tiny liquid lens that mimics the human eye

December 2004 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Blank Discs and Tapes: Your Memories Start Here

by Charles Fulton
The vast majority of us use some form of media every single day. Whether you're dealing with CDs, DVDs, video tape, audio tape or floppy disks, you're entering the realm of media.

Camcorders: The Needs of the Many

by Charles Fulton
The camcorder that works for you might not be what works for someone else. What do you really need?

Shooting Day for Night

by Jim Stinson
Making day resemble night on your screen means tinting the overall images blue, then adding white light, and adjusting contrtast and brightness to sell the trick.

What is HDV?

by Kyle Cassidy
Hi-Def has become the big catch phrase of the year, but many people don't understand just what the format is and why it will be so important to our TV viewing future.

Columns

Viewfinder: High-Definition Video Production is a Real Choice

by Matthew York
High-Definition Video Production is a Real Choice

Home Video Hints: Holiday Videos that Rock!

by Jim Stinson
A quick and easy recipe for capturing family memories.

Light Source: Guerrilla Lighting: Professional Tools from Builders Depot

by Jim Stinson
Assemble your own lighting kit--at one-fifth the cost.

Video Editing: Fear and Logging in Your Editor

by Bill Davis
Log your shots today to save edit time tomorrow and your well-organized project will thank you in the end.

Sound Advice: Spice It Up A Notch

by Hal Robertson
Essential post-production audio tricks.

Test Bench

Departments

Video Equipment

by Charles Fulton
Hot new products for the videographer.

Zoom In

by Charles Fulton

December 2003 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Drawing a Blank

by D. Eric Franks
Tips for buying blank videotape and discs for your productions.

Buying a Camcorder

by Hal Robertson
Finding the perfect balance of features, price and quality.

Using Camera Angles Like a Pro

by Jim Stinson
In quality videos, camera angles enhance the style of the program

Columns

Viewfinder: Our Hope for You

by Matthew York
Our Hope for You

Home Video Hints: Easy-to-make Labels

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
Simple labels for your videos and DVDs.

Light Source: Lighting Moving Targets

by Jim Stinson
A few lights can cover a lot of action -- if you know how to use them.

Editing: What Did You Say?

by Bill Davis
Understanding the hidden meanings of transition effects.

Sound Advice: Living a Balanced Life

by Hal Robertson
Making the most of balanced audio cables and connections.

Test Bench

Departments

Quick Focus

by Charles Fulton

New Gear

by Charles Fulton
  • Boris Title Toolkit After Effects Plug Ins
  • Software Architects GreatVideo! 2.0 DVD File Converter
  • Focus FireStore FS-3 Capture Device
  • Contour Design ShuttlePro V.2 USB Jog/Shuttle Dial
  • Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack
  • Pitch-A-Pak Presentation Albums
  • MainConcept MainActor 5.1 Video Editing Software

Video News

by Charles Fulton
Video industry news. Sony Announces DCR-VX2100. Gateway: Not Just Computers Anymore. Avid Launches Xpress Pro. Ulead Set to Debut DVD Workshop.

December 2002 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Choosing a Camcorder: from Supersaver to First Class

by Jim Stinson
There are many ways to get where you're going, at a price you can afford.

Shooting for Video Graphics

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
Will your video include graphics and on-screen identifiers? It's important to shoot with your graphics in mind.

What Makes the Best Computer for Digital Video Editing?

by Joe McCleskey
The difference between the ordinary, game-playing, document-creating PC from the kind that can easily pump out hour-long, professional-looking home videos.

Columns

Viewfinder: Reflections

by Matthew York
Reflections

Home Video Hints: Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

by Jim Stinson
Nasty winter weather is no reason to put your camcorder into hibernation.

Public Access: Produce Your Own TV Show

by Sofia Davis
How to get started producing a public access television show.

Video Lighting

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
Working with moving subjects and multiple cams.

Jargon: Glossary of Audio Terms

by Chuck Peters
Glossary of Audio Terms

Computer Editing: Clip Trimming Made Easy

by Brian Peterson
Cut the time you spend editing by trimming your clips before you import.

Sound Advice: Headphones for the Videographer

by Hal Robertson
A good pair of headphones are a great addition to your video toolkit.

