- December 1997
- November 1997
- October 1997
- September 1997
- August 1997
- July 1997
- June 1997
- May 1997
- April 1997
- March 1997
- February 1997
- January 1997
December 1997 Table of Contents
Feature Stories
The Videomaker Panel: Linear Editing
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
New technology could spur a revival of an old-fashioned genre.
Getting Started: In-Camera Edit Control
Put an edit controller inside a camcorder and what do you have? A video Swiss Army knife.
Pause: Ben and Sheila Got Married
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
Just what is it that sets an Edit Deck apart from just any old VCR?
Sound Track: The Equalizer
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
Whether for fun or profit, capturing school events on video can be rewarding.
Departments
Book and Tape Reviews
- Digital Video on the PC: Video Production on Your Multimedia PC
- Creating Videos for School Use
- Advanced Broadcast Camera Techniques
The 1997 Videomaker Article Index
Find any article, column, or product review in this complete guide to the 1997 issues.
November 1997 Table of Contents
Feature Stories
Is it TV, Or is it Art?: Video in the Artist's Hands
As new digital technologies emerge, artists are finding even more creative, exciting applications for video. In this article, we explore what some of them are doing with their camcorders -- maybe you'll be inspired to try your hand at video art.
The Last Broadcast is A First: The Making of a Digital Feature
Find out how Lance Weiler and Stefan Avalos made a feature-length video -- one of the first of its kind -- shot and edited entirely on consumer-level digital eqipment. You won't believe how little it cost them.
Tutors on Tape: Producing Instructional Video
People everywhere are learning all kinds of new things through use of instructional videos. These "how-to" videos are a great opportunity for the videographer to create a program with very little funding or experience. We'll tell you how to get started.
Video Editing Equipment
Glossary of Editing Terms and Equipment.
Pack Up Your Audio Toolbox: Audio Accessories for Video
Not only do audio accessories make shooting video more fun, they can also make for a noticeable improvement in the quality of your video. Check out our guide to audio accessories that can add functionality to your camcorder and solve specific audio problems.
How to Record Better Sound
Like any other enthusiast, pros appreciate how simplicity can open up the creative floodgates. To get the best sound from your camcorder, listen up as a pro explains his tricks for recording better audio with consumer tools.
Video and Film Script Writing
Whether you are a professional working against a fast-running meter or make video for fun, everything goes a lot easier when you figure out what you're going to do ahead of time. The two best tools for this are the script and the storyboard and this article will show you how to get the most out of both.
Columns
Viewfinder: Silicon or Paper?
Don’t turn your back on the old technology yet--it still offers many advantages that digital technology can’t provide.
Getting Started: ZOOM!!
Used skillfully, your camcorder’s zoom lens can set you apart as a savvy shooter.
Pause: Play Video
As a colored board is a focus for Monopoly [TM], a camcorder can be a focus for party games.
Edit Suite: How to Use Time Code
Contrary to what you might think, time code’s frame accuracy makes it easier and faster to edit video.
Sound Track: Sound Bounces
When sound bounces uncontrolled in an enclosed space, it can come back to haunt you. Here’s how to control it.
Test Bench
-
Benchmarks
- Canon Optura Mini DV Camcorder
- Hitachi MP-EG1A Digital Recorder
- DataVideo Technology SE-200 Integrated Editing Center
- Matrox Rainbow Runner Studio MJPEG Video Digitizer
- MGI VideoWave Nonlinear Editing Software
Back-pocket Video Production
Almost anyone can pull a video production out of his or her figurative back-pocket. We'll show you how to do it with a camcorder, some props from your neighborhood, a little imagination, and some videotape.
