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Back Issues:

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

November 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

The Wrong Place at the Right Time: Shooting News Video

by
How to shoot primetime news footage the networks will love.

Music to Your Eyes

by Roy Sallows
Turn a musical performance into a video masterpiece.

Light Kit Buyer's Guide

by Wendy Nichols
Scan our extensive list of over 75 light kits to find the right lights for you.

WebCam Buyer’s Guide

by Wendy Nichols
Whether you’re video-conferencing or sending video e-mail, a WebCam may be the tool of choice. See and compare the different models.

What You See Is What You Get

by Mark Bosko
Controlling light to improve your image

An Inside Look at Cables and Connectors

by Joe McCleskey
Examine the workings of the most common video cables, plugs and wires.

Columns

Viewfinder: Making Video Alone

by Matthew York
Wouldn't it be nice if making video presented an opportunity to socialize.

Getting Started: Lens Techniques

by Arthur Aiello
Your camcorder's eye - the lens - can create come interesting focal effects.

Video Out: Video E-mail: Not Just for Geeks Anymore

by Joe McCleskey
E-mailing video clips is easier than you might think.

Take Five: Five Tips for "Borrowing" Video

by Chuck Peters
Pump up your home video with Hollywood's help.

Edit Suite: Learn to Log and Love It

by Jim Stinson
Time spent logging tapes is surely time well spent.

Sound Track: Mood Music

by Loren Alldrin
How to use music to mold your viewers' emotions.

Test Bench

Departments

In Box

by Don Collins

Book and Tape Reviews

by Christine Wallace
  • The Art of Voice Acting
  • Art of Visual Effects
  • How to Really Profit from Weddings

Gear

by
  • Canon GL1
  • Eye Wire Video Stock footage
  • Avid ShoBiz Producer
  • BeachTek VUIT VU-Meter
  • Zenith 47 Series NTSC/SVGA monitor
  • Ray Dream Studio 5.5
  • HoodMan
  • Panasonic AJ-D215
  • VITEC MPEG Toolbox-2
  • Porter Case 1502 PHCS

Your Tips

by Larry Lemm

Special Issue 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

A Dabbler’s Guide to Computer Video

by Karen Director
Many people think computer video is still too scary, with visions of SCSI drives, codecs and frame rates dancing in their heads. To many people, computer video just seems like too much work. Even if you aren't ready for full-blown nonlinear editing, there are still plenty of fun, easy ways you can use your computer to enhance your videos.

Four Essentials for Nonlinear Editing

by Joe McCleskey
We have boiled the market down into four essential product categories to get your shopping started on the right foot. This guide to sound cards, video capture cards, nonlinear editing software and ready-to-edit turnkey systems should get you on the right track when it's time to open your wallet.

Understanding Transition Effects

by Jim Stinson
Flips, flaps, flops, fly-ins and other athletic visual effects are iirresistible. But, to use them with finesse you need to know what each one says to the audience. That’s what we’re here for.

Nonlinear Editing: A Guided Tour

by Loren Alldrin
Nonlinear editing concepts, commands and techniques seem to come at you faster than you can make sense of them. We'll walk you through the steps of nonlinear editing, revealing a potpourri of valuable tips and tricks along the way.

Tune Your PC For Editing Video

by Scott Anderson
Retrofitting a computer for nonlinear editing can be frightening. But, if it's done right, the payoff is worth it. Watch as we configure a Windows/Intel PC for nonlinear and see, step-by-step, just how to set up your home computer for video editing.

Columns

Editor's Letter: Making video is a lot easier than it used to be

by Matthew York
Sitting in front of a computer that is configured for video editing is a wonderful experience and now it’s easier than ever.

Computer Video Glossary

by Chuck Peters
A guide to computer-video terms that every video editor needs to know.

Departments

Editing Tidbits

by Chuck Peters
A collection of tips and tricks for easier editing.

October 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Combat Camera: Video in the Military

by Julie DeForest
Much of the Kosovo footage you've seen on the news was shot by military crews using compact, high-quality consumer video gear.