Test Bench

Departments

In Box

by Charles Fulton

Book and Tape Reviews

by Donald W. Smith
  • From Word to Image--Storyboarding and the Filmmaking Process
  • e-Video--Producing Internet Video as Broadband Technologies Converge
  • Make a Movie that Tells a Story

New Gear

by Charles Fulton
  • ACD Systems VideoMagic
  • Canopus ADVC-1394 digital/analog capture card
  • Brother P-Touch PT-1500pc Labelmaker
  • Strata DVpro 5 editing software
  • Videometry Digital Motion Backgrounds
  • Starlite Video Business Card Holder
  • Photoflex MultiDisc reflector kit
  • Neptune Mediashare
  • RoadWired The Pod device bag
  • Anthro new fit Console Unit

December 2001 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Calling All Cams: Buyer's Guide

by John Davis
Shopping for a new camcorder? This article and accompanying buyer's guide will help you select the model that's right for you.

The Trouble with Video Digitizer Cards

by Joe McCleskey
In the world of digitizer and capture card installation, things aren't as simple as they could be. Here's how the professionals get the job done.

Videomaker's Annual Article Index

by Charles Fulton
Need to find an article and you can't remember where it is? The annual article index is here to help. Listed by category in chronological order, this directory will help you locate the issue of any article from January to December 2001.

Holiday Gift Ideas

by Chuck Peters
Not sure what sort of video toys to ask for this December? Here are some suggestions to make sure your wish list is complete.

Columns

Viewfinder: When Text and Images are Not Enough

by Matthew York
When Text and Images are Not Enough

Home Video Hints: Video for the Ho-Ho-Holidays

by Jim Stinson
We have some tips and ideas to improve your inevitable assortment of holiday video clips.

Light Source: Accessorize Your Lighting Kit

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
Assemble your lighting kit smartly and concisely, and you'll be ready for unforseen on-location light glitches.

Video Terms: Camcorder Glossary

by Chuck Peters
Common terms used by video professionals

Budgeting Time

by William Ronat
How long will it take? Calculate your time investment before you start with these planning tips.

Computer Editing: Multi-Camera Editing

by Bill Davis
Here are some helpful hints for editing multi-camera footage into a finished production.

Sound Advice: The Sweet Spot

by Hal Robertson
Get the most out of your microphones by identifying and taking advantage of their best potential performance.

Test Bench

Departments

Tech Support

by D. Eric Franks

In Box

by Wendy Nichols

Book and Tape Reviews

by Donald W. Smith
  • Final Cut Pro for Macintosh
  • Digital Filmmaking 101, An Essential Guide to Producing Low-Budget Videos
  • Cyber Film School Movie School Encyclopedia

Video Equipment

by Wendy Nichols
Hot new products for the videographer.

Zoom In

by Alan Sheckter

December 2000 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Sample of a Storyboard

by Bill Davis
Creating a storyboard isn't as hard as you might think. Here is a sample of a storyboard you can use to make your own movie.

Holiday Wish List Shopping Guide

by Sandi Kilcollins
How to help your well-meaning (but video-impaired) loved ones select the perfect video gift for you.

Product Preview: Microsoft Movie Maker

by Charles Fulton
Now bundled with Windows Millenium Edition, this simple editing software promises an easy and fun way to create video.

Six Kid-friendly Home Video Ideas

by Andrew McIntosh
Six good home video ideas for family fun.

Character Generator Buyer's Guide

by Tony Kilcollins
If you're looking for the right equipment to create titles, standalone or software, this is the buyer's guide for you.

Buy the Camcorder of your Dreams Today!

by Wendy Nichols
Prices, features and formats: learn what's what and check out the latest camcorders on the market.

26 Video Ideas: A to Z On How To Make Money With Video

by Bill Davis
An alphabet of ideas on how to make money with video.

Video Adventurer

by Geoff Best
Tips for shooting video on the trail.

Steady on the Set: Inside Image Stabilization

by John Davis
Learn how the technology behind image stabilization actually works

Columns

Viewfinder: Power to the (Video) People

by Matthew York
Power to the (Video) People

Home Video Hints: Baby, It's Cold Outside!

by Arthur Aiello
Keep your camcorder safe in cold, wet winter weather.

Light Source: In the Mood? Creating Mood with Light

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
One scene, many moods. Let the lighting do the work.

Jargon: Glossary of Camcorder Terms

by Jon Vosovic
Glossary of Camcorder Terms

Computer Editing: Split Man

by Don Collins
Learn how and when to use split edits to add meaning, depth and interest to your video productions.

Sound Advice: Managing Digital Music

by Jim Stinson
How to select, time, process and transition music in your videos.

