| Here is a list of basic equipment that you should start | | | | smart and purchased a video camera with an external |
| assembling if you want to market using videos on the | | | | mic connection.) |
| web. | | | | 4. Don't forget, video lighting is important to the |
| 1. There are many video cameras or camcorders that | | | | success in video production. We have all watched too |
| will serve you well. However, don't just go out and buy | | | | many videos that were lighted poorly on YouTube and |
| the first pretty one that hits your eye. You will have to | | | | many of the other video sharing sites. The common |
| look very hard to find a video camera that has a MIC | | | | mistakes are: * Not enough light — too many |
| IN jack. | | | | shadows * Back lighting from a window, causing the |
| Why is that so important? Your videos will sound more | | | | face to be in shadow * Fuzzy images because the |
| professional. If you don't use an external microphone, | | | | aperature is wide open and there just isn't enough light |
| the microphone on the camera will pick up the ambient | | | | to do the job * No tripod employed to help with the |
| noise, the echos of the room and you will probably | | | | steadiness of the picture * Poor color accuracy |
| sound like you are inside a barrel when you make your | | | | because of poor light color temperature. Room lights |
| videos. That is very distracting to the listener. | | | | look yellow in many videos |
| 2. If you check carefully, you can find great video | | | | You can fix that lighting problem quite simply and |
| cameras on eBay Video Camcorders, make sure you | | | | inexpensively. Here is an affordable light system that |
| get a camera that has an external Mic In Jack. (I am | | | | you will find works fantastically well. Be careful: Don't |
| serious, don't make the mistake of getting a camera | | | | accidentally buy a lighting system designed for still |
| without one.)Start with an affordable used camcorder, | | | | photography. You want a steady light for video. Again, |
| if you must. There are numerous digital video or Mini | | | | on eBay you can get these lights: PHOTO LIGHTING |
| DV cameras available that will fit the bill. Look for the | | | | BOX - photobox video umbrella photography 2 |
| PV-GS300 digital video camera. If you watch carefully | | | | Tripods, 2 Light Holders, 2 Photoboxes,2 Bulbs,1 CASE |
| and consistently, you will find them become available | | | | for approximately $150 to $180. Mine are from |
| for auction on eBay. It should be in the $300 to $600 | | | | StillShot2 and they are an excellent value. |
| range. | | | | We are almost done with the list. Hang in there. |
| The Canon GL2 camera that I use is more that | | | | 5. Next, you must have a tripod. While you are at it, get |
| satisfactory. It is a 3CCD mini DV camcorder. They | | | | a fluid head type tripod. It helps you when you are |
| are available new for about $2,000 and used for about | | | | panning a scene. This type tripod isn't that much more |
| $1,500 from bhphotovideo. They are also available for | | | | expensive than a regular tripod, but it is essential to |
| much less on eBay. | | | | making good videos. |
| I would avoid the new AVCHD type video cameras | | | | OK, this is the last item. |
| for the time being. Most of the video editing software | | | | 6. Sony Vegas Video 8 or 9 software is fantastic. |
| will not work with this format yet. You want your | | | | (You can most likely get by with the non Pro version.) |
| camera to record on to Mini DV tape. | | | | It is easy to learn and very empowering. It will be able |
| Check bhphotovideo for a good assortment of new | | | | to do much more than you will probably need - |
| and used video cameras. You can obtain a warranty | | | | certainly at first.Here is a logical comparison for you to |
| with most of your purchases, also. | | | | consider. If you use Microsoft Excel or Microsoft |
| 3. To record that professional sound, a lavalier mic is | | | | Word, you probably use 20% of the total capabilities of |
| the best choice. A lavalier mic that is very affordable is | | | | either Excel or Word. This is also true of Sony Vegas |
| the Audio-Technica Omni directional ATR35s. It works | | | | Video. You won't need all the features of the |
| great and it has a very long cord so you can run it up | | | | software, but as time goes by, you may, in fact, use |
| your shirt and even down your pant leg. | | | | the other capabilities. If you are a Mac user, Final Cut |
| Check mics on ebay You will find one for about $25. It | | | | Express is the way to go. |
| works great, too. (Remember, that is why you were | | | | |