Amateur Film Editing Questions

[Nasir]

Hi, I'm very new to video editing and shooting, but I'd like to ask a few questions to clear some things up.

I'll probably be buying an HDV camcorder in the next month or so (I understand the Canon HV20 is among the best at the moment) for filming some amateur films with my buddies. However, I'm not completely sure whether an HDV camcorder is the best camcorder for my needs: this will be our first foray into filming, so HDV may be overkill, although we would like to release our films on DVD and online (YouTube, Bittorrent (x264 or xvid)) in high resolutions if possible (I understand that DVD is below HD resolution).

I want to use my 2.16GHz Macbook with either Adobe Premiere CS3 or Final Cut Pro to edit said films. Will this computer be enough to run Premiere or Final Cut efficiently (relatively speaking)?

Also, which software would you recommend? I'm leaning towards Premiere right now so I can use a more powerful Windows PC if the need exists and switch toolsets easily.

Should I buy an external microphone? I'm willing to spend up to $200, but only if it's really necessary. I'll do the required research on my own or if you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know. Also, what brand of MiniDV tape is considered the best for the price by the experts?

Thanks in advance.

[edDV]

Hi, I'm very new to video editing and shooting, but I'd like to ask a few questions to clear some things up.

I'll probably be buying an HDV camcorder in the next month or so (I understand the Canon HV20 is among the best at the moment) for filming some amateur films with my buddies. However, I'm not completely sure whether an HDV camcorder is the best camcorder for my needs: this will be our first foray into filming, so HDV may be overkill, although we would like to release our films on DVD and online (YouTube, Bittorrent (x264 or xvid)) in high resolutions if possible (I understand that DVD is below HD resolution).

Anything you do for (YouTube, Bittorrent (x264 or xvid)) is well withing the resolution of DV format. I suggest you learn the ropes with a cheap used DV format camcorder + good tripod + good audio. That will allow you to use your MacBook and Final Cut Express to learn the basics and to give you an idea what to do next.

Invest in a film production class, not hardware at this time.

I want to use my 2.16GHz Macbook with either Adobe Premiere CS3 or Final Cut Pro to edit said films. Will this computer be enough to run Premiere or Final Cut efficiently (relatively speaking)?

A 2.16GHz Macbook is adequate for DV editing but weak for encoding. It is not enough for full Final Cut Pro or Premeirer CS3. Think Core2Duo for those.

Also, which software would you recommend? I'm leaning towards Premiere right now so I can use a more powerful Windows PC if the need exists and switch toolsets easily.

These programs are difficult to learn. Master Final Cut Express first. Spend your time learning production technique first. You can always re-edit later.

Should I buy an external microphone? I'm willing to spend up to $200, but only if it's really necessary. I'll do the required research on my own or if you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know. Also, what brand of MiniDV tape is considered the best for the price by the experts?

Yes and you should spend your money on a good tripod, lighting and audio first. At a minimum something like this for audio. Try to find a DV camcorder with manual audio control.

http://www.4videoequipment.com/video/store2/Scripts/prodList.asp
plus one of these per mic
http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/Accessories/us_pro_A96F_content

Sony or Panasonic tape. DV tape is cheap now.
http://protape.stores.yahoo.net/new-upload-one-more-level-down-sony-sony-video-tape-so...--mini-dv.html
http://protape.stores.yahoo.net/pancondvtap.html


Head phones belong on this guy so he can point the mike ------------------------------------------------------------^

[Nasir]

I'd rather spend the few hundred dollars now for HD capability since the price difference is not that much (from my research).

Would a $150 Bogen Manfrotto tripod be good enough for my needs or will I need to spend more?

Lastly, any sites you can suggest for more info on camcorder mics?

Thanks again.

[edDV]

I'd rather spend the few hundred dollars now for HD capability since the price difference is not that much (from my research).

You never mentioned budget. If you have enough money after tripod, boom mic and lighting then get an HV20. It can shoot DV during your learning project. Later you can shoot HDV after upgrading computer equipment. You can even shoot 24p in HDV later. Don't bother for now because your first project is a throw away disaster. You have to fail before you are motivated to get an act together. This kind of work is more about building experience rather than spending money. The HV20 may be obsolete before you master lighting.

Would a $150 Bogen Manfrotto tripod be good enough for my needs or will I need to spend more?

Good choice.

Lastly, any sites you can suggest for more info on camcorder mics?

If you define your special needs I can help. The kit I referenced is film school 101.
Google has it all.

That link may not have worked. Here is the basic kit

[Nasir]

Will I be able to use just a mic attached to the camcorder if the people in shot remain close to the camera? Or should I really try to get a guy to handle external mics? EDIT: How is something like the RODE VideoMic?

How bad is just natural lighting going to be?

[edDV]

Will I be able to use just a mic attached to the camcorder if the people in shot remain close to the camera? Or should I really try to get a guy to handle external mics? EDIT: How is something like the RODE VideoMic?

How bad is just natural lighting going to be?

These mic's also attach to the camcorder if it has a shoe. You get better results with the boom pole if you want "semipro" results. If you are out to do an indie film, sound and lighting separate the noobs from the winners.

If it is you and your buddies (the crew), buddy one does the boom and buddy 2 holds the reflector to put light on the actor.



Some ideas
http://images.google.com/images?q=Video+Foldable+Portable+Light+Reflector&ndsp=20&svnu...f&start=0&sa=N




http://www.itvworkshop.co.uk/PhotoGallery.asp


That bottom picture, cute as it is, illustrates what your video will look like without passive or active lighting. HD is the last of your concerns.