Departments
Book and Tape Reviews
- Copyrights and Trademarks for Media Professionals
- Your Cam: Sharp
- Video Editing: A Production Primer
Gear
- Alpha CG
- Videonics Python
- Hash Martin Hash's 3D Animation version 5
- Canon ES20V
- Ross Productions Look Ma 2
- Ephyx Technologies V-Active
- Panasonic AG-DS545
- Panasonic AG-DS555
- Sima Personal Printshop
- Photoflex XL Silverdome
- Sharp VL-DX10
October 1997 Table of Contents
Feature Stories
Video, Science, and You
Step into the science lab for a little creativity stimulation. Learn how video reveals the invisible, reaches the inaccessible, preserves the temporary and projects the imaginary.
Hows to Shoot News Video
Be prepared! If a newsworthy event breaks before your eyes, you may be the only one with a video camera.
On the Road with a Camcorder Case
Use your Camcorder case for a safe globe-trotting video experiance, and the next time you return from an exotic locale you'll re-experience the sounds and images that make travel so enjoyable.
Special Occasions: Capturing That Special Event
It doesn't take a closet full of expensive video equipment to produce satisfying results. The most important components - thorough preparation and a well thought-out strategy - are totally free.
Choosing the Best Video Mixer
What to look for in choosing a video mixer.
Battery Basics: Knowledge is Power
Learn how to tailor your battery purchase to your individual requirements, and avoid seductive sales pitches designed to trp the impulsive buyer.
Frame It Up!
Framing your video images helps your viewers see what you want them to see and understand what you want them to understand. In this article, you'll learn the basic rules of composition -- and when to break them.
Glossary of Video Terms
Master your video vocabulary with this easy introduction to the lingo of video.
Columns
Viewfinder: Where Do Ideas Come From?
Cogito, ergo sum…cogito. (I think, therefore I am... I think.)
Video Production: Take a Hike
Step one is to decide whether you' re building your program in the camera as you go or whether you're creating raw material for editing later.
Video Editing: Why Moms Don't Edit
Dealing with the frustrations of hooking up editing equipment.
Edit Suite: Bare-bones Editing: Simple Editing Without a Controller
If you want to edit your videos but you don't want to set up an editing system, here's a simple solution.
Sound Track: A Dozen Audio Post-production Tips
Twelve ways to improve your audio after you shoot.
Test Bench
-
Benchmarks
- Samsung SCA18 8mm Camcorder
- Bogen 3181 Tripod/3063 Mini Fluid Head
- MZ-R30 Portable MiniDisc Recorder
- Videonics Video ToolKit 3.0
- Corel Lumiere Suite Nonlinear Video Editing Software
Profitmaker: A Client in Need is a Client Indeed
A videographer's guide to the care and feeding of clients.
Ten Rules for Great Hi8
Get the most from this video format by working around its limitations. Follow these basic tips for editing, tape transportation and storage, and you'll get top mileage from Hi8.
Departments
Book and Tape Reviews
- Sound for Film and Television
- Television Production for Elementary and Middle Schools
- Getting Started in Digital Video Editing
Gear
- Canon Optura
- Kendallizer Spider Pod
- Sony DCR_TRV7
- Panasonic WJ-MX20
- TenLab TR-11 Multisystem Digital Video Converter
- Galaxy Audio Far Outlet Personal Power Station
- Trakker ISM
- Kramer Electronics Video Tester
- Panasonic EggCam
- Matrox Graphics Matrox Mystique 220
September 1997 Table of Contents
Feature Stories
The Trickle-down Theory: Pro Technology in Consumer Gear
Join us for a look at the camcorder's illustrious history -- complete with an easy-reference timeline of important dates.
A Dozen to Go: Quick & Easy Video Projects
No more excuses! These 12 ready-made ideas will inspire you to pull your camcorder from the closet and create awesome video the quick and easy way.
What a Character: Top Titling Solutions
Are your titles a snooze? Don't despair -- they won't be after you've read this feature surveying titling and character-generator products.
Buying Video Equipment--From Novice to Pro
Whether you're a novice or a well-seasoned pro, don't shop until you've checked out this survey designed to make you a successful shopper.
