Need help with... literally everything about my videos

[aclstudios]

So I'm not new to making videos, but still a novice. I've been doing it for 10 years but haven't progressed much.

I have a few problems that really bug me.

1. My video always looks "grainy"- like it's from a home video in the 90s. When I see random YouTube vloggers who capture their pretty faces in perfect clarity, it makes me confused. Are they using an extremely expensive camera? How are they doing that? Right now, I'm using a SONY Handycam DCR-SX63. I think I got it new around 2010 but even then, its video still looked dated. I'm making music videos usually, not just vlogs, so it's important for it to be visually a bit more pleasing. I tried looking into the options menu in the camera itself, but there really isn't one.

2. I used to use Windows Movie Maker for very basic edits and just putting footage together, but it seems that they are no longer making it or updating it. The newest version isn't even optimized for Windows 10. I recently had to format my computer (but I saved all my files and moved them over), and now, WMM won't play MPG videos.

For actual editing, I've been using Pinnacle since around 2006. I always had bad luck with it, but after the hell it put me through editing my latest video (using Studio 19, and yes I'm aware that 20 is out now), I'm vowing to never use it again. My videos never came out great-looking with it to begin with. But I need a lot of the effects it has (it'd be better if they worked properly).

So, my two questions for this video community are:

1. What's a really nice video camera to get just for home use? I'd prefer under $1,000, hell around $500 or less ideal but if that isn't possible, I understand.

2. What's a good editing software that won't break bank? (yes I actually buy). It has to have chroma keying (green screen, blue screen, etc.), and lots of special effects as well. Again, less money is better, and it is for home use. I do not get paid for my videos, it's a hobby.

If you need to see my current videos, I can link my YouTube. They are offensive but they're allowed on YouTube so they aren't too horrible.

One more thing- I hate how internet forums seemed to stop being active. This is the only video editing forum that seems to have activity. But even on Facebook, I can't find a nice active group for this. I guess we're all just expect to know this stuff?

[smrpix]

(double-post)

[smrpix]

If your video looks grainy you probably aren't using enough light. Make sure your subjects are well-lit. Does your outdoor material look as grainy as your indoor material?

Pinnacle 19 is excellent. Check your output settings and be sure you are matchingg your source resolution and giving your files sufficient bitrate. There is no technical reason you can't get good output from it.

That said, your camera is old and standard definition.

You would benefit by upgrading to even an inexpensive HD camcorder such as Sony's cx-450. Canon and panasonic have similarly featured and priced models.

[aclstudios]

If your video looks grainy you probably aren't using enough light. Make sure your subjects are well-lit. Does your outdoor material look as grainy as your indoor material?

Pinnacle 19 is excellent. Check your output settings and be sure you are matchingg your source resolution and giving your files sufficient bitrate. There is no technical reason you can't get good output from it.

That said, your camera is old and standard definition.

You would benefit by upgrading to even an inexpensive HD camcorder such as Sony's cx-450. Canon and panasonic have similarly featured and priced models.

Yes, it happens with outdoor video. Although most of my videos are indoors, I've done a couple outdoor. I can make another if you want and show you. It's always grainy.

I try to use plenty of light, it only makes it very slightly better but still grainy.

Pinnacle is not "excellent" and never was. Yes, its features are great. Or would be, if they actually worked. I just had my computer fixed and it's still slow as ever, constantly freezes, crashes, etc. What should take a few hours takes a week or more.

Is there any way to make it work better?

I will definitely get a new camera though, as soon as I can. But while I have the old one- do you know how to find out how to match the settings to it?

Thanks for your help.

[aedipuss]

your video camera records low quality SD. it was a joke when it was brought out. get a decent HD cam that has enough resolution and bitrate you can edit and re-encode and still look good. what make/model depends on what you are shooting. still interviews, fast action sports, low light concerts?

[aclstudios]

your video camera records low quality SD. it was a joke when it was brought out. get a decent HD cam that has enough resolution and bitrate you can edit and re-encode and still look good. what make/model depends on what you are shooting. still interviews, fast action sports, low light concerts?

Likely. It was a gift, so I guess I should be thankful, but damn if people don't choose the cheapest possible gifts for me lol. I just find it odd because nowadays, every vlogger gets better clarity than I do- just to talk about themselves, nothing that needs that much quality.

I'm making actual music videos- there is dancing, action, sometimes speech but music gets added in later so that's not as important to record the sound of it.