Fishing for Blank Tape: Videotape Buyer's Guide

by Karen Director
See make, model and market price for today's tapes with our handy videotape buyer's guide.

Special Effects Generator Buyer's Guide

by Wendy Nichols
Special effects do not lie solely in the digital realm. Take a gander at our linear SEG and switcher grid.

Makeup and Wardrobe for Video

by Carolyn Miller
Make your talent look their very best for your productions with these helpful tips that can subtly enhance your videos.

DV Q&A Our Expert Answers Your Questions

by Charles Bloodworth
Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about digital video.

Columns

Viewfinder: The Easiest Way to Edit Video

by Matthew York
Nonlinear editing the fun and easy way.

Getting Started: Tripod Techniques

by Arthur Aiello
Take a closer look at that most indispensible of video tools - the tripod.

Light Source: Lighting Backgrounds

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
Well-lit backgrounds don't just support your talent; they send subtle yet powerful messages to your audience.

Glossary of Editing Terms

by Chuck Peters

Edit Suite: Editing Digital Audio

by Jim Stinson
Nonlinear audio empowers our soundtrack.

Sound Track: Hearing is Believing

by Loren Alldrin
What your viewers hear can be just as real as what they see.

Test Bench

Departments

Tech Talk

by Larry Lemm

In Box

by Don Collins

Book and Tape Reviews

by Christine Wallace
  • Wedding Photography and Video
  • Silent Echos: The Films of Buster Keaton
  • Understanding Sound Systems

Gear

by
  • Canon Ultura Mini DV camcorder
  • Audio Video Design Teleprompter
  • Raider Products I-Cuff
  • Tota/Omni GO Kit 98
  • Newer Tech FireWire 2 Go
  • Themescapes - Loud Neighbors Music
  • Audio-Technica u100
  • Danmere Backer32 PC Tape Backup
  • Westcott Illuminator Reflector Kit
  • Varizoom Lens Control

September 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Sports Videography: Tips from a TV Sportscaster

by Cameron Wong
A professional sports videographer may have better equipment and more experience than the casual home shooter, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to shoot good sports video with your consumer camcorder.

Edit Controller Buyer's Guide

by Joe McCleskey
Make informed purchasing decisions to keep your linear edit controller compatible with your current and future gear.

Tripod Buyer's Guide

by Don Collins
Nothing gives a steadier shot than a tripod. With so many to choose from, our buyer's guide can help you select which model is best for you.

Location Scouting: The Tricks of the Trade

by Geoff Best
Anticipate and prepare for the challenges involved in location shooting.

Bridging the Digital Divide

by Jim Stinson
Going Digital? Save time and money by exploring the various digital-upgrade paths available to you.

Bit by Bit - Digital Takes Over

by Scott Anderson
Digital video is more popular than ever. Does it warrant the hype? Dr. Mylar explains the virtues of the digital medium.

Videomaker/Panasonic Contest 1999

by Chuck Peters
Send us your best video creations for a chance to win a Panasonic Mini DV camcorder or another fantastic prize.

Columns

Viewfinder: The Montage of Emotions

by Matthew York
Use music to move your viewers' emotions.

Getting Started: In-Camera Editing

by Arthur Aiello
In-camera editing is video production without the safety net.

Video Out: The WebCam Phenomenon

by Joe McCleskey
WebCams are the rage on the Internet. Learn what they are and how to set up your own live WebCam show.

Take Five: Five Tips for Wonderful Wildlife Video

by Chuck Peters
Tips on shooting videos in the wild.

Edit Suite: Warp Speed: Conquering Space and Time

by Jim Stinson
Through judicious editing, we exercise our omnipotence over the little worlds we create on screen.

Sound Track: Ten Wireless Tips

by Loren Alldrin
Ten simple tips for maximizing wireless mike performance.

