Changes and Progress and Oh My

I started this blog in 2009 because a woman was murdered for creating videos. A man became obsessed with the woman and eventually stalked and killed her. Women who text blogged were (and are) being attacked for speaking their voices. A voice lost needs to be replaced by a hundred fold of good people.

I never intended this blog to be a women specific video tutorial kind of place but I want women to know that they were welcomed. Men folk are welcomed too. There are billions of stories on the planet and we need shepards to bring them to the viewing place.

I started this blog because there were women who believed that they couldn't and didn't have a place in web video. It was too hard or too technical. I didn't believe that; there are parts that are challenging but not impossible to surmount.

Time marched on. From analog camcorders to Flip Cams.  Flip Cams to Smartphone/Mobile Devices. Web Apps. Mobile Apps. New players and old tech changing into new.

And the voices:





Young women, older women, geeks, techies, knitters, foodies, fans of vaudeville, Whovians and so many more ideas, concepts and voices.

There is room for one more. There is always room for one more.

I've had technology change on my twice as I struggle to find ways of sharing not only the technological changes but the social and creative changes as well. It was never just one thing with me.

So what now?

Well, that is a good question. I have a few more months of school left. The day job is just as demanding as ever. I need to time plan posts and that isn't my favorite way of writing anything.

And I spent cash money for a screencasting workshop. I need to get busy on that return on investment. I have no plans to buy Google Glass anytime soon. But you never know.

We can't stay in silos any more. We can't pretend that other people don't exist. So I think I'd like to create posts that bust out of the silo. More how-tos but in relationship to a purpose.

Is there new software or applications that can make that easy? Yes. It there existing or old software that can be recycled for new purposes. Yes.

That might happen once a week. Or when I find the time. We'll see.

Other Posts Of Interest

• There Is No Secret To Making A Video
• Placing A Copyright Notice In Your Video
• Video Advocacy Resources
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Long Time Coming - Digital Bolex 16

Like many people, I thought this was a pipe dream. Like take the money and run into a brick wall. It is part of the reason I try to stay away from Kickstarter campaigns. There are some that I've supported that have never hit the mark. Others took a long time; I received the product but the logistics of creating a brand new thing is and has always been a crap shoot.

Sometime you get lucky. Most of the time it is hard, nail dirty work. In 2012 there was a Kickstarter campaign that promised backers that the Digital Bolex D16, a RAW 2k camera, can be created that would look like the filmed images from the original Bolex 16mm film camera.

The project was funded in days. The actual delivery took a bit longer. People made fun of it, looked to other new products like the Black Magic Pocket Camera or just let it drift out of their minds.





This is a demonstration video recorded on the Red Line in Hollywood and then coming up for air at what looks like Hollywood and Vine. At night where the tourists and street people try not to collide with each other.

The Specs

1" CCD and records in Adobe CinemaDNG talking RAW uncompressed video.
32fps at 1080p and 60fps at 720p
Dual Compact Flash Card slots and a 400GH SSD hard drive.
Can attached an XLR microphone for professional mics and audio
This baby records anything from 480p to 1080p to 1152p or what they are calling Super 16mm mode.

It isn't the camera for me, not yet. I know that. But someday there will be a magical movie made with this camera that will go into places a full size movie camera cannot. It is an accessible bit of kit to those that know they can make a movie and they don't need the studio system to do it.

Not knocking the studio system. Just saying there is now the opportunity for expand options. The stories not yet told. Points of view not obstructed by a freaking bean counter.

I smell those bacon hot dogs, it is the future calling.

Other Posts of Interest

• Quick Look at Panasonic DMC-XS1
• Quick Look at Sony HDR MV1
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Magix Music Maker - The EULA License Game

Just want to follow up on the entry level/basic version of Magix Music Maker Sountrack Edition. To recap, I purchased the software in order to create my own intros, video tunes and avoid the threat of DCMA and assorted attorneys trolling for dollars.

The software was on sale and it seem to be designed for novice users who wanted to craft their own tunes with the provided music tracks. As is my habit, I do read the End Users License Agreement (EULA) before installing software. That is when I had a WTF moment.

Yes, I could use the provided music tracks in videos. Provided those videos are non-commercial or the music is not used in a commercial (business, money generating) atmosphere.

Hold On - It Says You Can Use For Social Media Use

Yes, you can use the music in videos that appear on YouTube or an audio service like Soundcloud; so long as it is non-commercial. I understand that. But it is up to Magix to determine the use and the context of usage. If they feel you have violated the terms then you will have to deal with them or the attorneys. In Germany.

Technically, Magix did provide links on the web site, teeny tiny links, that spell out the End Users License Agreement.  And there are good people in the Magix multimedia community that are answering this question over and over.

I wish that Magix would put a link or some kind of notice on the sales page to alert potential users about the non-commercial use of this software.

If You Have Not Activated the Software:

Suppose you read the EULA and you decide that you want no part of the software. Stop, uninstall it and contact them within 14 days of purchase to get a refund.

Installation Caution:

If you are about to install the software, be careful. There is an installation window for a product called SimpleCheck

and Ask.com Toolbar.

I can’t tell you want to do but if you ask me what I did I’d tell you I unchecked those suckers quick, fast and in a hurry.

If You Have Activated the Software:

If you activated (register) the software then you are out of luck on that refund action. All is not lost and you have options.

Magix will want you to register to become a member of the Magix community. This is the only way to get into the Knowledge Base and community assistance to find out what the heck is going on. Or you can keep reading this post.

After Installation Using the Software Only:

There are music loops which are snippets of notes or beats. There are full tracks called soundpools and these are the music elements that is provided with the software.

For a moment, think of the software as if it was a word processing program. You can enter your own music that you compose. You will have no problem so long as you do not use any musical elements provided by Magix.

You can import Creative Commons or Public Domain music (and you are 101% sure it is in the public domain) and use the software to remix and compose tunes. Again, if you don't use any of the provided music you will be fine.