Lighten Up!: What the Pros Know
Lighten up. With lessons from the pros , that is. Whether you're shooting indoors or out, proper lighting techniques can turn your videos from "so-so" to spectacular. This article shows you how the pros do it.
Time Code is On Your Side
We'll take the mystery out of time code, with a look at how it can help you master the art of fine editing.
Edit Your Audio, Too
Uncover the secrets of successful sound with this feature chock full of tips for editing your audio.
Reels on Wheels
Not sure of the best way to arrange your editing system? Check outthis hobbyist's creative set-up for a solution you can try yourself.
Columns
Getting Started: What's Holding Things Up?
Tripods are simple but essential videomaking tools. Unfortunately, they're often overlooked.
Pause: Vince Needs Friends
Vince Codac, an unlucky, would-be nonlinear editor, needs your help.
Profile: Chief Kanim Video Club: No Kidding Around
Organizing and running a video club at school is no easy task, but it can be a great benefit to the students and the community.
Edit Suite: The Language of Video Editing
The content of your video is important, but so is the way you put it together.
Sound Track: Audio Mixers
More than just a box with knobs and pretty lights, a mixer is the heart of any audio-for-video system.
Test Bench
Departments
Book and Tape Reviews
- Interviewmania!
- New Wedding Traditions, A Collection of Wedding Music for the Professional
- Training
Gear
- Canon ES4000
- Panasonic PV-DV700
- Panasonic PV-DV710
- Radius PhotoDV
- Radius MotoDV
- Vision Technology Archivist
- Cool-LuxCombo-Light
- Kramer Electronics VM-3 series
- COMO AV Master Hybrid Editing System
- Tributaries Tribute C2S Convertor
- Sony CPD-220VS
- Photoflex FlexDrop
August 1997 Table of Contents
Feature Stories
Shooting Back: Teenage Videographers
Teen videographers, with their own TV shows, video contests and distributors, are the hottest thing going. This article shows how they're using video to explore the issues of the day and tell their own stories.
Sounding Good: Videomaker's Guide to Audio Recorders
Take a look at audio recorders -- both analog and digital -- and discover how to use them to improve your videos.
Go to the Library: Video Resources on CD-ROM
Libraries are collections of pre-fab images or sounds that you can use in your own videos. Here we cover what they are, what they cost and how to apply them in your videos.
8mm Camcorder Buyer's Guide
In this article, we'll take a look at the 8mm camcorders that manufacturers are currently offering. You might find one that's what you've been searching for.
Special Effects Are for Everybody
Want to create effects that are quick, simple, cheap and effective? This article lays out the basic ideas thaat make video illusion feasible and then describes some fundamental techniques for getting the most out of those ideas.
Enter the Videomaker/Panasonic Video Contest
Fellow Videomakers: are you ready to show off your talents and possibly win top-notch video equipment? If so, then get reaady. The annual Videomaker/Panasonic Contest is your chance!
Columns
Viewfinder: Becoming Smart Explorers
Like Renaissance explorers, Information-Age explorers need a tool to navigate TV's treacherous waters. That tool is Smart TV.
Getting Started: Video Time Travel
Video is a time machine. Learn to control it, and you can really have some fun.
Pause: Hail to Thee Blithe Amateur
One man's insult is another man's praise.
Edit Suite: The Ins and Outs of Edit Controllers
Recording footage with your camcorder is one thing; turning it into a watchable video is another. Consider an edit controller.
Sound Track: The Built-in Mike
Answers to some common questions about the built-in mike.
Test Bench
Departments
Book and Tape Reviews
Pro Flying Logo Techniques, Set Lighting Technician's Handbook, How to Produce Your Own Special Interest Videos for Fun and Profit
Gear
- Maxell VP-100
- Maxell VP-200
- Maxell VP-201
- Doubleware Publications VideoStore
- Matrox Digidesktop
- U.S. Robotics Big Picture
- ViewSonic VP140 ViewPanel
- Medea VideoRaid
- Seagate Medalist Pro 6450
- Adobe After Effects
- Videonics Video ToolKit 3.0
- Armato's Pro Video E.Z. Grip Pro
July 1997 Table of Contents
Feature Stories
Winning the Sports Video Game
The onset of nice weather means breaking out the video gear and shooting sports videos in the great outdoors. This article will show you how to best capture the fast-moving world of live sports on videotape.