Test Bench

Departments

In Box

by Don Collins

Book and Tape Reviews

by Jim Martin
  • Basic Betacam & DVCPro Camerawork
  • Wedding Video for PROFIT: A Business and Marketing Guide
  • The Need to Know Guide to Digital Videomaking

Gear

by
  • Apple G3 Turnkey Nonlinear System
  • Microdolly Jib Arm
  • LaCie USB CD-RW
  • Aquatix AquatiCam
  • Memorex T200 VHS Tape
  • Hash Animation Master
  • NewTek Video Toaster for NT
  • Tiffen Steady Stick
  • Panasonic PV-DV900
  • VST FireWire hard drives

Your Tips

by Larry Lemm

August 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

A Serious Look at Funny Video

by Mark Eaton
Creating comedy requires more than a good sense of humor. These comedy techniques will have the audience laughing at your production, not at you.

Video and Computer Monitor Buyer's Guide

by Joe McCleskey
What you see is what you get. Survey the makes, models and features of monitors for video in this handy buyer's guide.

8mm Family Camcorder Buyer's Guide

by Wendy Nichols
A comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you explore and compare 8mm, Hi8 and Digital8.

Whiter Whites: the Hows and Whys of White Balance

by Loren Alldrin
Are your videos like a mixed load of laundry? White balance will let you show your true colors.

Videomaker/Panasonic Contest 1999

by Chuck Peters
Send us your best video creations for a chance to win a Panasonic Mini DV camcorder or another fantastic prize.

Glossary of Video Terms

by Chuck Peters
Overwhelmed by the jargon? Here’s a list of video-related terms to help you decode the cryptic vernacular of video.

Columns

Streaming Video

by Matthew York
Streaming video is a real-time Internet video distribution solution.

Getting Started: Manual Controls

by Arthur Aiello
Sometimes it pays to be a control freak

Light Source: Reflecting Light

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
Dramatic lighting can make the difference between an ordinary production and a great production.

Edit Suite: Make it Snappy

by Jim Stinson
Create vibrant videos using the appropriate tempo to keep your audience interested and asking for more.

Sound Track: Studio Sound

by Loren Alldrin
Be it back bedroom or empty warehouse, your studio can sound as good as it looks.

Test Bench

Departments

Tech Talk

by Larry Lemm

In Box

by Don Collins

Video Equipment

by Larry Lemm
Hot new products for the videographer.

July 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Seven Tips for Impeccable Interviews

by Sean Mahoney
Make your guests feel at ease so they’ll open up and give you engaging interviews.

Nonlinear Editing for the Rest of Us

by
Excerpts from the Videomaker Expo West Turnkey Nonlinear Editing Panel

Microphones for Video: A Buyer’s Guide

by Joe McCleskey
Want to take your video to the next level? Get a mike. Check out this handy buyer’s guide.

The NTSC Signal: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

by Bob Stephenson
Does HDTV signal the end for NTSC? Learn what the NTSC standard means to you.

Columns

Viewfinder: May I Suggest a New Acronym, the VRC?

by Matthew York
Move over TV and VCR, an important and popular piece of technology gets its own acronym.

Getting Started: Creative Camcorder Work

by Arthur Aiello
By creatively positioning your camcorder, you can elicit a wide range of emotional responses from your audience.

Leased Access / Public Access

by Mark Bosko
How to find the right people to be in your next video.

Video Out: Serve it Up: A Guide to Streaming Video Servers

by Joe McCleskey
Interested in mass distribution of your videos? Check out your alternatives for getting your videos up and streaming over the Internet.

Edit Suite: The Language of Transitions

by Jim Stinson
The classical use of transitions, though not flashy, can be a powerful means to communicate.

Sound Track: External Miking

by Loren Alldrin
How a mobile mike can make your audio come alive.

Test Bench

Departments

Letters to the Editor

by Joe McCleskey
Ask Videomaker. Questions and comments from our readers and answers from the editor.

Gear

by Larry Lemm
  • After Effects 4.0
  • Powered Composite to S-video Converter
  • EQE Boompole Holder
  • HyperConverter Gold PCI scan converter
  • Lumiere Video Studio
  • ADS Pyro Digital Video Card
  • Manfrotto Low-angle Stabilizer
  • miroVideo DV200 FireWire card
  • Valentino Production Music and Sound Effect Library
  • Synthetic Aperture digital clip art

June 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Wedding Ready: A Beginner's Guide to Wedding Videography

by Bill Davis
If you’ve been recruited to do the video honors at a friend’s wedding, or if you’re thinking of getting into the business, this article will provide the know-how of a seasoned event video professional to get you started on the right track.