Using the Provided Loops and Soundpools

Here is the thing. Music is rarely free when it comes in contact with a vendor or software provider. Magix has another site called Catooh; it is a music repository where people can buy music, sound effects and soundtracks. There is an artist community that sell their music creations.

Catooh/Magix provides a variety of music licenses depending on the users need. For entry level users that can abide by the non-commercial license you do not have to pay extra.

But if you have a commercial need for music then you can purchase a single track or an all inclusive license. So let's say that you buy an Audio Pro track for 79 cents. You would be good for 3 million web impressions per month or 1 million public presentations. Which is a heck of a lot of conferences or 1 million video viewers.

With the 99 cent track it is unlimited non-commercial use. And no, I see no reason to purchase an entire catalog of music.

So Is It Worth It?

Well, that depends. If you want to have a unique theme or you are creating a special video or series of videos then yes, plunking down 99 cents for an single tune that has an unlimited music license is not a bad deal.

I would not do it for sound effects but for a composition you want to touch up, why not.

That said, there is one more thing. You purchased the license for the music. You can do anything you want except anything that Catooh/Magix deems unlawful, illicit or is used to establish a business identity.

Other Options

You can download a software program like Audacity and then purchase tunes from Magix, Sony or dozens of other music repositories.

You also have the option of diving into the Internet Archive to find music placed in the public domain by musicians. It is a slog but it can be done.

Other Posts of Interest

• Magix Music Maker Soundtrack Edition and EULA Terms of Service
• Audio Library - YouTube Music for Web Video
• A Look At Sony Sound Production Music
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Magix Music Maker and EULA Terms of Service

Doing the right thing can be irritating especially when you pay cash money to do the right thing and then find out you might not be able to do the thing at all. I'm not just jumping in and out of vague linguistically hoops.

I want music in my videos.

I don't want to be bothered by the freaking DCMA copyright boogie being. I believe in right livelihood and fair compensation. It happens that I got an e-mail from a software vendor, Magix, stating that I can purchase at a reduce price Video Sound Cleaning Lab 2014 and Music Maker Soundtrack Edition.

I am not a musician but this would give me an opportunity to play with a consumer level music program. My intention would be to mix and match installed soundtracks or public domain tracks into something transformative.

So why have I got my panties in a bunch? This section of the Terms of Service:

The music, video and photo files included with MAGIX products may only be used within the scope of producing personally created works to be used for non-commercial purposes. This also applies to music, video or photo data acquired through or by means of MAGIX products. Commercial use constitutes receipt of financial benefits through direct or indirect use of the files (through sale, licensing, ad banners, etc.)

No, no...what? The name of the program is Music Maker Soundtrack Edition. There is an implication that the music would be used in some kind of audio/video environment.

There is also this thing called social media. There are ads all around most of the social media services that I do not benefit from. (I wish I could make them go away but I do have an understanding that they support the service.)

I don't directly receive financial benefits. But I do benefit by using the services. So, after I stop hyperventilating I need to do some investigating.

License of Property

It should go without saying that I fully understand that I cannot take the tracks from the software program and sell them as my own. There are people in the world that do not understand that they cannot do that. That is wrong. That is theft of product and services. Moving on.

Social Media Use

In the End Users License Agreement it has a specific term about about the the use of the works. Non-commercial. So I can envision that traditional teachers, educators, video hobbyists that have never heard of the Internet can use the music tracks in projects.

Non-commercial YouTubers/Vimeo users can also use the tracks. In the product brochure it states that you can upload to Soundcloud, Facebook and YouTube.

Problem Solved? No.

Because I, someday, might want to create a commercial video. I am not one to turn down flowing cash money.

For example, I post a video about Mookie dancing in the street. I know not to use copyrighted music so I conjure up a tune using the installed musics tracks. I mix, match, slice and dice until I get my song just right.  The world goes crazy about Mookie and I flip the switch and make some profit.


Ah, there is a clause for that:

7. Claim for damages: MAGIX is entitled to proprietary and copyright protection for the licensed software as well as the music and video files. Anyone responsible for any violations against such rights may be sued by MAGIX.

Oh, by the way, The headquarters of this company is in Germany. So who's copyright law would I be subject to?

I have options:

1. Investigate further to see if there is a additional statements about the use of the music in videos that could be leaning toward commercial use.
2. Do not install the software and see if I can get my money back.
3. Use the software but find other music sources to use instead of the ones supplied by Magix

 I'll let you know what I find out.

Other Posts of Interest:

• Audio Library Music for YouTube Videos
• Clocking the Words in Time
• Extract Audio from Video using MPEG Streamclip
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Ideas on How to Steady Smartphone Video

There are evolving techniques about how to record video using Smartphones and similar mobile devices. There is a saying about using what you have at the moment. What you always will have is your body.


  Steady iPhone 4s from The Film Artist on Vimeo.

This is a great example of what you can do with the right grip on the phone. And grip is the operative word.  According to The Film Artist if you can learn to control your body movements you can get excellent video without a tripod.

Makes are real good case of it in the above video.

Mini Tripod/Support Devices

There are all kinds of affordable supports that you can use for Smartphone video. You don't have to spend a lot of money but don't be afraid to pay for quality.

No secret that I have the Woxom SlingShot tripod. It makes it easy to record table top videos or walking in the real world. And the creator has a wonderful sense of humor. At $19.95 you can't go wrong.




Moving on. If you want to anchor the phone to another substance like a tree or pole you might wan to take a look at the Joby GripTight Gorilla Pod Stand. At around $30 it could be what you need.

The Picosteady is a stabilizing unit for Smartphones, mini cameras like the GoPro and Micro 4/3 type cameras. If you plan on doing a lot of recording with these type of devices at $150 this could be a good investment.

There you have it. You can get a good grip or you can find the right device to help you steady your mobile recordings.


