You seem to already have an important ingredient, which is a willingness to observe and study what works and what doesn't!
You are likely aware that rarely does one have all the equipment wanted and one usually ends up making the best of what is available. Apparently it is video you want to improve and the central tool of video is the camera. You have good audio equipment (which is actually more important than lighting) and you are unhappy with your current camera. (No, slow motion is not the same as 24fps, and no, 24fps is not always better than 30fps.) I don't make music videos but I needed some lights so I made some in my shop - and if you were my director and didn't like my lights, I could make some other lights that you did like. On the other hand, some tools such as tripods w/fluid heads, cranes, or dollies are things that cannot be easily made in a shop, simply because they are moving a camera and a camera has to be moved with great precision. But I guess they can be rented, though I never have. So some things you can make, rent, or adapt for use, and some things you should buy. You don't have to run out and spend everything on a camera. The quality of a video is dependent more on the camera operator than on the camera. For example, a $1000 camera in the hands of a good operator can be better than a $4000 one in the hands of a careless operator. Note, too, the tools you'll need vary according to the project type. Music videos don't mandate camera's with perfect color accuracy since the final visual effect is more artistic than realistic, whereas capturing an NFL game requires high color accuracy in the video. Likewise some events want creative camera motion while other events want fixed camera positions. Scripted projects might get by with one camera whereas live events often require several. The software you'll want depends on the project type, the amount of artistic creativeness, and the final delivery. If the final product reflects pretty much the footage, then simple editing software may suffice. If the final product creatively assembles lots of clips and animations and graphics, then more powerful software is in order. Just some things to consider - but start with a camera that is versatile enough to do all that you want done, and grow from there. From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of stevejhacker Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 1:47 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [AP] Where Should I Invest? . . . I watch carefully, study and take notes on broadcast music videos, and I think I'm starting to get a sense for lighting techniques, movement, composition, etc. What I'm coming to realize is that LIGHTING is everything (I can currently only get good video outside in day lighting), and that it also really helps to have smooth movements via jibs and dollies, and a nice editing environment . . . Steve [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Adobe-Premiere/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Adobe-Premiere/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[email protected] mailto:[email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