Nonlinear Editing Software Buyer's Guide

by Jim Martin
Confused by the profusion of nonlinear editing software available on the market today? This overview feature and accompanying buyer’s guide will help you find the product that fits your budget and needs.

Lens Effects: A Filter for Every Occasion

by Wendy Nichols
All too often neglected by amateur videographers, lens filters are one of the easiest and least expensive ways to jazz up your videos.

Travel Video: Five Tips to Tote your Gear

by Sarah McConnell
Thinking of taking a trip overseas? These travel video tips will help you bring along your camcorder safely and conveniently.

Clean Copies, One Generation to the Next

by Jim Stinson
Generation loss may well be the video editor's worst enemy. Here are some tips on how you can avoid its evils, regardless of the format you're shooting with.

Columns

Viewfinder: Video in June

by Matthew York
The first month of summer is an exciting time for video enthusiasts.

Getting Started: Composition: A Work of Video Art

by Arthur Aiello
Attention to framing will make any video more interesting.

Light Source: Lighting Faces

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
Faces present a special kind of lighting challenge to the videographer.

Edit Suite: Linear Editing: Ten Tips for Success

by Jim Stinson
A handful of helpful hints for tape-to-tape editors.

Sound Track: Location Audio Preparedness

by Loren Alldrin
Location audio - indoors and out - has its own set of problems to prepare for.

Test Bench

Departments

Tech Talk

by Larry Lemm

In Box

by Joe McCleskey

Book and Tape Reviews

by Joe McCleskey

Gear

by Larry Lemm
  • Canon Elura Mini DV
  • IBM Deskstar Ultra ATA/66 hard drive
  • Bogen Leveling Base
  • Video Finesse Premiere plug-in
  • FAST AV Master 2000
  • JVC GR-DVL9500
  • Tiffen Kipling camera bag
  • EZ FX jib
  • STB DesktopVCR MPEG-2 decoder
  • Sharp flat-panel LCD monitor

May 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Capture Boards for Every Videographer

by Karen Director
If you want to build your own nonlinear editing workstation from the computer up, you’ll need to take a look at this grid of video capture cards.

VHS Camcorder Buyer's Guide

by Wendy Nichols
As a video format, VHS is well-known for its simplicity and versatility. Our exclusive buyer’s guide is your definitive source for full feature and price comparisons of all the VHS, VHS-C and S-VHS camcorder models available.

Into Thin Air: How Wireless Mikes Work

by Loren Alldrin
From the moment a sound wave strikes the microphone element to the instant the audio gets recorded on tape, a wireless microphone is an amazing and harmonious tool.

Linear vs. Nonlinear Time Trials

by Jim Stinson
Everyone’s always asking us which is better: linear or nonlinear. In a lot of ways, it’s like asking the same about Fords and Chevys. Join us at the test track to see how the two main types of video editing stack-up.

Storyboard: Treasure Hunt

by Shane Calvert
This ready-to-shoot storyboard follows two adventurers on a quest for a hidden treasure. What will they find at the end of the journey? You decide.

Columns

Viewfinder: On the Brink

by Matthew York
Something wonderful is going to happen in the home computer market this year.

Getting Started: Easy Editing the Two-Finger Way

by Arthur Aiello
Edit your footage with a camcorder, a TV and a VCR.

On Ramp: Streaming Video: The Whole World Is Watching

by Roger Wyatt
Streaming Video is cheaper and easier to produce than you may expect.

Edit Suite: The Power of the Cut

by Jim Stinson
The simplest transition effect may also be the most powerful.

Sound Track: Building a Better Soundtrack

by Loren Alldrin
It's easy to build-up your soundtrack with music and special effects.