Other Posts of Interest

• Smartphone and Tablet Fixed Aperture Issues
• In Search of Android Camera Specs
• Vimeo Membership Options for Vloggers
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Rediscovering and Recycling or Think Before You Speak

I am doing a search and rescue mission of finding my videos. Now that my Blip.tv web hosting days are over I've got to transfer a lot of video. This also provides and opportunity to upload unused recordings and clean up the ones I had originally posted.




For example, this is a short clip from the 2011 Blogging While Brown Conference. It is hard to see improvement because of the YouTube compression but I was able to get the colors a bit more accurate.

I'm still on dicey Wi-Fi so I really do have to upload short videos. This forces me to edit and edit tight.

Let me see, anything else. Oh yeah, the topic of this clip is a response to a question from the audience about is there something that you regret saying on camera. I think Lydia makes a very good point. You can yank the video down but if someone snags a copy it will never go away.


Other Posts of Interests

• Audio Inspiration - Joe Frank
• A Resource for Storyboard Templates
• SeriousPony's Video on Horses
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Hindenburg Systems Field Recorder

I have to hug my Samsung devices from keeping me from going over to the iOS side. I do think the Apple products are well designed but way over priced. The apps, however, keep me peeping over the iOS fence. So many apps, so little money to buy them all.

The Hindenburg System Field Recorder app I can see possibilities for storytelling use or as a means of laying down an audio or poetry track.

This is one of many tutorial videos on the Field Recorder app




Field Recorder is designed for journalists or storytellers that need an efficient and affordable workflow in the field. It makes it simple to record, light edit audio, add photos and then upload to the service of your choice.

On the plus side:

It will help you create, edit and upload a complete audio or audio with photos file no matter where you are, so long as you have a data plan or access to wi-fi.

It is not expensive at $29.99 but you have to look at if the software fit in with with you skill level and current recording needs.

If you have a daily podcast and you have a hectic life this might be what you need. If you want to lay down an audio track and later match it up to a video later this might do it for you. If you want to post directly to SoundCloud to extract later this could be your cup of tea.

This app will let you import audio WAV files but not MP3. Then again you have an effective audio editing studio in your hand. You can download a 30 day trial version of the main program from the web site so do that before you plunk down cash money.


On the minus side:

It is iOS dang it!

Eh, sorry about that. Where was I? Oh yeah. $29.99 might be overkill. There are free and less expensive apps that can record video.

If you know how to work with file folders, Audacity or Garage Band then this app might not be for you. If you are willing to covert AAC files then again it could be a winner.

This is the entry level version of the app. You might have other needs to check out the full product line or other vendors before making a purchasing decision.


Other Posts of Interest

• Audio Library for YouTube Music for Web Video
• Sony Sound Series Production Music
• Audio Tips for Smartphone and Media Player Recording
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Audio Inspirations - Joe Frank

On the one hand, you have a cottage industry seriously seeking the holy grail of storytelling. Politicians, commercial businesses, vendors and opportunists - both positive and negative all seek to connect with a person and root themselves as being one of you.

A shared experience in which makes the story makes them appear credible.Since humans are wired for stories that story resonate has gotten a lot of people in trouble.

"Mister, I met a man..." A rant for another time.

On the other hand, you have storytellers. People that are telling factual stories like the ladies of WHOA! Network or artists that use the techniques of storytelling to create a new work of art.

And then there is Joe Frank.




The first time I gave up television I turned to public radio. There were exciting things that were happening with ZBS, radio audio theater groups and Joe Frank.

Joe played with conformity like a basketball. It seemed real until it wasn't. You could be bounced from drama to comedy to absurdity in the space of minutes.  If you were into his work you understood you could not always anticipate where he would take you.

Some pieces of his work were life changers. Others were crap. Most were well crafted gems of art.

I bring up Joe Frank because there is much gnashing about who gets to tell stories. Many professionals in the media business would like to restrict the teeming masses from having a voice.

From restricting comments*, to embedding a television like framework for new content producers to the new bum rush to series mentality to web video it just doesn't seem like the sole voice is welcomed any more.

We might have to reclaim it once again.

*Make no mistake; I really get why some media outlets and bloggers have to make that decision on closing comments. There are nasty, vile people in portions of the teeming masses. There are intolerant people. There are spammers. Our challenge is to communicate without the hate. There are corporate and political interests that do not want that to happen. Telling our stories is one way to fight back.

Other Posts of Interest

• A Resource for Storytelling Templates
• Old School Ideas for Creating Text Poetry
• Animating Text in Windows Movie Maker
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Paris to New York - Serious Videoblogging

I was reading a post a couple of hours ago talking about how people are seriously juicing over the new camera equipment being available. 4K is almost passe. 6K and 8K cameras are on the cusp of emergence.

As if a camera alone is what makes a good video or movie. It can help, if you know what to do with it. Citizen Kane was shot on analog equipment.

This is a video by Casey Neistat




I think skills and the right tools are important. But heart pumping to the brain on what you want to say or accomplish is far more important. I don't care if it is with a Smartphone or a 4K Red.

Craft and storytelling. Getting it done. Making that connection.

For more info on Casey check out his YouTube channel


Other Posts of Interest

• Video Art on the Vine - Rob Parrish
• Serious Pony's Video on Horses - This is Why
• The Forge and Eric Lim
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Vimeo Membership Options for Videobloggers

Time is ticking for those of you that need to download your non-episode/series videos from Blip.tv. Cutoff is November 7, 2013. One of the video web hosting options you do have for video is Vimeo. 

Vimeo is known for having a civil and creative community. At this time, they are still allowing basic users. I don't know how long that will last. Companies have bills to pa and they do that by advertising, charging users for advanced services or other forms of moolah farming.