Test Bench

Departments

Tech Support

by Don Collins

In Box

by Don Collins

Book and Tape Reviews

by Stephen Bosinoff
  • Developing Story Ideas
  • Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects
  • Advanced Broadcast Camera Techniques Volume 2

New Gear

by Tony Kilcollins
  • Panasonic AG-DVC10 Mini DV camcorder
  • AIST MovieDVsuite
  • Apple iMac DV Special Edition (500MHz)
  • Saft America camcorder bags
  • RoadWired CableStable storage case
  • Adorage Magic transition library
  • Imagine Products DV Log Pro
  • Newtek Vidget
  • The Badham Company ShotMaster
  • Mainconcept MainActor 3.5

December 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Streaming Slideshows on the World Wide Web

by Roger Wyatt
If you’re disappointed with the quality of streaming video over the Net, here are three ways to turn your video into a high-quality streaming slideshow.

Titlers Buyer’s Guide

by Wendy Nichols
Whether you’re looking for a stand-alone character generator or a computer-based titling software, you’ll find it here in our extensive buyer’s guide.

How to Buy a Camcorder -- All Format Camcorder Buyer's Guide

by Loren Alldrin
So many models, so many features, so many choices. Let our comprehensive camcorder buyer's guide help you choose the best model to match your budget and needs.

Writing Effective Narration

by Bill Harrington
When the images alone don’t tell the whole story: 10 tips for writing crisp and clear narration.

Image Stabilization: EIS/OIS

by Scott Anderson
Explore some of the different techniques that are used to stabilize images, and get some ideas for putting this miraculous technology to work.

Columns

Viewfinder: Video Newsletters

by Matthew York
You may soon get video with your newspaper.

Getting Started: Camera Move Aesthetics

by Arthur Aiello
Carefully chosen camera moves contribute immensely to the aesthetic quality of your video.

Video Lighting: Guerilla Lighting

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
A quick visit to the hardware store will provide most of your guerrilla lighting needs.

Camcorder Glossary

by Chuck Peters

Edit Suite: Editing Picture to Sound

by Jim Stinson
By carefully matching picture and sound, you can make an otherwise boring video come alive.

Sound Track: Big Mikes

by Loren Alldrin
Get professional-quality audio with a studio microphone.

Test Bench

Departments

Tech Talk

by Joe McCleskey

In Box

by Don Collins

Book and Tape Reviews

by Chuck Peters
  • Basics of Video Lighting
  • Video Projects for Elementary and Middle Schools
  • Apple Final Cut Pro Power Start CD-ROM

Gear

by

December 1998 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Get the Words Out: The Textual World of Titlers

by Larry Lemm
Titles give the first impression that many people will have of your video. This feature and buyer's guide will introduce you to available titling products and will help you choose the titler that's right for you.

Desperately Seeking Power: How to Find Your Way Through the Battery Jungle

by Karen Director
Lead-acid, gel cells, fast chargers, memory effect--the depth and complexity of camcorder battery technology is enough to make you hug the nearest AC wall outlet for its simplicity. Learn how to make a battery choice that best fits your needs and budget.

Power Up Your PC: Configuring the PC for Digital Video Editing

by Loren Alldrin
Because of the massive amount of data that digital video uses, the nonlinear editing PC needs to be a finely tuned instrument for maximum performance. Learn the basics of PC performance in this feature.

Tips & Tricks for the Digital Nonlinear Editor

by Don Collins
Nonlinear editing is a powerful way to take your ideas and turn them into video. With its random-access approach, you can edit and re-edit your video until it is just right. Here are some tips and tricks to make your nonlinear editing dreams a little easier.

Shoot that Show

by Jim Stinson
If you've watched a movie or music awards telecast you know that videotaping audiotorium shows is a fine art. We'll share some practical tips for shooting plays, recitals and concerts this holiday season.

Columns

Viewfinder: It's Getting Better All the Time

by Matthew York
Editing video at home is easier than ever.

Getting Started: The Top 10 Reasons Nobody Likes to Watch Your Videos

by Arthur Aiello
Keeping your audience awake for the final credits is easy when you avoid these basic video hazards.

Light Source: The Power of the Sun

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
Tap into free and available solar energy to cast a new and dramatic light on your productions.

Edit Suite: The Direct Approach

by Jim Stinson
Editing begins as soon as the camera rolls.

Sound Track: Mix it Up

by Loren Alldrin
Combine multiple sound sources for a more powerful soundtrack.

Test Bench

Departments

Tech Talk

by Jim Martin

In Box

by Larry Lemm

Gear

by Jim Martin
  • Sony Ruvi
  • Canon ES7000V
  • Truevision video production workstation
  • Ulead VideoStudio
  • NUWAVE NVP 2.2
  • NRG Research Location Pro Lighting series
  • Canon XL Extra Wide-Angle 3x Zoom Lens
  • Proton NT-3860

Videomaker Article Index: January 1998 Through December 1998

by Larry Lemm
Find any Benchmark review, feature or column in this complete index of Videomaker articles in 1998.