Test Bench

Departments

In Box

by Joe McCleskey

Gear

by Jim Martin
  • Sony DCR-TRV10 Mini DV
  • Bogen Gitzo G1380/10 Pro Video Fluid Head
  • Cinemotion for After Effects
  • Canon ES300V
  • Maxell Mini DV cassette
  • Commotion LE
  • JVC GR-DVM70 Digital DualCam Mini DV
  • Sony DCR-TRV310 Digital8
  • Slik Tripods Mini Tripod
  • Azden 400UDR UHF wireless receiver

Your Tips

by Jim Martin

April 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Direct Like the Masters

by Jim Stinson
What you can’t teach through formal instruction, you can often transmit through apprenticeship to a master artist--a master like Spielberg, Chaplin or Hitchcock.

VCRs and Hard Drives Buyer's Guide

by Don Collins
Editing VCRs and hard drives perform the same basic function in the video editing world: they store video and audio information. Whether you prefer linear or nonlinear this handy buyer's guide is for you.

Top Tools for Streaming Internet Video

by Joe McCleskey
We talked to people to see which streaming video products they prefer, and why. You can use their experiences to help you decide what type of streaming software will best fit your needs.

Imaging is Everything

by Loren Alldrin
Your camcorder's lens, iris and sensor design control your image quality. In this article, we dissect the imaging system of the camcorder and explore what makes it work.

1998 Videomaker/Panasonic Contest Winners

by Patrick Lang
The pre-ceremony hype and suspense is over, and we've selected this year's best videos. The competition was fierce, but our judges felt that these seven videos deserved the highest honors. The envelope please…

Columns

Viewfinder: Why We Like Making Video

by Matthew York
Video provides a feeling of accomplishment that's unparalleled by any other medium.

Getting Started: Slide to Video Transfer Tips

by Arthur Aiello
Transferring slides to video can be a very simple process.

Light Source: Reflecting Light

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
Reflectors are perhaps the most versatile, inexpensive and widely-used lighting instruments.

Edit Suite: Continuity

by Jim Stinson
Continuity is the job of both the director and the editor.

Sound Track: 10 Tips for Nonlinear Sound

by Loren Alldrin
Better results from your digital audio editor.

Test Bench

  • Benchmarks

    by Jim Martin
    • Panasonic PV-DV910 Mini DV camcorder
    • Samsung SCL 150 8mm camcorder
    • Beyerdynamic MCE 86 N(C)S short shotgun microphone
    • FAST DVMaster Pro DV capture board
    • Iomega Buz Multimedia Producer video capture board

    • Videocrafts: The Shadow Meets the Green (or Blue) Lantern

    by Chuck Peters
    Spice up backgrounds with this easy-to-make shadow-shaping template.

Departments

Tech Talk

by Jim Martin

In Box

by Jim Mikles

Gear

by Jim Martin
  • Panasonic AG-DV2000 DVCPRO VCR
  • Koss Plug earbud
  • Sony TRV900
  • Chimera Speed Ring
  • Kai's Power Tools 5
  • Grand Vision UltraView Pro
  • Sharp VL-PD3U Mini DV Camcorder
  • Dolgin Power Brace
  • Miller Fluid Heads DS-5
  • Lowepro Rover AW

March 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Desktop Video: If it's Out There It's In Here

by Larry Lemm
Here it is--our yearly round-up of all the video bells and whistles you’d ever want for your home computer. Video producers at all levels of budget and experience will benefit from a look at this comprehensive guide.

What's Under The Hood: Inside Your VCR or Camcorder

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
Car enthusiasts spend hours under the hoods of their machines, but few video enthusiasts know what goes on inside a VCR. Join us for a nuts-and-bolts look at how home video equipment produces a moving, talking picture from a reel of magnetic tape.

Excerpts From the Videomaker Expo East Camcorder/VCR Panel

by
For those who were unable to come visit us at last year’s Videomaker Expo East, we present this partial transcript of the Camcorder/VCR panel discussion. Hosted by Stephen Muratore, this important discussion revealed precious insights into the minds of the manufacturers.