If you are a casual once a week videoblogger Vimeo Basic might be all that you need. You can upload one high definition video a week or multiple SD videos. There are some restrictions but it is a free account. So long as you upload video or are active in watching or liking videos you are good to go.

Be aware there will be no tribute content, no copyright infringement and no intentional icky videos. I don't think they would support unintentional icky videos either. Let me be blunt; if you ex-girlfriend/boyfriend is in the video without clothing or their prior written consent then it isn't going to be shown on Vimeo.

Vimeo does want you to be aware that there are perks for paid memberships options.  If you are closer to the ProAm side of the fence you might want to give paid membership a look see.

Now, truth be told, many of my friends and acquaintances subscribe to the "roll you own" philosophy of web video. In this case, they suggest that you run your own server and manually embed your content on your blog or website.

That takes skill, money, time, commitment and resources. It can be done.

Is it easy to do? No.

So, give Vimeo some serious thought. I would also encourage you to check out some of the content on the site. You will get inspiration up the ying-yang.

Or an inferiority complex.


Other Posts of Interest

• Vimeo Film School - The Cure for So So Video
• Working with Video Posts In Tumblr
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Quinn Poster on Getting Video Right

Still slogging through life, academia and blogging. Today's inspiration comes from the Poynter Institute. A place where old journos pontificate and newbies discombobulate the status quo.

Portion of Tips Poster at Poynter

Those of us in the middle seem act as the bridge or conduit. We hope that both sides will take the time to listen and observe what works and what doesn't.  Sara Dickensen Quinn has a poster with the essentials for shooting videos.

Doesn't matter if you record with a smartphone or a tricked up DSLR. There are fundamentals that we all can learn from. You don't have to be a journalists to apply the tips suggested. Might be better if you weren't.

Tell the story with video and your words. Tell the truth or a close to it as you can get.


Other Posts of Interests

• Clocking Words in Time
• Muvee Reveal Express for Making Poetry Videos
• Reminder of Shot Checklists for Event Recording
• Home Page for Mobile Users

A Resource for Storyboard Templates

I have a (sometimes) good habit of following the bread crumbs. I'm careful about where I venture but I like to check out what happening at other places of interests. I was snooping around the Journalism education sites and found myself at Printable Paper.

http://www.printablepaper.net/category/storyboard

At the site is a collection of storyboard templates for various types of video and movie projects. These are free PDFs that you can download and use as you see fit.

You might take a look at the template and say "Yeah, but I need something with lines so I can write as well as sketch."  Not a problem. This is where my wandering pays off:

I actually look for notebooks like this. I use to find them in the back to school section but with more instruction moving away from basic handwriting skills this is going to be harder to find. I'm glad to know that this is available for those of us that want to combine text and sketching.

What Is It Good For?

Well, if you are doing any kind of structured video like a demonstration, tutorial, creative storytelling that has a lot of elements this is your money saving launch pad.

Working out on paper forces you to take it from your head and make it real. It also reminds you of what you have, what you need and is it really doable.

Other Posts of Interest

• How 5-Shot Method Helped Me Make and Editing List
• Quick and Easy Storyboard
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Midterms, Downloading and Other Rambles

I'm just coming into the home stretch of my mid-term paper. It is a game of beat the clock and I'm about fifteen minutes behind scheduled. Still downloading my old videos from Blip.tv and I'm half way through 2006.

(Psst, you have until November 7, 2013 to download before it is going, going, gone.)

I am facing the fact that some of these videos cannot uploaded. Not only are they 320x240 but because of the various ways I compressed the videos they will not look good when I re-size them.

It is a puzzlement. I bought a Pinnacle Systems Avid Dazzle DVD Recorder device for transferring old content. Got it on sale and it comes with Pinnacle Studio HD 14. I have bad memories of old school Pinnacle so I have trepidations about installing the software.

I know it is not the same product from long ago. Still, I'm not sure it can run on a 64 bit OS.
 
I'll need to dig out my old Hi-8 camcorder and my SD JVC hard drive camcorder to re-edit old footage.

When I find the time. Which seems to be elusive.Anyway, I'm in the thick of it and when this round of writing papers is through I can dive into more important issues like did I just waste $40 on old tech or can my old laptop find a new reason for earning its keep?

Stay tuned...


Other Posts of Interest

• Vimeo Video Web Hosting
• Why Do You Want or Need A Camcorder?
• Home Page for Mobile Users

BlipTV Will Delete Old Vlogger Video Content

If you were a video blogger that used Blip.tv or you participated in the Yahoo Videoblogging group then heads up. Go get your videos. Now. You have until November  7, 2013. I found out via a Twitter post. Some have received e-mails.

Here is a copy of the announcement:

You might have heard that Blip.tv was sold to a new company. The company wants to continue the focus on creating create serial web video content. Need that server space and well, you know the story.

Now, honestly you should have a back-up copy of your videos before you upload video to a web hosting service. Mine are scattered between CD/DVD/Hard Drive storage. So if I don't get them all I'm not going to be heart broken.

What is breaking my heart is some of the vlogs done by people no longer on the planet. Like Grumpy Old Man With AIDS. There is no one to rescue his work. It should be.saved. It will not be unless his family and friends have his work.

I have 300+ videos of poets, adventure in the city and other non-series content. This will get tricky because some of those videos are posted on other sites, with my consent. I'll have to track them down and switch to the new video hosting service.

Yikes! Each one tell another and get busy.

Other Posts of Interest

• Mercalli Easy for Shaky Videos
• Vimeo Video Web Hosting
• To Make a Video Balance Your Needs vs Your Wants

Blog Update and More From MOCAtv

It is a challenge. I do have ideas I'm trying to find time to write but the life, work, school, sleep balance is out of whack. My apologies. This does not mean that I don't have things to share.

 I do. I always do.




I dip back into MOCAtv for some interesting viewing. Let me first say that I'm not just slapping this up because I'm time crunched.

Well, yeah, I am but there are other reasons.