The lighting may be a bit low as well.

Would the camera recommended by the previous reply be a good one?

[smrpix]

do you know how to find out how to match the settings to it?

Pinnacle can do it automatically or you can set it manually. From your manual:
See

“Project settings” on page 368 for configuring the automatic feature, and “The timeline toolbar” on page 71 for
instructions on entering project settings manually.

http://help.pinnaclesys.com/pinnacle/v19/main/en/user-guide/PinnacleStudio.pdf

[aedipuss]

your video camera records low quality SD. it was a joke when it was brought out. get a decent HD cam that has enough resolution and bitrate you can edit and re-encode and still look good. what make/model depends on what you are shooting. still interviews, fast action sports, low light concerts?

Likely. It was a gift, so I guess I should be thankful, but damn if people don't choose the cheapest possible gifts for me lol. I just find it odd because nowadays, every vlogger gets better clarity than I do- just to talk about themselves, nothing that needs that much quality.

I'm making actual music videos- there is dancing, action, sometimes speech but music gets added in later so that's not as important to record the sound of it.

The lighting may be a bit low as well.

Would the camera recommended by the previous reply be a good one?

i think the current model is the cx-455. but yest it's an ok choice. a decent lens, it goes down to f1.8 so not bad in lower than ideal light. shoots 1080p60 at 50mbps so there is enough bitrate to edit with. and it's not a budget killer. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1211907-REG/sony_hdrcx455_b_hdr_cx455_full_hd_handycam.html for a step up from there you might consider going to 4K it's where most new cameras are going. something like the Sony FDR-AX53 is affordable.

[aclstudios]

do you know how to find out how to match the settings to it?

Pinnacle can do it automatically or you can set it manually. From your manual:
See

“Project settings” on page 368 for configuring the automatic feature, and “The timeline toolbar” on page 71 for
instructions on entering project settings manually.

http://help.pinnaclesys.com/pinnacle/v19/main/en/user-guide/PinnacleStudio.pdf

I'll try adjusting some of those next time.

your video camera records low quality SD. it was a joke when it was brought out. get a decent HD cam that has enough resolution and bitrate you can edit and re-encode and still look good. what make/model depends on what you are shooting. still interviews, fast action sports, low light concerts?

Likely. It was a gift, so I guess I should be thankful, but damn if people don't choose the cheapest possible gifts for me lol. I just find it odd because nowadays, every vlogger gets better clarity than I do- just to talk about themselves, nothing that needs that much quality.

I'm making actual music videos- there is dancing, action, sometimes speech but music gets added in later so that's not as important to record the sound of it.

The lighting may be a bit low as well.

Would the camera recommended by the previous reply be a good one?

i think the current model is the cx-455. but yest it's an ok choice. a decent lens, it goes down to f1.8 so not bad in lower than ideal light. shoots 1080p60 at 50mbps so there is enough bitrate to edit with. and it's not a budget killer. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1211907-REG/sony_hdrcx455_b_hdr_cx455_full_hd_handycam.html for a step up from there you might consider going to 4K it's where most new cameras are going. something like the Sony FDR-AX53 is affordable.

Thanks for the recommendations.

[awgie]

I have the Sony HandyCam DCR-SR68. The only difference between it and the SX63 is that yours has 16GB internal flash memory, and mine has an 80GB internal hard drive. The owner's manual is the same for both of them. There are two settings in the menu that I have found to be critical: White Balance and Spot Meter. Also Spot Focus if you're going to have any time during recording when the lights go out, because the auto-focus gets disoriented in total darkness. If I forget and leave those settings on Auto (which is where they default to every time I turn on the camera), my video is pretty rough indeed. If I remember to set them before each recording, my video turns out pretty good.

However, if you're going to be posting HD sized videos, it would still be best to upgrade to an HD camera like the ones mentioned above, even if the settings I mentioned do help you. Upscaling video is never as ideal as recording it in the resolution you wanted to begin with.

I have been using Vegas Movie Studio for editing ever since I got the camera 10 years ago, and it has served me well. It does include chroma key, along with a number of other effects. I just had to get the newest version last night because I had to completely reinstall my system on my laptop, and I've lost the original install disks from the old version I'd been using. (FWIW, Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum version 13 is on sale right now for $60USD until Jan. 4th, and includes free upgrade to version 14 when it comes out in Feb. - but the sale price isn't in bold print. You won't see it if you simply hit "Visit developer's site" on the videohelp software page - and the download that's available on videohelp for some reason is an old build from over a year ago. I got the upgrade offer in my old version with this link www.vegascreativesoftware.com/index.php?id=311&L=52&utm_source=newsfeed-campaign&utm_campaign=VEGAS Movie Studio 13 %2B 14&utm_medium=product-newsfeed&phash=IFf7jZHP183OcLxO And if you want to spring for a bunch of extra effects, Movie Studio 13 Suite is $140, and also includes audio editing software.)