Videomaker's Glossary of Desktop Video Terms

by Chuck Peters
This handy glossary of desk-top video-related terms is guaranteed to help the video hobbyist understand the lingo tossed about by fellow editors.

Columns

Viewfinder: Why More People Should Make Video

by Matthew York
If video production is such a wonderful thing, why aren't more people involved in it?

Getting Started: Cause and In-camera Effect

by Arthur Aiello
In the right circumstances, a good in-camera effect is just what the doctor ordered.

Edit Suite: Nonlinear Editing: 10 Tips for Success

by Jim Stinson
Helpful advice for nonlinear project management.

Sound Track: Old-fashioned Audio

by Loren Alldrin
You don't need a nonlinear editing system to turn out great-sounding videos.

Test Bench

  • Benchmarks

    by Jim Martin
    • Canon ES970 8mm Camcorder
    • Panasonic PV-L958 VHS-C Camcorder
    • Cool-Lux U-3 Tri-Light On-camera Light
    • Pinnacle Studio DC10plus Video Digitizer
    • Edirol V-5 VideoCanvas video mixer/titler

Departments

In Box

by Larry Lemm

Gear

by Jim Martin
  • Cinekinetic: MiniSaddlecam
  • Fast Multimedia U.S. Inc.: DV Master Pro
  • Avid Technology Inc.: Avid Cinema for Windows
  • Ulead Systems Inc.: COOL 3D v. 2.0
  • Seagate: Cheetah and Barracuda
  • JTL Studio Systems: Superlight series
  • Hauppauge: VideoWizard
  • Cool-Lux: Delta Force
  • Adaptec: VideOh!
  • Tributaries: SA 201 Single Channel S-Video Compensator

Your Tips

by Jim Martin

February 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Viva Amiga!

by Larry Lemm
Although technically out of production for nearly a decade, the Amiga computer is still a favorite of desktop video editors everywhere. Now, with new hardware, new software and the muscle of Gateway 2000 to back it, is Amiga set to rise from the ashes?

Audio Mixers Essentials: Mixing your audio will improve your sound and enhance your videos.

by Don Collins
A good video needs good audio to go along with it. Our feature story gives you the complete rundown on what to look for in an audio mixer for best video results. Our comprehensive Buyer’s Guide shows you what’s available out there.

Best Products of the Year

by Jim Mikles
1998 was a great year for video equipment. From strong contenders in the camcorder categories to continued growth in computer desktop video, only the very cream can rise to the top to claim a coveted Videomaker Best Product of the Year award.

Live to Tape: A Case Study in Live Multi-camera Production

by Chuck Peters
Three guys produced a weekly television show in a basement studio. From cabling to the final take, here’s how they pulled off a studio-style multi-camera shoot.

Get Animated: How To Shoot Amateur Animated Video

by Mary Ross
Basic but effective video animation is easy, fun and requires minimal equipment or technical expertise. With a decent consumer camcorder, a tripod, a little patience and some creativity, the bare-bones process isn’t hard to learn.

The Signs of Editing: A guided tour

by Loren Alldrin
If you want to know more about editing your videos, you need to know more about how the various editing protocols work. Take this tour and follow the signs to greater editing proficiency.

Columns

Viewfinder: Study the Masters

by Matthew York
Learn the language of video from those who came before.

Getting Started: Copy Stand Shooting

by Arthur Aiello
It's the best way to shoot art, photos and small objects in extreme closeup.

Light Source: The Power of Three-point Lighting

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
Use three-point lighting to set the mood, time of day and dramatic intensity of your productions.

Video Editing: Superb Superimpositions

by Jim Stinson
Combining and manipulating multiple pictures, titles or special effects into a single, composite image.

Sound Track: Smooth Talker

by Loren Alldrin
Thirteen tips for smooth, professional-sounding narration.

Test Bench

  • Benchmarks

    by Jim Martin
    JVC GR-AXM700, Audio-Technica AT851a, Classic Video Products Cobra Crane, Cinovation Scriptware, Truevision Bravado 2000

    • Videocrafts: It's a Grand Old Flag

    by Chuck Peters
    It's a Grand Old Flag

Departments

Letters to the Editor

by Jim Martin
Ask Videomaker. Questions and comments from our readers and answers from the editor.

