Just as you need specific tools for podcasting, you also need tools for video blogging. While you can find and use various inexpensive tools for podcasting, the same isn’t necessarily true concerning tools used for video blogging. You essentially need two tools: Audio and Video editing software and a digital video camera.
Depending on what you intend for your video blog, you may be able to get away with using an inexpensive webcam – inexpensive here means that it is less expensive than a digital video camera. It does not mean that you should choose the most inexpensive webcam on the market. If you go with a webcam, choose a top of the line webcam.
Note that with a webcam, you will pretty much be committed to shooting your video from one place all the time. This is really only a good choice if you know that this will be the case, and that the video will always be just of you, sitting in front of your camera.
For best results, you should really consider purchasing a quality digital camera. Digital cameras range in price, features, and of course in quality. Typically, the more features and better quality you receive, the more you can expect to pay. As a business video blogger, however, this expense should be considered an investment in your business.
You don’t have to buy top of the line equipment, but you don’t want to purchase your digital camera from the bargain bin either. When you start shopping, take your time. Try out several cameras to determine which one is going to be the right one for your purposes.
While this is not a course on choosing the right digital video camera, there are specific things that you will want your digital video camera to have. You will be presented with a myriad of features, but one thing that you want to keep in mind is that a single chip camera will do – you don’t need a three chip camera for video that will be used on the web.
You may want to consider purchasing a used camera. You can visit an online auction site, or even your local pawn shops to find quality, used video cameras. If budgeting is an issue, this will most likely be your best option, since digital video cameras start at around $700.
There are several add-ons that you will want to purchase as well, including a case for your camera, and a tripod. A tripod is vital, since it will often determine whether or not you produce a quality video.
Keep in mind that there are hundreds of add-ons that you can purchase, but unless you are planning to become a professional videographer, you really won’t need most of these things.
Remember that a great majority of video bloggers use simple webcams for their videos – regardless of how limiting it can be – simply because they don’t see their way clear to spending big bucks for professional video equipment. Start as cheaply as you can, and upgrade as you see a need for upgrades later.
Whether you use a webcam or a digital video camera, you will find that you will need to work with it some in order to learn exactly how to get the quality of video that you want. This may mean adjusting the settings on the camera, or adjusting the light in the room that you are shooting your video in.
Make sure that your camera – webcam or otherwise – comes with documentation that tells you how to operate it. This will be a concern when purchasing used equipment.
Aside from a way to shoot your video, you will also need video editing software. You can use the same Audio and Video creation and editing software that was recommended for your podcast, Internet Audio and Video, which can again be found at http://www.internet-audio-video.com/audio-video-products.htm.
If you are purchasing a new digital video camera, it may come with editing software as well. However, much of the software that is distributed in such a way is usually either very complicated to work with, or not worth figuring out because it is too limited. Be prepared to buy your editing software separately.
That’s really all that you need. You can have all of the needed tools for as little as fifty bucks, or as much as thousands of dollars, depending on what you buy. Again, don’t go ‘all out’ in the beginning.
Start as cheaply as you can, and upgrade later. There’s no reason to shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars when you are just getting started.
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