This blog talks about how to do web video but we don't really talk about the users. Who are also sometimes creators in other realms. Web video is used to inspire, educate, and solve problems. This is a really good example by artist Jason Meadows of how he uses web video.

Another reason I plunked it up is that I love how nature he is, how authentic. This is a real man, not a sparkle infused vampire zombie thing that is being amped up as desirable. I also want to call attention to the style of the video.

Which is a clue as to what I want to share with you the next time. Provided I can hide from all those that are pulling me this way and that.  Anyway, just musing and providing food for thought.

 Cheerio, hip, hip I'm running for the mothership.

Home Page for Mobile Users

Audio Library - YouTube Music for Web Videos

The search for legal and accessible music just got a little easier. Maybe. YouTube is now providing free downloadable music tracks.

You can use the music in your video editing program or your app that will combine photos, videos and music. The tunes can be searched in a variety of ways including the type of music, duration of the tune or by mood.

Once you log onto your account select the Audio Library link. Currently there are about 150 tracks that you can search, preview and download.

You shouldn't have a problem importing .mp3 audio into whatever application you are using; the only problem I can foresee if the program or app requires a certain bit rate. But for the most part you should be good to go.

So What Is the Catch?

There appears very few actually. The music is intended for videos that are uploaded to the web hosting service. You promise not to sell or post the tunes elsewhere and you agree to the standard YouTube terms of service.

What About...?

Yes, I have additional questions that I couldn't find the answers to such as:

Can you re-mix tracks in the collection? I would think so but I couldn't find an answer at this time.

Some of the classical tracks are of well known pieces of music like Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven. When multiple people start using this track will this generate a copyright notice? How would the copyright bots distinguish this recording from a copyrighted version from the London Symphony Orchestra?

Yes, the music is free but if I use this music on a video that is uploaded to the site will that require ads on my video? You know, the type where you or your user can't turn them off?

Well, if I find the answers I'll let you know. More music will be added to the service and it seems that they are looking for musicians.

Other Posts of Interest:

• Audio Recording Tips for Smartphone and Tablet Users 
• SoundGator When You Need A Whoosh 
• Clocking the Words In Time
• Home Page for Mobile Users

A Peep at Vine Journalism Awards

Vine video was introduced in January 2013. The number of dog and cat videos increased exponentially. Vine video is used for more than selfies and meal documentation. It can and is being used for journalism and behind the scenes documentation.

The Vine Journalism Awards will be held on October 2, 2013 to eliminate the best use of Vine videos in Journalism. And by best use I mean those that knew about the awards and submitted a video.






This is an example of an intern (hopefully paid) running to deliver an opinion paper to (I believe) Pete Wilson of NBC News.

The Vine Journalism Awards is a co-production of Twitter and Muck Rack, a journalism community. You can see more of the contenders at the Muck Rack Daily site.

As it is often been said, it is not what you have but how you use it.

Other Posts of Interest

• Quick Look at Sony HDR MV1
• Amani and Chips Must Haves for Mobile Journalism
• A Look at iPhone Reporting Blog 
• Home Page for Mobile Users

My Test Video of Panasonic DMC-XS1

I confess, I was in a vulnerable state. I didn't intend to buy the Panasonic DMC-XS1. But it was a long day. I felt a longing. Somehow I found myself in the camera store; reminiscing about D-76. Peeping at the DSLRs that I will never own. Sigh.

The store clerk asked "May I help you?"

Next thing I knew I was walking out the door with that new camera in the hand feeling.  When I got home and opened the box I was really surprised how small the camera was in my hand.




This is a test video from the camera. No filters were used. No macro mode to speak of. I have to say my expectations were guarded. Still have painful memories of that Fuji camera from long ago.


I read some of the reviews of other users. Some folks were not happy with the performance.

That might have been due to the type of memory card used;  a Class 2 card ain't gonna cut it. It should be functional at Class 4 but I would expect recording delays. I had no problems starting and stopping with the Class 10 card.

It isn't perfect. I haven't found a comfortable way to securely hold on to the camera. You want to put that strap on it. It won't take much effort for the camera to slip out of your hands.

Even with the limited time that I had to squeezed out of the day, I'm pleased that my effort to record moving people and objects was a good investment.


Other Posts of Interest

• YouTube Warning Video About Buying Viewers
• In Search of Android Camera Specs
• Smartphone and Tablet Fixed Aperture Issues
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Quick Look at Panasonic DMC-XS1 for Video

The Panasonic DMC-XS1 is a point and shoot camera that records in 720p, is about as thin as a phone and the price point is very affordable to Frugalistas. 

I'm not in lust with it but I do like it. First, let's look at some of the video relevant specs:

Aperture is f/2.8 to f/6.9 This camera will do well in most daylight recording situations and okay indoors if there is enough light.

If you engage the telephoto lens the aperture/iris closes down to about f/6.9. If you are outside in bright sunlight not a real problem but indoors it could be an issue.

5x Optical Zoom, very acceptable for a camera this size and this thin. How thin?

Yes, that thin. This camera does have optical image stabilization for minor hand tremors but for long term recording you'll need a tripod or other type of support.

Focal Length - I normally don't mention focal length but this camera lens has the ability to record wide angle videos. The wide angle for video is 26mm to 130mm for telephoto. If you are into real estate photography, nature, architectural videos or you are taking video of the team this rascal can do it.

Recording Media is a Micro SDHC card. I have a box full of standard SDHC cards. I get grippy when I have to buy MicroSDHC cards.

Video Recording Format Motion JPEG in the QuickTime MOV format. Almost every video editor can accept the MOV format.

I did say almost.

Those of you using Windows Live Movie Maker and earlier versions of the videos editing software are going to have issues. Issues as in problems importing video. Windows Movie Maker cannot import MOV files. Windows Live Movie Maker can import .MP4 video but I have my doubts about MOVs.