In Box

by Larry Lemm

Quick Focus

by Larry Lemm

Book and Tape Reviews

by Don Collins
  • The Art of Sound Reproduction
  • Video and Media Servers: Technology and Applications
  • Advanced Television Systems: Brave New TV

Gear

by Jim Martin
  • Sony Handycam Vision CCD-TRV95
  • Panasonic PV-DV910 Mini DV camcorder
  • Montrose DV-V-145
  • TVFX Art In Motion
  • Hash Animation Master 98 v. 6.1.98
  • Cool-Lux L-10 Smart Power Battery Belt
  • Video Cameras SportCam
  • Case Logic CBV-20
  • Case Logic CBV-25
  • JVC GR-DVA1
  • JVC GR-DVF10
  • Long Valley Equipment 1.5 inch schedule 40 ABS curved tracks

Zoom In, Zoom Out

by Larry Lemm

January 1999 Table of Contents

Feature Stories

Is DV for Me?

by Chuck Peters
The way DV camcorders capture broadcast-quality video and audio in a barely pint-sized package it's no wonder they're the latest rage. But when will you really need one? What exactly is it about this format that makes it so great? What models are out there? Our feature story and comprehensive buyer's guide will give you these answers plus everything else you need to know about DV.

More Music for the Money: CD Sound for All Budgets

by Loren Alldrin
It's easy and affordable to to acquire great music and sound effects for your videos with CD libraries.

Shooting A/B -roll: Tips for Single camera A/B-roll Shooting

by Mark Bosko
With a little creativity and a technique called A/B-roll shooting, even the single-camera videographer can reap the benefits of a two-camera shoot.

The Ins and Outs of High-speed Shutters

by Joe McCleskey
Manipulating a camcorder's high-speed shutter is the key to making an inexpensive camcorder act in many ways like a professional camera. Check out how the high-speed shutter works and learn some tricks to successfully use the one on your camcorder.

Young Videographers: 5 Benefits of Combining Kids and Camcorders

by Kimberly Locke
Shooting video is educational, exciting and a great thing for kids to do.

Shoot with Caution: Video, the Law and You

by Jim Mikles
Copyright, privacy and permission are important legal principles all videographers should know about. We answer the most common legal questions people have about video and the law.

Columns

Viewfinder: Caught "In-between"

by Matthew York
It's time to get off the fence and make some video.

Getting Started: Saving Family Classics: Film-to-Video Transfer

by Arthur Aiello
Do-it-yourself film-to-video is easy and allows you to add a personal touch to your classic footage.

Light Source: Crafting the Key Light

by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
Good lighting begins with a single lamp.

Edit Suite: You're Entitled!

by Jim Stinson
Creative titling is a fun and easy way to add spice and character to your videos.

Sound Track: Narration Sensation

by Loren Alldrin
Make your videos sit up and speak with crisp, intelligible narration.

Test Bench

  • Benchmarks

    by Jim Martin
    • Canon Vistura Mini DV Camcorder
    • Microsoft Netshow Tools
    • RealNetworks Real Publisher
    • XingMPEG encoder
    • Classic Video Products SteadyTRACKER F-10 Camcorder Stabilizer
    • JVC HR-S9500U S-VHS Editing VCR

    • Special Effects: The Fox Network Look

    by Chuck Peters
    How to use the Fox Network editing techniques to captivate your viewers.

Departments

In Box

by Larry Lemm

Gear

by Jim Martin
  • Panasonic PV-L958
  • Panasonic DVD-RAM
  • Century Precision Optics Value Series
  • Peerless Industries Jumbo 2000
  • Matrox Graphics Marvel G200-TV
  • Bencher The Motion Picture Maker
  • Supercircuits Microplate Video Transmitter
  • Dazzle Multimedia Digital Video Producer
  • Sony DCR-PC1
  • Sonic Foundry Sound Forge XP 4.5

Your Tips

by Jim Martin

Zoom In, Zoom Out

by Larry Lemm