The External Mike - The right tool for the right job
External microphones are affordable, easy to use, and they make a big difference in the quality of your videos. This article and buyer's guide shows you how to select the one that's right for you.
"D" Is for Digital: Video Digitizers and Nonlinear Editing
In this article, we'll look at the types of products that can give you what it takes to move into the world of digital video. Accompaniedby a nonlinear editor's buyer's guide and bonus guide to digitizers.
How the Masters Move: Creative Camera Play
A good grasp on camera movement will do wonders for your productions. This article shows you how to mimic the masters.
Digital Video 101
Digital video is only a decade old, but already it has turned the video world inside-out. Here's a helpful primer on digital video basics.
Call for Entries: Enter the Videomaker/Panasonic Video Contest
Fellow Videomakers: are you ready
to show off your talents and possibly win top-notch video equipment? If so, then get ready. The annual Videomaker/Panasonic
Contest is your chance!
Columns
Viewfinder: The Making of...
Sometimes it's not the destination that's important, but the act of traveling. -- Pubilius Syrus
Getting Started: The Great Balloon Video-A Case Study
If you're short on video equipment and expertise, go long on planning. It'll help your video take off.
Pause: Bored on the 4th of July?
It's the little things in life that make video worth shooting.
Edit Suite: Once Upon a Time: The History of Videotape Editing
One look at where we've come from will make you appreciate how far we've come
Sound Track: Stereo Miking
How two mikes and a little know-how can open up a whole new panorama of sound in your videos.
Test Bench
-
Benchmarks
- Panasonic PV-A207 VHS-C Palmcorder
- Canon ES970 8mm Camcorder
- Elite Video BVP-4 Video Processor
- NewSoft Presto! Multimedia Suite
- Metatools Bryce 2.0 3D Scene Generator
Profitmaker: Budget for Profit
Estimating the cost of a video for a client is a tricky but necessary part of doing business. Here's how to do it right.
Departments
Book and Tape Reviews
- Theme Videos
- Writing for Multimedia
- An Introduction to Computer Animation
Gear
- REC Industries RiverCam
- ViewSonic PT775
- Canon ES270
- Westcott Wescott Box collapsible grid
- Knox Video K20.ND
- Knox Video K40.ND
- Knox Video Studio40.ND
- Sony DSC-F1
- DraCo Systems Casablanca Broadcast
- Panasonic PT-L291U
- Panasonic PT-L391U
- Samsung Electronics SCA18
- Memorex Writesit
June 1997 Table of Contents
Feature Stories
Out-of-the-ordinary Video Gadgets
Anyone with a computer can have fun with these miscellaneous desktop video accessories.
Lens Filters: Quick and Easy Ways to Spice Up Your Video
Colors, starbursts, unususal perspectives. Use them to add quick pizzazz to your videos without a lot of effort.
Video Alfresco: A Guide to Easy Outdoor Shooting
Neither sun, nor surf, nor wind, nor rain will spoil your videomaking excursions after you read these helpful pointers.
The Sound Card: A Microchip Miracle?
How to use your computer's sound card to bring out the best in your audio.
Manufacturers Debate the Future of Nonlinear Editing
On January 25, 1997, representatives from six of the leading nonlinear editing companies joined the Nonlinear Editing Panel at the Videomaker Expo.
Keeping it Legal with Location and Artist Release Forms
This article discusses some legal factors to consider when your rights as a videographer conflict--actually or potentially--with the rights of other individuals or of the general public.
Columns
Viewfinder: Summertime Blues
Summer is a great time to use your camcorder, but there are several important things to consider when shooting during this sultry season.