You can record in 720p high definition or 480p standard definition down to old school 320 x 240. Please don't record in 320x240.

Audio records in Mono and if you use that zoom lens during recording it will pick up the sound of motion of the zoom. Which is why you don't want to zoom during a live recording.

Camera body comes in silver, black or red. The price points I have seen in local ads and the Internet is between $79 to $99 before tax.

So Who Is This Camera For?

To be honest, the specs read like 2011. Still, I think this could be attractive to folks that have a legitimate need for wide angle lens video recording.

I also think it is a functional day to day camera/camcorder without the bulk. If you don't want your phone to be your camera this is a good option.

If you are doing only web based video, can live with it recording in Motion JPEG/MOV then this is a good affordable camera.

Small size, 5x optical zoom and under $100.

I can't kick about it.

Other Posts of Interest

• Quick Look at Sony HDR MV1 
• Quick Look at Nokia 1020 Camera Phone
• A Look at Loss Leader Camcorders
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Clocking The Words In Time

People are going to talk. The thing is, you have a finite amount of time. This is a quick way to figure out if you have enough time to say what you need to say in your video.

If you are doing talking head videos or training/demonstration videos you really need to do the numbers.

The Formula

For a rough estimate take the number of words divided by the time available = how many words you can say per second.

Doing the Math So You Won't Have To

• Vine Videos 10 words/6 seconds = 2 words per second.
• Instagram 36 words/12 seconds = 3 words per second.
• 1 Minute Demonstration Video 180 words/60 seconds = 3 words per second.
• 5 Minute Tutorial Video  900 words/5 minutes = 3 words per second or 180 words per minute.

Humans can speed up talking to squeeze more words in so it isn't an exact formula. You will have to balance going for speed versus being understood.

Before you start to ramble do the numbers. You audience will thank you.


Other Posts of Interest

• Reminders of 5-Shot Checklist
• Text Storyboarding or Editing on Paper
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Collaborative Remix Documentary Project at HitRECord

The future is a remix of the past; everything we known is a re-working of another persons content. Today we call it re-mixing.

There is a new project from HitRECord community asking some very interesting questions. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is reaching out to videobloggers and all other creatives to help create a short form documentary on what it is to remix.





The above video is a discussion with Jay Smooth about the nature of remix, how it applies to the hip-hop community and to creatives everywhere.

Can't have a discussion about remixing without a mention of the current restrictive copyright laws that do not accommodate the (U.S.) founding fathers intent to allow for the public domain use of content.

If you are interested in participating in the documentary you should slide on over to project page and put in your two cents or at least answer the three questions posted on the site.

Other Posts of Interest:

• HitRECord Looking for User Generated Content
• Know Your Rights Video From ACLU
• YouTube 2013 Copyright Video
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Quick Look at Sony HDR-MV1

This could be an interesting bit of kit. The Sony HDR-MV1 is the love child of the the action Go-Pro and the Zoom microphone line. It has possibilities if the right users could find their way to it. Per the Sony web site, they are thinking that musicians will gravitate to the device but I can see reporters and journalists giving this some serious thought as well.

For those that do interviews, conference interviews or hit it and quit journalism this could be a viable alternative to the Zoom Q-HD3.

The HDR-MV1 will not be officially released until December but this is what is known about the camcorder:

• Aperture f/2.8 good for recording in dim places (but not great)
• Image sensor 1/2.3 or 7.77mm
• 20x Optical Zoom with a wide angle 120 degree lens
• Records 1080p/30 frames per second
• Dual microphones and the ability to hook up external microphones as well
• Audio uncompressed at 48Hz 16bit
• Video File Form AVC H.264 MP4
• Records on Sony Memory Stick Mini or SD/SDHC/SDXC cards

Toss in some video filters, metering modes and shutter speeds from 1/30 to 1/10000 of a second and I think you got something here.

Tasty, very tasty. And it is small, palm small.

So if you are a musician, teacher, journalist or other folks that want quality video and audio and don't want to use your mobile device I think this might be worth keeping and eye out for. I'd want to see some test of the video before forking up cash money but it does seem to have possiblities.

Other Posts of Interest

• What the Heck is A Spec Sheet?
• Plug-A-Matic Buying a Audio+ Camcorder
• Home Page for Mobile Users

YouTube Warning Video About Buying Viewers

If you recall back in December 2012 a whole bunch of videos and well known companies got booted off of YouTube for juicing their viewer numbers by unethical means.





Apparently this has not stopped others from not only following in their footsteps but adding the old bait and switch. I have gotten similar emails offering to boost my viewership. No thank you. Like James Brown said, "I'll get it myself."

I think the above video is too simplistic but it gets the message across. Don't do it.

Not only will you stand the chance of getting caught and booted off the Tube but your name and reputation will be less than mud.

Do you really want to get Twitter flamed? Because trash will be talked about your low life attempt to keep me and others from my Whovian fix.

And you know how many Whovians are on the planet?

Not worth the risk.

Other Posts of Interest

• Protect Yourself - Make a Resource Binder
• Quick Look at Nokia 1020 Camera Phone for Video
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Smartphone and Tablet Fixed Aperture Issues

The aperture or iris is the opening that controls how much light is allowed to enter your recording device. Most Smarphones and Tablet cameras have a fixed aperture. This means it cannot be changed or adjusted by a ring on the camera or by software.

Oh, dang it. Sony just released a new product that allows a lens attachment to a smartphone. This always happens when I make absolute declarations.

For most of the native cameras that appear on mobile devices you can't change the aperture.

What Is the Aperture on Mobile Devices?

Manufactures make educated guesses about where the majority of their users will take photos and videos. This is a quick sampling of Smartphones out in the wild:

Nokia Lumia 925

Nokia Lumia 920 f/2.0 aperture
iPhone 5 f/2.4
Samsung Galaxy S3 f/2.6
Sony Xperia S f/2.4

Hmm,  f/2.0 is a fast f/stop that allows a lot of light into the device. It will do a good job with daylight outdoor recording. Indoors you will need additional lighting to ensure a good recording.

