Digital Video Marketing - What Equipment Do You Need?

Here is a list of basic equipment that you should start assembling if you want to market using videos on the web.

1. There are many video cameras or camcorders that will serve you well. However, don't just go out and buy the first pretty one that hits your eye. You will have to look very hard to find a video camera that has a MIC IN jack.

Why is that so important? Your videos will sound more professional. If you don't use an external microphone, the microphone on the camera will pick up the ambient noise, the echos of the room and you will probably sound like you are inside a barrel when you make your videos. That is very distracting to the listener.

2. If you check carefully, you can find great video cameras on eBay Video Camcorders, make sure you get a camera that has an external Mic In Jack. (I am serious, don't make the mistake of getting a camera without one.)Start with an affordable used camcorder, if you must. There are numerous digital video or Mini DV cameras available that will fit the bill. Look for the PV-GS300 digital video camera. If you watch carefully and consistently, you will find them become available for auction on eBay. It should be in the $300 to $600 range.

The Canon GL2 camera that I use is more that satisfactory. It is a 3CCD mini DV camcorder. They are available new for about $2,000 and used for about $1,500 from bhphotovideo. They are also available for much less on eBay.

I would avoid the new AVCHD type video cameras for the time being. Most of the video editing software will not work with this format yet. You want your camera to record on to Mini DV tape.

Check bhphotovideo for a good assortment of new and used video cameras. You can obtain a warranty with most of your purchases, also.

3. To record that professional sound, a lavalier mic is the best choice. A lavalier mic that is very affordable is the Audio-Technica Omni directional ATR35s. It works great and it has a very long cord so you can run it up your shirt and even down your pant leg.

Check mics on ebay You will find one for about $25. It works great, too. (Remember, that is why you were smart and purchased a video camera with an external mic connection.)

4. Don't forget, video lighting is important to the success in video production. We have all watched too many videos that were lighted poorly on YouTube and many of the other video sharing sites. The common mistakes are: * Not enough light — too many shadows * Back lighting from a window, causing the face to be in shadow * Fuzzy images because the aperature is wide open and there just isn't enough light to do the job * No tripod employed to help with the steadiness of the picture * Poor color accuracy because of poor light color temperature. Room lights look yellow in many videos

You can fix that lighting problem quite simply and inexpensively. Here is an affordable light system that you will find works fantastically well. Be careful: Don't accidentally buy a lighting system designed for still photography. You want a steady light for video. Again, on eBay you can get these lights: PHOTO LIGHTING BOX - photobox video umbrella photography 2 Tripods, 2 Light Holders, 2 Photoboxes,2 Bulbs,1 CASE for approximately $150 to $180. Mine are from StillShot2 and they are an excellent value.

We are almost done with the list. Hang in there.

5. Next, you must have a tripod. While you are at it, get a fluid head type tripod. It helps you when you are panning a scene. This type tripod isn't that much more expensive than a regular tripod, but it is essential to making good videos.

OK, this is the last item.

6. Sony Vegas Video 8 or 9 software is fantastic. (You can most likely get by with the non Pro version.) It is easy to learn and very empowering. It will be able to do much more than you will probably need - certainly at first.Here is a logical comparison for you to consider. If you use Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word, you probably use 20% of the total capabilities of either Excel or Word. This is also true of Sony Vegas Video. You won't need all the features of the software, but as time goes by, you may, in fact, use the other capabilities. If you are a Mac user, Final Cut Express is the way to go.