I've never been a fan of Pinnacle. I had only used it a few times, and it didn't impress me at all.

And speaking of reformatting one's computer... have you installed the K-Lite Codec Pack and then tried to get Windows Movie Maker to work? K-Lite is one of the first things I install on any computer.

[aclstudios]

I have the Sony HandyCam DCR-SR68. The only difference between it and the SX63 is that yours has 16GB internal flash memory, and mine has an 80GB internal hard drive. The owner's manual is the same for both of them. There are two settings in the menu that I have found to be critical: White Balance and Spot Meter. Also Spot Focus if you're going to have any time during recording when the lights go out, because the auto-focus gets disoriented in total darkness. If I forget and leave those settings on Auto (which is where they default to every time I turn on the camera), my video is pretty rough indeed. If I remember to set them before each recording, my video turns out pretty good.

However, if you're going to be posting HD sized videos, it would still be best to upgrade to an HD camera like the ones mentioned above, even if the settings I mentioned do help you. Upscaling video is never as ideal as recording it in the resolution you wanted to begin with.

I have been using Vegas Movie Studio for editing ever since I got the camera 10 years ago, and it has served me well. It does include chroma key, along with a number of other effects. I just had to get the newest version last night because I had to completely reinstall my system on my laptop, and I've lost the original install disks from the old version I'd been using. (FWIW, Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum version 13 is on sale right now for $60USD until Jan. 4th, and includes free upgrade to version 14 when it comes out in Feb. - but the sale price isn't in bold print. You won't see it if you simply hit "Visit developer's site" on the videohelp software page - and the download that's available on videohelp for some reason is an old build from over a year ago. I got the upgrade offer in my old version with this link www.vegascreativesoftware.com/index.php?id=311&L=52&utm_source=newsfeed-campaign&utm_campaign=VEGAS Movie Studio 13 %2B 14&utm_medium=product-newsfeed&phash=IFf7jZHP183OcLxO And if you want to spring for a bunch of extra effects, Movie Studio 13 Suite is $140, and also includes audio editing software.)

I've never been a fan of Pinnacle. I had only used it a few times, and it didn't impress me at all.

And speaking of reformatting one's computer... have you installed the K-Lite Codec Pack and then tried to get Windows Movie Maker to work? K-Lite is one of the first things I install on any computer.

Wow, thanks for all this info!

Damn... is it really 10 years old?? I only got it (new) in 2010. My first camcorder I got new in 2006, and it still used the tapes. Idk what year it was from though.

How do I bring up those options on the menu though?

I don't know when I'll be able to upgrade my camera but these things should all help me. If not, I may try using my phone camera instead. I have a Galaxy S5.

[awgie]

Damn... is it really 10 years old?? I only got it (new) in 2010. My first camcorder I got new in 2006, and it still used the tapes. Idk what year it was from though.

How do I bring up those options on the menu though?

No, you're right. It was early in 2010, so it's only 7 years old.

When you tap the Menu button on the main screen, My Menu appears. Then tap the Show Others button at the bottom of the screen. That will bring up the full menu. Use the arrow buttons on the left side of the menu to scroll up and down thru the menu. The menu is covered in some detail starting on page 51 of the manual.

[SameSelf]

I just find it odd because nowadays, every vlogger gets better clarity than I do- just to talk about themselves, nothing that needs that much quality.

I don't know too many vloggers that use a camcorder. Almost every vlogger uses a DSLR. Some vloggers even shoot in 4K with something like the Panny GH4 MFT. So they may just be talking about themselves, but their gear is miles better than yours. If you want views, you need to bite the bullet and upgrade your gear. Do you need to spend $1000? Definitely not if you go used off ebay (I am sure some vlogger out there is selling their gear for cheap). But if you are doing green screen work, you really need the highest quality video you can get to pull decent keys. So start planning/saving and avoid the temptation to use your phone.

Also, K-Lite is one of the things I NEVER install on my computer.

