I use a Sony Camcorder and a Nikon 3100 DSLR. I have an older Sony Camcorder that uses tape to store the video. It's getting hard to find the tapes now. My brother has a newer model Sony that has a hard drive and is a high definition camera. We use it most of the time. The one drawback to the newer Sony is that it does not have a viewfinder. If you are in bright light it is hard to see on the little LCD screen. I have used my Nikon 3100 DSLR to record but it is limited to the space on an SD card. I wouldn't recommend it for anything but short clips.

I now use VideoStudio Ultimate X7 for video editing. I used Pinnacle before this, but the VideoStudio is 64 bit software and it runs much faster and seems to do everything I need. The VideoStudio software is much more reasonable in price than the Pinnacle software.

The main tip I can give anyone is that the sun can be your friend or your enemy. If you shoot into the sun you can get lens flare and under exposure as the light meter is reading all the sunlight coming in behind your subject. If you shoot with direct sun coming from behind you it can wash out the color and contrast on the video. I try to shoot inside or in the shade of a building or tree. If that is not possible I like to shoot with the sun behind me at about a 45 degree angle.

Video editing can take a lot of time and patience but it can really make your video much better.

Cameras for Filming Video

What camera do you use for filming video? What is the best camera? As the saying goes...The best camera is the one that you have with you.

I have used many cameras over the years to film videos for the ABS YouTube Channel. Years ago, I used camcorders for all of my video.

Today, I use three different cameras to film video and photos. I use a Nikon D7100 DSLR usually with a Nikkor 55-300mm lens, a Canon G7X, and an IPhone 6. All three of these cameras are of course digital and can capture both photos and HD (High Definition) video.

The Nikon D7100 DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera has advanced features and requires some study to learn how to operate properly and take full advantage of its features including a 51 point auto focus system. The D7100 has a very powerful video system that can record H.264/ MPEG-4 AVC (advanced video coding) compressed Full HD video on the camera's memory cards. This camera has two SD (secure digital) memory card slots and exceptionally long battery life. I use two SD 32G High speed professional Class 10 memory cards in the slots (click:article on high speed cards). This camera shots high quality photos and video. It can become heavy during a long shoot if you are using it hand held without a tripod.

I read some articles about a new category of professional quality cameras referred to as compact cameras which are digital cameras that incorporate the creative performance of a professional digital SLR camera and the compact convenience of a point-and-shoot. I did my research and purchased a Canon G7X. It is a full featured camera that films HD video, light weight and small foot print, very senstive microphone, and quality HD video that is very impressive with vivid color. It has built in Wi-Fi connectivity (wireless file transfer) to easily transfer your work to an IPAD or IPHONE and email it. The only negative is relatively short battery life so an extra battery is essential. This has become my "Go To" camera for both photos and video because of its small size and outstanding features and HD quality video. I take this camera everywhere and use it daily. I filmed this video in my shop this Summer with my Canon G7X while working with Craig Brewer and Jack Fuller. You can see the quality of the video during the excellent presentation by Craig. Click: http://youtu.be/mR6yGYSl1i8

Of course, I always have my IPHONE 6 with me. It shoots excellent quality video and photos. It can be used as your primary camera or have it ready as a handy back up. One tip is to set the video in Settings to 60 FPS (frames per second) from the default of 30 FPS for higher quality video. Also, when you film with the IPHONE hold it in a landscape position when recording and not a portrait orientation. The landscape shooting position will allow the final video to fill the entire screen instead of only a portion. Try it and see.

What camera do you use or what camera are you considering buying? Your experiences? Any reviews?

Where did you purchase your camera? Some excellent sites to shop for cameras are Amazon.com and B&H Photo Video. You can learn a lot about the features of the cameras and read reviews by consumers. Amazon usually has several purchasing options for many cameras where accessories such as additional batteries, cases, memory cards, ect are bundled as a package with the camera for the same or slightly higher price than just the camera alone.

Several members were considering purchasing Go Pro cameras and I wonder how that is working for them.