Zoom In, Zoom Out

by

December 1997 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

The Videomaker Panel: Linear Editing

by
Last summer, we invited the leading manufacturers of linear editing systems to talk about the future of their industry. On July 18, 1997, they met at the Videomaker Expo and here is the report of their incisive discussion.

Video Editing Computer

by Chuck Peters
Is your slow editing computer a nightmare? Take heart, 10 years ago this system was top of the line and very expensive. The owners were very proud to have such a fast system.

Taking It Undercover: Secret Shoppers Rates the Retailers

by Alice Patterson
We sent our crack team of secret shoppers out into the camcorder amrketplace. You may be surprised by what they found. Here we share their investigative findings to help you avoid shopping disaster.

Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Snow: How To Protect Your Gear From the Great Outdoors

by Janis Lonnquist
Weather happens! If you follow our tips for shielding your precious equipment from the elements, you'll be able to shoot just about anywhere.

Going Hi8: Buyer's Guide

by Karen Director
Consumer video connoisseurs choose the Hi8 format for its sharp image quality, portability and high-quality audio. Check out our buyer's guide to 17 current Hi8 camcorder models.

The Unblinking Eye: Seven Keys to Good On-camera Delivery

by Loren Alldrin
Find out what separates a bad on-camera presentation from a masterful one. With a little practice, you'll be on your way to shooting viewer-pleasing videos.

Treating Your Video Right: How to Create and Use a Video Treatment

by Janis Lonnquist
If you care about making tapes that people want to watch -- you could use a treatment. Learn how this useful tool can work for you in every stage of production.

Columns

Viewfinder: One-minute Video

by Matthew York
New technology could spur a revival of an old-fashioned genre.

Getting Started: In-Camera Edit Control

by Jim Stinson
Put an edit controller inside a camcorder and what do you have? A video Swiss Army knife.

Pause: Ben and Sheila Got Married

by Stephen Muratore
When you come to consider the impact video has on life -- it gives you pause.

Edit Suite: The Heart of Your Edit Suite: Editing Decks

by Arthur Aiello
Just what is it that sets an Edit Deck apart from just any old VCR?

Sound Track: The Equalizer

by Loren Alldrin
EQ: two letters that can mean a lot to the sound of your videos.

Projects That Pay: Making Memories: Video Yearbooks for Fun and Profit

by Lauryn Axelrod
Whether for fun or profit, capturing school events on video can be rewarding.

Departments

Tech Talk

by Joe McCleskey

In Box

by Karen Director

Quick Focus

by Karen Director

Book and Tape Reviews

by Perry Jenkins
  • Digital Video on the PC: Video Production on Your Multimedia PC
  • Creating Videos for School Use
  • Advanced Broadcast Camera Techniques

Gear

by Joe McCleskey

The 1997 Videomaker Article Index

by Perry Jenkins
Find any article, column, or product review in this complete guide to the 1997 issues.

December 1996 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Columns

Getting Started: Sideline Video: Shooting Sports

by Jim Stinson
Videotaping sports events can be just as challenging as the games themselves. Here's a few hints to help you hit a home run with your viewers.

Pause: George and Harry, Bill and Sadie

by Stephen Muratore
The secret of a good marriage is communication, especially for videographers.

On Ramp: Compressing Video for Streaming

by TBD TBD

On Ramp: The Internet and the MBONE

by TBD TBD

On Ramp: What Separates One Streaming Package from Another?

by TBD TBD

On Ramp: Shooting Video for Streaming

by TBD TBD

Streaming FAQ: What is Streaming Video?

by Larry Lemm

Streaming FAQ: What is the Potential of Streaming Video?

by Larry Lemm

Streaming FAQ: What are Some of the Uses for Streaming Video?

by Larry Lemm

Streaming FAQ: Why and How Would I Get a Streaming Server?

by Larry Lemm

Edit Suite: Using Your Computer for Linear Editing

by Mike Loehr
While nonlinear editing systems seem to be all the rage, computer-controlled linear editing is tried, true and affordable.

Sound Track: The Copyright Riddle

by Loren Alldrin
There's a whole lot of confusion surrounding copyrights and the use of music in videos. Here are straight answers to the most common questions.

Profitmaker: Target Practice

by William Ronat
You create the best videos around. But how do you sell your services? By zeroing in on your target market.

Departments

Tech Talk

by Joe McCleskey

December 1995 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Mass Media Law

by Mark Levy
Join us for a look at the world of copyright law as it applies to the videomaker.