[aclstudios]

I just find it odd because nowadays, every vlogger gets better clarity than I do- just to talk about themselves, nothing that needs that much quality.

I don't know too many vloggers that use a camcorder. Almost every vlogger uses a DSLR. Some vloggers even shoot in 4K with something like the Panny GH4 MFT. So they may just be talking about themselves, but their gear is miles better than yours. If you want views, you need to bite the bullet and upgrade your gear. Do you need to spend $1000? Definitely not if you go used off ebay (I am sure some vlogger out there is selling their gear for cheap). But if you are doing green screen work, you really need the highest quality video you can get to pull decent keys. So start planning/saving and avoid the temptation to use your phone.

Also, K-Lite is one of the things I NEVER install on my computer.

My phone probably has better quality that my current camcorder, unfortunately. =\

Also, what's a DSLR?

And what's 4K?

I just feel like a lot of them are spoiled rich kids honestly. Lol.

[SameSelf]

My phone probably has better quality that my current camcorder, unfortunately. =\

Also, what's a DSLR?

And what's 4K?

I just feel like a lot of them are spoiled rich kids honestly. Lol.

The main thing with phone video is it is VFR, and I have no idea how suitable it would be to pull a key. But if you must, go for it.

A typical DSLR would be something like the Canon EOS Rebel which for less than $500 brand new can shoot Full HD video, or 1920x1080, at either 24 or 30 fps. Of course, Canon ain't the only game in town. Who knows maybe a GoPro would be better for your purposes?

4K video is just as it sounds, 4x the area of Full HD, or 3840x2160 pixels. That is 4x the resolution of Full HD when shooting the same FOV. If you are doing chroma keying, I would think 4K video at 422, preferably 444, would be a must. But judging from your snark, 4K is way out of your league, so forget I mentioned it. Rather, a few weeks of ramen noodles should allow you to sock away enough to buy a used Canon EOS Rebel from ebay/craigslist.

[aclstudios]

The main thing with phone video is it is VFR, and I have no idea how suitable it would be to pull a key. But if you must, go for it.

A typical DSLR would be something like the Canon EOS Rebel which for less than $500 brand new can shoot Full HD video, or 1920x1080, at either 24 or 30 fps. Of course, Canon ain't the only game in town. Who knows maybe a GoPro would be better for your purposes?

4K video is just as it sounds, 4x the area of Full HD, or 3840x2160 pixels. That is 4x the resolution of Full HD when shooting the same FOV. If you are doing chroma keying, I would think 4K video at 422, preferably 444, would be a must. But judging from your snark, 4K is way out of your league, so forget I mentioned it. Rather, a few weeks of ramen noodles should allow you to sock away enough to buy a used Canon EOS Rebel from ebay/craigslist.

What's VFR?

Also, do the cameras you suggest have front displays? Like the camcorder I have, the display screen can be turned around fully so that while I'm in the camera view, I can see what the camera is capturing. It seems like these better ones don't have that, but I feel it's something I really need (since often I am filming myself performing and have nobody to help me).

Also, what did you mean by "snark?"

Sorry for asking so much, I must seem pretty stupid.

Oh, and one more thing: do all of these work with the standard tripods, or will I have to buy a new one?

[awgie]

4K video is just as it sounds, 4x the area of Full HD, or 3840x2160 pixels. That is 4x the resolution of Full HD when shooting the same FOV.

He's sort of right. He got the resolution correct, but it's not called 4K because it "4x" the area of HD. It's called 4K because it's approximately 4000 pixels wide (K=1000).

• DCI 4K is 4096x2160. Mostly used in professional industry because it's wider than 16:9 aspect ratio.
• UHD-1 is 3840x2160 and is also referred to as "2160p" because it is exactly twice the width and height of 1080p HD.

What's VFR?

Variable Frame Rate

Also, do the cameras you suggest have front displays? Like the camcorder I have, the display screen can be turned around fully so that while I'm in the camera view, I can see what the camera is capturing. It seems like these better ones don't have that, but I feel it's something I really need (since often I am filming myself performing and have nobody to help me).

Most DSLRs do not have front displays, but some do have provisions that allow you to connect an external monitor, like this one, for example.

Also, what did you mean by "snark?"

I'm guessing he's referring to your opinion of vloggers as "spoiled rich kids", which may actually be an accurate assessment of some of them.

Oh, and one more thing: do all of these work with the standard tripods, or will I have to buy a new one?