The recording area that will be in focus will be limited; so items up close will be in focus those at a distance will be out of focus.

This is called Depth of Field. You will have to move closer with your feet (if possible and safe to do so) to ensure the video being in focus.

Your eyes can compensate, the camera cannot. 

Ideally, you want to record in well lit situation with your subject close to you. One more factor to consider; shaky video.

The Shakes

You are going to need to stabilize your phone. That can mean leaning the phone up against a wall or purchasing a stabilization device like the Woxom Sling Shot. You might have a software application that helps to stabilize video. You will need to use it.

To Recap:

You'll need to be aware of your lighting conditions. Too much light and your video will be overexposed. Too little light and folks will not be able to see what you have recorded. Smartphones and Tablet cameras like daylight the best followed by sufficient indoor lighting.

When recording in f/2.0  - f/2.8 you will have shallow Depth of Field. This means that subjects close to the lens will be in focus and those further away will be out of focus.

Stabilize your recording; either by bracing against a wall or chair, use a mobile stabilization device or the software stabilization that came with your phone or tablet.

Other Posts of Interest

• Aperture - VidGeeky Word of the Day
• Amani and Chip's Mobile Video Tips Presentation
• A Look at the iPhoneReporting Blog
• Home Page for Mobile Users

CameraSim F/Stop Simulator

I love teaching tools that help make sense of a topic. There are a number of camera f/stop simulators that can help folks understand the effects of using a specific f/stop, shutter speed and lighting.




This is one of the more interactive simulators I found. This is from CameraSim. Now, true it is designed for still photographers but video folks can learn from this app.

1. Set the lighting, the focal lenght of your device. that should be on the lens or in the documentation.
2. Select your Aperture on the right hand side. 
3. If you know the Focal Length of your camera move the slider to the appropriate setting. If not, leave it where it is.

When you snap the photo you will see the if you have a good shot or not.  This is a cool way to experiment and learn about lighting, f/stops and a bunch of other stuff.

If you are recording using a Smartphone or Tablet device you have a fixed aperture.  Set it to 2.8 and make your other adjustments. This can give you a rough estimation of what your video will look like in certain lighting conditions.

Those recording video on digital still cameras will have a lot more flexibility - go wild but keep in mind that your device might require you to pre-set the f/stop before you can record.

Other Posts of Interest

• A Look At Project Settings - Video Editing
• Aperture - VidGeeky Word of the Day
• File Format - VidGeeky Word of the Day
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Aperture - VidGeeky Word of the Day

Let there be light and enough of it. If you have a recording device the one this you need to understand knowing when you have enough light to record video.

Before you can answer that question, you need to understand about aperture and f/stops. This is a brief introduction.

I am going for concept and not necessarily the most technically accurate explanation. In addition, there are a lot a factors that can affect the quality of a recording. The size of the image sensor, distance, the type of light and the diameter of your lens all play a factor in making a quality video.

Example of an adjustable aperture in a lens

I want to focus on this one aspect of recording that can solve a lot of video exposure problems.

What Is Aperture?

Aperture is the opening your camera or recording devices lens uses to allow light to make contact with film or an image sensor.

Sometimes aperture is referred to as the iris of the lens but no matter which term is used the concept is the same; it is the size of the opening that allows light to pass through to make a recording.

This is where it gets a little confusing but it will make sense in a moment.

 

F/Stop Scale from Wikipedia

The wider the aperture the more light comes into the device. The smaller the aperture the less light comes into the device. That makes sense.

The scale used to describe the opening of the aperture is called an f/stop. This is where it gets a little dippy.

The smaller the f/stop number the bigger the opening.  f/1.4 is twice as large as f/2.8. Or the other way to think about it, f/2.8 allows half as much light as f/1.4.

F/2 allows twice as much light as f/4. Or f/4 allows half the amount of light as f/2.

Fixed and Adjustable Aperture

There are two types of apertures; a fixed aperture and an adjustable aperture.

On smartphones and tablets it is a fixed aperture; generally around f/2.4 and higher. Consumer level camcorders also have a fixed aperture. Camcorder users might have a work around that  smartphone/tablet users do not have but you still need to be aware of your lighting conditions.

Standard digital cameras that record videos, Micro 4/3 Cameras and DSL Cameras have adjustable apertures. You can select the most appropriate f/stop for your situation but some of those cameras don't allow adjustments as you are recording video.

Yeah, So?

Be aware of the light around you and your recording device ability. It will help you make a better video. If your smartphone has an aperture of f/2.8 and your are recording indoors with a single light bulb that isn't going to be a very good recording.  At f/4 it might not even be visible.

Standard camcorder outside in bright sun with an f/2 lens might be too much of a good thing. On a cloudy day it could be perfect. You might have to make location or other types of adjustments.

Digital cameras that record video, Micro 4/3 Cameras and DSL Cameras have adjustable apertures. You can select the most appropriate lighting for your situation but some of those cameras don't allow adjustments as your are recording video.

Know what your equipment can do.

Other Posts of Interest

• Glossary Understanding Project Settings 
• In Search of Android Tablet Camera Specs
• Quick Look at Easy Break Converter
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Hecuba Video at MOCAtv - iPhone Music Video

MOCAtv is The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles YouTube Channel. It is place where other artists can curate their favorite videos, create new works or step out into the void.

There are a few of us that continue to believe that intentionally vertical videos can be a good thing. This is another example of busting out of horizontal by the group Hecuba.

Jon Beasley & Isabelle Albuquerque are musicians, artists, photographers or what ever they want to be at the moment.

You can check out their other videos, photos and information about why they do what they do by visiting their Tumblr blog.




