Subject: [Harp-L] recording youtube videos & Zoom Q3 video recorder

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Hey Rosco...long time no see ...   I had no idea where you  were in any of 
these videos! Finally figured out you might be the guy with  the cap in 
silhouette playing the great harp. :)
 
While the sound quality was good, you have two choices: either to add a  
heckuva lot more light to the stage so each one of you is illuminated, or my  
preference - have a human behind the camera to film your band a lot closer 
to  the stage using the telephoto capability to come in on each of you.  It's 
never going to be as effective trying to capture the band in toto....the  
distance is just too great. It puts you all just too far away for any impact. 
 The camera needs to be down in front. It'll also improve the sound 
quality..just  don't have it directly in front of a speaker or amp...
 
It's a lot more effective a technique to focus on individual  
vocalists/players, especially if one uses the backlight on most cameras (in a  dimly lit 
space). I'm no pro, but using a foot-high tripod on a stationary  surface as 
well as judicious use of closeups has enabled me to get some  choice 
footage of some of my favourite performances. Unfortunately for them I'm  still 
far behind in my promise to dupe them to send out to the performers.
 
My latest videocamera (already 3-4 yrs old) uses mini dvd's, cost under  
$400 new, is a Sony and has everything I think you're looking for. It's a Sony 
 DCR-DVD 610. Has 40x Optical Zoom lens, and is considered a 'hybrid' 
videocamera  since it uses either mini-dvd's or a memory stick. I'm sure it's 
been  updated since then with even better applications. Does come with 
something  called  'nightshot plus' which gives you better lighting in a dark room  
such as in your band's performances.
 
(I just checked online...it can still be bought new for the mid-$250 range, 
 and the updated version - the 650 (60x zoom - also Carl Zeiss lens) is 
selling  for $249 through Amazon).
 
The mini dvd's are great (not as fragile as tapes), and I bought a device  
which copies them to full-size dvd's (which can be played on any DVD player 
as  well as in a computer). This also prevents the wear and tear on the 
camera  caused by the mini-dv's (tapes). My aim was to dupe full-size copies  
onto dvd's for the artists I'm filming. You might prefer simply downloading  
straight to a computer via the memory stick (which has to be purchased  
separately). I've had 3 cameras before this one and am very happy with the audio  
quality of this Sony since I primarily use it at Spah or for JR&NB  shows/ 
other music performances. It has the best sound by far. 
 
 I'm simply not very proficient technologically speaking,  although I also 
have a Zoom audio recorder. Now if I could only figure out how  to work both 
simultaneously, or learn how to edit, my  videos might be of far better 
quality.  ;)
 
Elizabeth
 
"Message: 10
Date: Sat, 27 Mar 2010 10:35:38 -0500
From: rosco  <roscoharp@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] recording youtube videos &  Zoom Q3 video recorder
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx

Hey list,
I uploaded a  couple of our more harmonica-centric vids from a recent show. 
I
bought a Zoom  Q3 video recorder because it was advertised as having great
audio recording  quality. The audio is only OK...... HOWEVER, the video
sucks! Needs A LOT of  light!
Anybody know a good program for editing/brightening .mov files?
Or  a good under $500 video camera with audio input capabilities? I have
really  good recording mics and my Zoom H4n audio recorder is fantastic.

songs  are Dear Carissa and Burning  Out:

http://www.youtube.com/user/roscoharp#p/a/u/2/r8YyuoS4jAU


--  
Later,
Rosco
www.maybeaugust.com
www.myspace.com/maybeaugust


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