Question by AMMONAM1:

How do I get professional video quality with a not so professional camcorder?

I don't know if it's a lens or a filter that makes for great picture quality like on tv. I know the best thing to do is get a professional camera, but money is tight. What attachments or computer softwares are out there to help me achieve a close to professional look???




Best answer:

Answer by Mandy
There are a few things anyone can do with any kind of video recording device and make decent to awesome videos.

Plan your projects first! Write a script and sketch the scenes on paper (storyboard). Many videos are done spur of the moment and most don't turn out very well. Also, what is funny to you may not be funny to other people. I would say 80% of YouTube videos are unappealing (poorly done). 10% are well done by amatures or by professionals. And the rest are the caught-on-camera stuff and thus unplanned.

Always use ample and balanced lighting. Don't mix florescent lights with clandestine lights. Keep the light temperatures the same (Kelvin temp). Don't use light directly (spot light) on a subject, it should be reflected and even, defused. If you look carefully watching many movies and TV shows, you'll notice light that is falling from above the actors. In fact if you watch the behind-the-scenes footage of movie sets, you'll sometimes see light bars and diffusers mounted on the ceilings above the set. Obviously you'll need to light the front of your subject just make it even and not harsh.

Always use a tripod. If you shoot handheld (gorilla style) do so sparingly. Your viewer will get motion sickness. Don't overly pan your shots. Do it in short steady moves and avoid fire-hosing.

Make sure your audio is clear and loud enough. Use a external microphone if possible and have it close to your talent. Listen for unwanted noises such as a cell phone ringing nearby or a jet plane flying over.

Watch for distractions in your scenes (background). The viewer will be drawn to a pile of clothes on the floor and/or family photos on the walls (unless that's intended). Many YouTube videos look very amateurish because of just that.

Avoid using a free or cheap video editing program. Expect to pay .00 or much more depending on your budget. Having a more featured editor will allow you to import just about all video formats and be able to create more custom edits, fades, titles, etc. Be sure to add the right type of sound track (music scores) to your video. Having good music will make even a poorly done video more appealing. But never the other way around. YouTube has been cracking down on protected music so be aware. You can find some free stuff on the net or make your own. I use a Korg Kaossilator to make dramatic (intense) sounds. It's kinda limited but it was cheap and I don't have to worry about copyrights. You can also buy sound effects too. Those help add to your video.

Have fun!

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