This is a video recorded with an iPhone 5 device. There have been no enhancements or filters applied to the video. I have embedded the above video as an intentionally vertical video because that it what it seemed to be as I watched it on YouTube.

However, that might not be the way the creators intended; the heavy black bars does add to the feeling of the video.




So in the spirit of not mucking with the artists intent this is how the video appears on the MOCAtv channel.

I love finding new sources of inspiration.


Other Posts of Interests

• One in 8 Million NYT Slide Show Stories
• Finding Inspiration in Tom Waits Hell Broke Luce
• Video Art on the Vine - Rob Parish
• Home Page for Mobile Users

File Format - VidGeeky Word of the Day

A file is a digital item stored in a specific format. Video can be stored in a wide variety of computer digital formats.

What format does your device record in? If you did you homework before purchasing you should be able to answer the question.  It is also a trick question because there is a kind of a default standard for personal or consumer level videos.

The file format refers to how your video is stored on your recording device. Some of the active video file formats are:

• QuickTime .mov
• H.264.mp4
• WebM
• WMV
• AVI

All of the above are a specific type of file format for recording video or playing back video in a compatible player or device.

This Samsung Records in the .mp4 format

This was more of an issue back in the day, the day being about eight years ago. A person would record video and then they would need to make sure that the video recording was compatible with the video editing program or the playback device.

The default video format on most consumer camcorders, smart phone and tablets is mp4. There is a effort to open up to a non-proprietary standard.

I wish I could leave it at that but there are variations in the mp4 video format.  You probably will not have a problem with recording and playback of mp4 videos.

Generally.

Most of the time.

Okay there are exceptions. If the mp4 video leans more toward the Apple implementation of mp4 then it could happen that the Windows Movie Player could have an issue with it.

Or if mp4 video was constructed to work well in a Windows OS environment then the Apple QuickTime player might have a problem opening the file.

Or not.


Other Posts of Interests

• Video Bandwidth Definition and Calculators
• Understanding Markers for Video Editing
• Have Shaky Video? You Might Need A Tripod
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Media Digital Library - Home Movies and Home Talkies Magazine

Once upon a time their was a print magazine devoted to people who wanted to make their own movies. These would be movies recorded on film. Home Movies and Home Talkies Magazine was a 1932-1934 publication devoted to helping folks master filmmaker for home users.

The Media History Digital Library contains scanned copies of the various hobby, commercial and fan magazines. This would included radio, film and later television.  It is a hoot to review some of the old publication and find similar content about quality, how-to's and showing your stuff.

The magazine referred to the practice as amateur cinematography. I've read a few of the pages, this seems to be a British magazine. There are items for sale that go for a certain amount of shillings and pounds.

Everything Old Is New Again

There is an article about making your own home movie titles, what size projector to buy and ads for second-hand cine cameras.

As for advice for the new filmmaker it seems that you can't go wrong if you:

• Don't forget the close up
• Record moments that matter
• Get the exposure right
• Use a tripod or find a way to steady the camera.

You can read the magazines or journals on-line or download the PDF version.  If you are a fan of all kinds of film history you have to check this out.


Other Posts of Interest

• Old School Ideas for Using Text in Poetry Videos
• Thinking About the 5x5 Videos of Simon Edmonds
• Google's The Peanut Gallery
• Home Page for Mobile Users

Amani and Chip's Mobile Video Tips Presentation

From the thought to the word to those people doing the deed. Amani Channel and Chip Dizzard have a web site called Web Video Chefs. They are also professional journalists and video creators.

This is the first item in the presentation. Mobile Journalism Must Haves:






The team gave a full presentation to the National Association of Black Journalists a while back and they have uploaded the full presentation on mobile journalism. You can watch the video, download the mp3 version or check out the Keynote presentation.

I'm sampling the goodies as I type. I don't necessarily want to be a mobile journalist but I do want to have better control over mobile video recording devices.

We cannot remain in our chosen silos of information. We need to know what the innovator down the street is doing. Each one teach one and pass it down the line.


Other Posts of Interests

• Samsung Video Editing App for Android
• Quick and Subjective Mobile Video Editing List
• A Look at the iPhoneReporting Blog
• Home Page for Mobile Users

A Look At the iPhoneReporting Blog

I am still sad about the firing of the Chicago Sun-Times photographers. News photography is a profession. It requires training, skills, equipment and a story. It also requires people to be paid for their services.

The Sun-Times decided that all that is necessary to perform a professional level of photojournalism is to have beat reporters use smartphone cameras. I entreat you to visit the might fine Tumblr blog SunTime/DarkTimes.

This is a great example of what not to do.

You know how when you upload a video and somehow the wrong image is selected as the cover photo? And how until very recently you couldn't upload a different image?

That is, if you use YouTube to host your video. You might use another service that will not allow you change the cover photo.

Public school budget cuts are a serious matter. A distracting cover photo wrecks the credibility of the publication. Unless this was an intentional bait and switch to get people to read the story. Maybe readers watched the video  to find out what this grandparent had to say about the on-going problems with the Chicago public schools?

No. This is bad. Really, really bad.

Let me be clear; in certain situations professional reporters can use consumer recording devices and software for breaking news and general reporting. It is possible with training and guidance that reporters will get better about recording and lightly edit video before hitting the upload button.

I ain't holding my breath on it.

But it is possible. In the meantime, if you have a recording device on your smartphone you might want to slide on over to iPhonereporting.com

Yes, even you Android and Windows folks ought to take a peep at it.

There are app recommendations, web service shout outs like using SoundCloud to record audio and, in light of the above Sun-Time image, a few pro tips on how to shoot video.

You can read most of the blog contents in about two hours. It would be worth it to make sure that you name is not listed in the mobile video journalism walk of shame.


Other Posts Of Interest:

• The Forge and Eric Limm
• Mobile Reporting Field Guide
• Four Questions that Can Help You Make A Better Video
• Home Page for Mobile Users