Getting Started: The Case of the Missing Controls
Automatic point-and-shoot camcorders are convenient, but manual control of certain functions can do your videos a world of good.
Pause: The Video You Don't Shoot Could be Your Own
You don't need original footage to make a video--just some simple editing equipment and an active imagination.
Edit Suite: Aesthetics of Editing
Editing is an important part of making video. But the best edits are those that the audience doesn't even notice.
Sound Track: Makin' Tracks
When it comes to audio and video dubbing, where - and how - a format stores its audio tracks makes a world of difference.
Test Bench
-
Benchmarks
- Hitachi VM-2900A VHS Camcorder
- Videonics Home Video Producer
- Pinnacle Systems VideoDirector Studio 200
- miroVIDEO DC10 MJPEG Video Capture Card
- Boris Effects 2.1 (Power Mac)/2.2 (Windows)
Profitmaker: Give Yourself a Promotion
If your business develops a good reputation, spread it around. You can use it to help your business grow.
Departments
Book and Tape Reviews
- Multimedia Studio For Windows
- Camcorder Business -- Start and Operate a Profitable Videotaping Business Using Your Camcorder
- The Digital Interface Handbook
May 1997 Table of Contents
Feature Stories
Columns
Viewfinder: While They are Watching
The next time you screen one of your videos, turn your chair around and watch the watchers.
Getting Started: Writing Video Letters
If you have trouble using written words to relate a story or to describe an experience, try using your camcorder.
Pause: Getting Under the Skin
Beauty is only skin deep. Can video go deeper?
Edit Suite: Editing Cameras
Editing equipment is becoming smaller, less cumbersome and, in some cases, consolidated within the camcorder itself.
Sound Track: A Perfect Connection
Like water flowing through proper plumbing, your audio signals need good cables and connections to carry them from place to place.
Test Bench
-
Benchmarks
- Canon ES3000 Hi8 Camcorder
- Sony DHR-1000 DV Editing VCR
- Audio-Technica AT835b Shotgun Condenser Microphone
- Seagate Medalist Pro 2520 2.5GB ATA-2 Hard Drive
- Macromedia Extreme 3D 2.0
Profitmaker: Sponsor Point
This episode of
Departments
Video News
Video industry news. Winnov company showed its audio-video capture board. Matrox Graphics, Inc. has released a snap-on module for its Mystique graphics accelerator.
Book and Tape Reviews
- Home Video Hits -- Great Ideas For Creating Better Home Videos
- Writing for Video
- Sony's DCR-VX700 & VX1000 Digital Video Camcorder Instructional Video
Gear
- ITT Night Cam 300
- ITT Night Cam 310
- Matrox Mystique 3D graphics accelerator
- Matrox Rainbow Runner Studio
- Maxell M3630 BLP
- Panasonic AJ-D200
- Panasonic AJ-D230
- SyQuest SyJet
- Tributaries SA 1.3
- Zenith VMC 400
- Zenith VMC 450
- R.L. Productions Backgrounds in Motion, Volume 1
- The Media 100 series
- Artel Software Boris Effects Pro
April 1997 Table of Contents
Feature Stories
Columns
Viewfinder: The Goal--Communicate or Tweak?
Some videographers are good equipment operators; some are good communicators. To make good video, you’ve got to be both.
Getting Started: The Seven Deadly Camera Sins
Follow these easy guidelines for video you'll be proud of.
Pause: Music to Our Eyes
We're not talking music videos here; we're talking visual music.
Video Editing: Put Your Best Signal Forward
Simple tweaking of the video signal can make a big difference in the quality of your video image
Sound Track: Ear Monitors
Don't think much about audio monitoring during shooting or editing? Maybe it's time to listen up.
Test Bench
-
Benchmarks
- Sony DCR-PC7 Mini DV Camcorder
- Videonics Titlemaker 3000 Character Generator
- Azden WR22-PRO Wireless Microphone Receiver
- DraCo Systems Casablanca Stand-alone Nonlinear Editor
- TAO Media Systems L-Port 422 Protocol Convertor
Profitmaker: Hire Learning
Take care when selecting an employee to be sure you get the best person for your business.