Yes, they will work on a standard tripod.

[SameSelf]

I am not just "sort of right", I am absolutely correct. 4K video is analogous to having 4 HDTVs in a 2x2 arrangement. I wasn't saying it was called 4K for that reason; I was pointing out a convenient mnemonic that 4K is 4X FHD. And for the record, the 4K terminology is not exclusive to DCI. Both DCI and UHD are referred to as 4K, and the gh4 shoots video in both modes.

Another way to think about it that might make more sense to the OP is equating video to the MP of a camera. His SD camcorder produces a 0.35 MP image. HD video is 2.1 MP or 6x his SD camcorder. And 4K video is an 8.3 MP image which is 4x an HD image and 24x the resolution of his SD camcorder.

[johnmeyer]

And, just to complete the glossary, "DSLR" stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex. It is the digital version of an old-fashioned 35mm single-lens reflex still film camera. Most people buy them to take extremely fine still photos because they let you use interchangeable lenses that have optical qualities that are vastly superior to "point and shoot" cameras (which include your phone camera).

Around a decade ago, Nikon and Canon (the two principle manufacturers of DSLR cameras) added the ability to record video. Initially this capability was just an add-on, and lacked a lot of features pros had come to expect with "prosumer" camcorders (like my old Sony FX-1). However, these days the video on these cameras is remarkably good, and because the high-end versions use a sensor that is physically almost as large as a 35mm film negative, you can get very, very low noise video. Also, because of the physics of large sensors, you can achieve remarkably shallow depth of field ("selective focus") if you open up the f-stop. They have many other advantages, although there are several downsides, which is why the traditional prosumer camcorder still exists.

These are very expensive cameras, however, with the good ones costing $3-5 thousand. There are lesser versions you can get for well under $1,000, but they are still far more than a typical camera or camcorder.

And the quote: "4K video is just as it sounds, 4x the area of Full HD" was actually misleading, and therefore awgie was correct in saying that you had it "almost right." That way of describing it really does imply that it is called "4K" because is has 4x the area of HD. As both of you have since pointed out, the "K" does not refer to a multiplier, but instead is short for "thousand" and therefore refers (roughly) to the total number of pixels in this higher-resolution-than-HD video format that has been out for five years. It is a great acquisition format, but despite having been available for a very long time, it is still struggling to be adopted, large-scale, for in-home viewing. It is struggling in that market because of lack of content, lack of bandwidth for streaming, etc.

My conclusion: your next camera should be 4K, but I'm not sure you need to buy a 4K TV set.

[awgie]

I am not just "sort of right", I am absolutely correct. 4K video is analogous to having 4 HDTVs in a 2x2 arrangement. I wasn't saying it was called 4K for that reason; I was pointing out a convenient mnemonic that 4K is 4X FHD. And for the record, the 4K terminology is not exclusive to DCI. Both DCI and UHD are referred to as 4K

Well excuse me for clarifying it. You are not incorrect that 4K is 4x HD. But you never mentioned that the reason it's called 4K is because it's approximately 4000 pixels wide. Your wording implied that you were saying that it was called 4K because it was 4x HD. If that wasn't what you meant and I misunderstood you, you should have worded it more clearly. And for the record, I listed both DCI and UHD as 4K resolutions - I figured the bullet list showing both of them made that clear enough. There are actually several resolutions that fall under the 4K "umbrella", but DCI and UHD are the "parents" of most of the other ones, so they're the only ones I bothered to mention.

[SameSelf]

Man, you guys are dense. The OP asked what is 4K, not why it is called 4K. Maybe it is time to open another thread about the why versus the what. But since pedantry is the order of the day, your bulleted list oddly left 4K out of the UHD-1 item while including it for the DCI item which "implies" that UHD is not 4K. You should have worded it more clearly if that is not what you meant.

[awgie]

...your bulleted list oddly left 4K out of the UHD-1 item while including it for the DCI item which "implies" that UHD is not 4K. You should have worded it more clearly if that is not what you meant.

Because the DCI 4K standard includes "4K" in its name, and UHD-1 does not. I listed them by name. It doesn't imply that UHD-1 is not 4K. The fact that they are in a bullet list implies that they are both 4K. And your reaction implies that you didn't do your research before shooting off your mouth.
If you really want me to be pedantic, there is also the UHD-2 standard, which is not 4K. It is 8K.

[SameSelf]

This thread has gotten way out of hand with all this off topic discussion of DCI.