For some time I have been very keen on offering videos of my information, it would save some typing <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> . I use my Canon DSLR which seems to shoot excellent video (when not handicapped by the limitations of the user)and Adobe Premier for editing. I believe I purchased the camera at B&H. It is a T2I and, of course, as soon as I purchased it they releases the T3-I and T4-I, and now we are up to 5, I think <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//angry.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':angry:' /> .

What has pretty much shut me down in pursuing this more is having a huge video that I have edited, dubbed and prepared as a Premier project and then not being able to find a format and settings that will allow me to keep the quality but be in a manageable size that can be uploaded anywhere or even saved on normal portable media. This is pure ignorance on my part as I have figured out most of the other features of the editing software but cannot grasp the export settings to make the final file. Dan, you have seen my edited files and it is obvious that I enjoy the editing process but I had to bring those files to you in huge flash drives because I am too dumb to be able to work out the format settings <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//sad.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':(' /> .

I am interested in hearing opinions of the different cameras available and software. Right now I do not have a video camera. but do plan to get one. Like Kevin I am not sure I have enough smarts to figure it all out as far as editing and reducing sizes, but we will see. I have been considering a go pro, mainly because of the range of options available. My brother in law has one and likes it. I am sure if I asked nicely he would probably help with software issues. I look forward to talking to you in Kansas City Dan, and thank you again.

Brion

Kevin

I sent you an email with a link to an app that I believe will address your issue. We will be talking more about video editing software in this thread shortly.

--------------------------------------

Brion

By the end of this thread you will have enough imformation to be able to film, edit, and upload your videos to your new YouTube Channel or Vimeo account.

I've gone through a lot of cameras over the years that all claimed to take "video". Those that are both camera/video recorders have never been satisfactory for me. I've always been disappointed with the quality they produce. Consumer grade camcorders have given me the same.

Last Christmas my Mrs. gave me a GoPro Hero 4 Silver. Its an impressive little camera. I've found it ideal for "shop" videos. Its the best "video" camera I've owned to date. What I think makes it so nice is that it not only shoots great quality video, but there are a variety of mounts for it (I've made a bunch of my own), and it has remote control apps for both Android and IOS smart phones.

When it comes to video editing software.... I'm still searching for something that is both effective and easy to learn/use. I'm not sure such a thing exists. I've used GoPro's editing software, but it can be frustrating, especially if you want to cut specific portions of videos. Adobe and Corel can be overwhelming to learn, but it seems like they offer every option a person could want. Currently my most used video editors are Sony Vegas Pro, and Cyberlink PowerDirector. I suspect that if a person used them EVERY day, the learning curve would be shortened, but for the amount I use them (only a couple of times a month) I am constantly having to learn things over and over again.

Several times I have just given up on any major editing, and just ran my video through GoPro's software to reformat it for uploading, and left it at that. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

This is an excellent article that explains many concepts that I received from from B&H Photo, Click: Shooting Travel Videos with your Digital Camera

The article begins with:

Photography / Tips and Solutions

Shooting Travel Videos with Your Digital Camera

By Mike Wilkinson | 1 week ago[list]

We purchased a Nikon D3200 SLR for the shop a few years ago, over all if has been a fine camera, but as a camcorder I am less happy with it. it take very good video, but has an annoying issue of overheating and shutting down when used for video for more than 20 min. One of the partners in my shop, Peter picked up a gopro and that seems to work far better though I haven't had a chance to try it yet.

A side note on the nikon never use the auto focus in video ... it is consistently refocusing and the noise gets picked up by the mic as well as the shot going in and out of focus.

MP

nikon never use the auto focus in video ... it is consistently refocusing and the noise gets picked up by the mic as well as the shot going in and out of focus.

That is exactly the issue I've had with all the camera/video cameras I tried...... being a lone individual in the shop, its just impossible for me to be behind the camera, and in front of it at the same time. Auto focus has been my only option, and I would always get the same thing. Haven't had that issue with the GoPro.