Departments
Video News
Video industry news. Matsushita (Panasonic, JVC) has announced a new DV camera, the "Elegance Digicam". Sony has developed a software-based version of the DV codec.
Gear
- Studiomaster 42DLC-XLR Compact
- Koss Reference Professional headphones
- Panasonic AJ-LT75
- FutureTel Espresso
- Ricoh RDC-2
- Videonics Home Video Producer
- AITech AIGotcha!
- Creative Labs SoundBlaster AWE64
- Creative Labs SoundBlaster AWE64 Gold
- Video International PixPool System
- RF-Link Technology WAVECOM Sr.
March 1997 Table of Contents
Feature Stories
Columns
Viewfinder: Two-finger Editing
Editing videotape in the old days was a crude affair, but the same two-finger editing is just as valid today.
Getting Started: Choosing Your Camcorder
What's the best camcorder you can buy? It depends on what you need, what you want, and how much you can spend.
Pause: Overcoming CAS
Overcoming CAS
Edit Suite: Getting the Most From an Edit Bureau
Got a one-time video project to edit? Why spend a fortune buying editing equipment when you can rent it?
Sound Track: Interview Audio
There's more to recording good interviews than meets the ear.
Test Bench
-
Benchmarks
- Sharp VL-H550U Hi8 Viewcam
- Videomaker's Nickel-cadmium Battery Test
- Studio 1 Productions Dual Proc Amp
- Apple Macintosh Performa 6400 with Avid Cinema Nonlinear Editor
- CrystalGraphics 3D Vortex Plug-in Transitions
Profitmaker: Howdy, Partner
You're judged by the company you keep. And in business, your success or failure could depend on it.
Departments
Book and Tape Reviews
- Creating Windows Digital Video Titling and Graphics
- Duplicating and Editing Your Home Video
- Macromedia Lingo Studio
February 1997 Table of Contents
Feature Stories
Columns
Getting Started: The [Record] Head of Class
How to select the best video equipment for your school's production needs without breaking your budget, and how to use it wthout straining your skills.
Pause: That's Video with a "You"
When you show your videos, you're revealing a part of yourself to your audience. Don't let selfish videos threaten a good relationship.
Choosing an Audio Mixer
Tips for choosing the best audio mixer.
Sound Track: Out There
Recording clean audio outside has its challenges. With these questions answered, however, you'll learn there's nothing to fear out there.
Profitmaker: Money From Your Brain
You can turn your ideas into money. But if you don't protect your ideas with copyrights, so can anyone else.
Departments
Video Help
Questions and Answers about issues faced by videographers.
January 1997 Table of Contents
Feature Stories
Columns
Getting Started: High Concept, Low Sweat
Organization can mean the difference between a confusing series of clips and a compelling, satisfying video. All it takes is a little forethought and a little planning.
Pause: Deconstructing AE
Deconstructing AE
Edit Suite: Choosing an Edit Controller
Now that you've taped several hours of weddings, birthdays, and other precious moments, it's time to make them watchable.
Sound Track: Pull the Plug
How to unplug those mike cables and get the most from your wireless microphone system.
Test Bench
-
Benchmarks
- Canon ES4000 Hi8 Camcorder
- Mini DV Face-off:
Sony DCR-TRV7 Mini DV Camcorder
Panasonic PV-DV710 Mini DV Camcorder - Ulead MediaStudio Pro 5.0
- Radius PhotoDV/MotoDV IEEE 1394 FireWire Capture Card
Profitmaker: Risky Business
Owning a business is like walking a tightrope. It can be scary, but it's easier to do if you've got a safety net below you.
Departments
Book and Tape Reviews
- 101 Essential Tips: Video
- The Art of Editing Wedding Videos
- YourCam-Canon