Audio Monitoring: Some Sound Advice

by Mark Bosko
Unless you pay close attention to your audio during editing, some unpleasant surprises could creep into your soundtrack. Here's how to avoid them.

Buying the Right Camcorder

by Jim Stinson
Walk into the video department of any consumer electronics store, and a bewildering array of video formats, features and prices confront you. How to choose? Let this article show you the way.

Video Time Travel: Tips for Time-lapse Video and Animation

by Timothy Liebe
Ever watched a flower bloom in mere seconds? Or seen an inanimate object take on a life of its own? With the right tools and a little know-how, even beginning videomakers can easily accom[plish these effects.

The Incredible Journey: Inside the Tape Transport

by Richard Bennette
Videeomakers at all levels of expertise can benefit from a working knowledge of the tape transport's secrets. In this article, we describe the inner workings of this crucial part of your camcorder or VCR.

1995 Videomaker Article Index: January 1995 through December 1995

by Joe McCleskey
A year's worth of Videomaker at your fingertips.

Narration Writing

by John B. Garrity
The right words, effectively read, will round out your production in ways you may not have believed possible.

Columns

Viewfinder: Why?

by Matthew York
Why?

Camera Work: On with the Show!

by Jim Stinson
On with the Show!

Pause: Bards and the Anti-bard

by Stephen Muratore
Bards and the Anti-bard

On Ramp: VHS Distribution

by Mark Bosko
VHS Distribution

Edit Points: Editing VCRs

by Mike Loehr
Editing VCRs

Sound Reasoning: All About Audiotape Recorders

by David Brott
All About Audiotape Recorders

Test Bench

Departments

Video Q&A

by David Brott
Video Q&A

Quick Focus

by Joe McCleskey

QF User Groups

by Joe McCleskey

Product Scene

by Joe McCleskey
  • JVC GR-SV7
  • Hitachi VMH100LA
  • Media Logic The Seven Jib II
  • Media Logic Super Track Dolly
  • VST Camera Mount
  • Soundcraft K-1
  • The Virtual i-glasses system

December 1994 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Video Storytelling: How Drama and Comedy Can Enliven Your Productions

by John Waters
Videomaking is all about telling stories - stories that instruct, inspire, document or entertain. Work drama and comedy in your production, and you can enliven any story. Here's hhow.

Buying A Camcorder: How To Find the Perfect Model For You

by Doug Polk
Technical Editor Doug Polk navigates the sometimes confusing field of consumer camcorders, helping you find and purchase the perfect model.

Video Luggage: Bagging The Right Case

by Robert Borgatti
You've got plenty of money invested in your video gear - why not protect it? Join us as we explore all you need to know to choose and use the right video bag.

The Right Reading: Finding Your Video's Voice

by Stuart Sweetow
Learn how an engaging voice over can add professionalism and impact to your videos. Whether you hire help or do it your self, it pays to find your video's voice.

All About Lenses

by Jim Stinson
There's more to a camcorder lens than meets the eye. Learn how the camcorder lens is made, how it works and, most importantly, how it affects your image.

The Videomaker Article Index: January 1994 through December 1994

by Paula Lee
A complete index of every Videomaker article in 1994. Your guide to a year's worth of videomaking wisdom.

Honing Your Ideas: From Concept to Finished Treatment

by Wynn Ponder
Without a plan, your video can flounder from lack of direction. In this article, we'll detail how to take your video idea from concept to finished treatment.

Feasible Fantasy: How To Create Convincing Sci-Fi on a Low Budget

by Bernard Wilkie
You don't need a big budget or fancy equipment to make convincing science fiction effects. Join BBC effects wizard Bernard Wilkie as he explores the realm of low-buck sci-fi.

Columns

Viewfinder: Just Do It

by Matthew York
Just Do It

Camera Work: Smooth Moves

by Jim Stinson
Smooth Moves

Pause: Snow

by Stephen Muratore
Snow

Profile: Gabriel Campisi and

by Stephen Jacobs
Gabriel Campisi and

Edit Points: Flash Titler

by Mark Bosko
Flash Titler

Sound Reasoning: Sweet Sound of Matrimony

by Doug Polk
Sweet Sound of Matrimony

Test Bench

Departments

Video Q&A

by Doug Polk
Video Q&A

Letters

by Crissy Follmann

Quick Focus

by Paula Lee

Product Scene

by Brett Skogen
  • Samsonite Model 400 Camcorder Waistpack
  • Minolta Master 8-812
  • Nikon VN-870
  • Coast Manufacturing Mohawk VM-4100G
  • Dolgin Engineering SuperSwitch
  • Fuji Fujix FV-7
  • Accucharge DP126R