Dan sent me an email, with differing experiences, so I hope he chimes in here..... maybe with some knowledge/advice about this situation. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

As I mentioned earlier, today I use three different cameras to film video and photos. I use a Nikon D7100 DSLR usually with a Nikkor 55-300mm lens, a Canon G7X (mirrorless), and an IPhone 6. All three of these cameras were purchased in the last year and are of course digital and can capture both photos and HD (High Definition) video. I have found the video quality to be excellent on all three devices. I am behind the camera these days and not in front of it as I try to capture images and video footage for the ABS YouTube Channel.

I am not familiar with the specs for or the issues with the cameras that Matthew or Ed had years ago with their older cameras. Today the resolution in cameras continues to rise. The article from B&H Photo above explains this and the author says: "As prices continue to plummet and resolution continues to rise, it is becoming commonplace for amateur and hobbyist photographers to purchase a high-quality digital stills camera—mirrorless or DSLR. Even a photographer with a $500 camera can capture amazing clarity with just about no training whatsoever. Almost every one of these cameras now has the option to shoot video, usually in an HD resolution (or even 4K video, on some models)".

The reason that I started this thread was to encourage our members to film videos about themselves, their work, and their techniques and post them on the internet. I want everyone to see that they can do this and as the thread progresses offer advice and exchange tips on cameras, filming techniques, storage solutions, video editing software, and posting your videos to sites such as YouTube. This is a changing world and I want our members to stay up with technology and use it to their advantage. I can see the value in our members introducing themselves and their work through online videos. You can reach a few hundred people with your message at an event or show but you can reach millions though the internet and online videos.

what has worked for me with the Nikon and with the Canon SLR I used before that, is to use a tripod and manually set the focus. I set the focus on a set point start the camera go wave my hands as if doing what I am trying to film a few times and then check it. rinse and repeat until it works.

normally with forging videos it isn't to big a deal as the field of focus is pretty contained.

MP

I can see from the discussion that our members use a variety of cameras to film video including camcorders, DSLR cameras, compact or mirrorless cameras, Go Pro, and Iphones. I would recommend that you do your reseach before you buy. I read online reviews and actually went into professional camera shops and tried out the cameras before I purchased them.

I can see that we are beginning to discuss filming techniques. What are your techniques for filming videos? Do you have any ideas or tips for lighting or sound when filming a video? What accessories do you use with your camera?

Ed and Matt film themselves demonstrating bladesmithing techniques. What are the challenges for this filming technique and how do you manage them?

I find filming yourself to be a challenge that I have to deal with as well. Working both sides of the camera requires some extra care in composing the shots since you do not have the subject to center and focus on until you are in front of the camera. This is one reason why I like my DSLR, I can snap a timer shot with me in position and then look at it to adjust the height and angles so that I am not cutting off my own head. The next part makes the editing software a real must, I have to set the shot start the video rolling and then take position, at the end of the take the reverse is included as well, so obviously all this has to be edited out afterwards. This also limits me to one spot and makes action shots very tedious, if not impossible, it is up to me to stay in the frame and focus of the camera with nobody behind it to follow me.

Wearing a michrophone is great since sound is often the weakest point of home video, but sometimes room noise is still a problem or you may not have such a fancy mike. This is why I prefer to just film the action and then dub the voice over later. In a room with forges and power hammers running it think it is better to just do your thing to get the actions and not fumble with words so that you can put it in later with a carefully thought out scripted description. One thing that makes for an awful YouTube video for me, is a person stammering and stuttering trying to figure out what they want to say while the camera is actually rolling. With the voice overs I can not only script it I can play it back and redo it if it isn't just right, and when it is, I can lay it right where I want over a video. There is a class coming up at a local college that is about how to make money with your voice and I think I am going to take it, not to make any money with my voice but to learn some techniques on how to narrate in a more natural and interesting style. The next Nat Geo or NOVA show that you watch listen to the narration, these guys are not just stiffly reading off a paper, there is an art to it and it is a lot tougher than you first think.