Search results for: video buying guide camcorder accessories
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by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
What better place to spend a Saturday morning than the zoo. You can enjoy some time outside, all while seeing a variety of both local and exotic animals you'd otherwise never dream of encountering. Zoos also are great place to try your hand at photographing wildlife! In this guide, we're talking about taking our camera to the zoo to capture natural looking images of animals in their element! We'll be covering what you need as well as tips and tricks that'll help you capture stunning, natural looking images of animals.
Above photograph © Mathew
by Luke Rollins · Posted
To the naked eye, Sony's 2025 might seem more muted when compared to a massive 2024 that saw not only the release of a new flagship camera, but the revelation that some of the most iconic imagery in recent memory was made with Sony gear. Still, in 2025 the company continued its track record of introducing first-of-their-kind optics while also reinvigorating their compact and cinema lineups.
The Game-Changer
The company's most ambitious and well-received release of the year is its
by Zack Young · Posted
So you’ve decided to introduce video into your podcast but are overwhelmed by the hundreds of high-quality cameras available to you. Fear not, because even though specific brands and models change each year, there are some time-tested concepts that are worth discussing no matter which flashy features are the talk of the town. Today, we’re diving into four important tips when choosing a video podcast camera.
1. Consider the Space
Are you typically recording inside or outside? In a tiny closet, a massive warehouse, or a studio that’s somewhere
by Zack Young · Posted
When it comes to camera bags, filmmakers know that choosing the right sack to schlep all of your stuff is paramount. For most people, the right bag is one that can support and protect all of your gear, is comfortable to wear, and allows you to easily access equipment when you need it. Popular camera bag options include various styles of backpacks, top-loading bags, hard cases, and more. In this article, we're
by M. Brett Smith · Posted
Whether you’re an adventurer, an athlete, an adrenaline junkie, or somewhere in between, action cameras remain your best option for capturing and sharing exciting content. But how do you know which action camera is the right one for you? To help you decide, we’ve put together a list of important features you need to consider before you buy.
Video Quality
It probably comes as no surprise, but when shopping for an action camera,
by Mary Latvis · Posted
Welcome to Filmmaking 101, where we offer some tips on how to go about creating your movie masterpiece. Read on to discover suggestions for your pre-production, production, and post-production phases.
Pre-Production
Scriptwriting
You have your idea for an arthouse masterpiece or an action-based blockbuster; now how do you translate that into a script―the backbone of your production? You can use MS Word, Google Docs, or another document program. But using dedicated screenwriting software provides the standard formatting, outline tools,
by Jennifer Hahn · Posted
Heading out to shoot video on the run for an e-magazine, streaming site, documentary, or narrative film, and your HD camcorder doesn’t have the professional look and utility that you need? It is probably time for a professional mobile setup with cinema-quality features. Though you may imagine a bit of sticker shock, not to worry, because digital cinema cameras are much more affordable now and most offer 4K quality video with high-
by Jennifer Hahn · Posted
Stuck in the old days of blogging with text? If you haven't been paying attention, everybody is vlogging now. Since a whole new generation is living their lives online through video streams, vlogs, TikToks, YouTubes, Twitches, and Snapchats, let's look at a few holiday gift options that can offer your favorite vlogger the best video gear.
While some kits are compact enough to take your home studio with you, some vloggers may want to keep their home kit setup and add an ultra-lightweight action kit for when they're out in the field for
by Jennifer Hahn · Posted
One of the biggest challenges when shooting video on location, especially when you need to stay mobile for a long period of time, is how to keep all your gear powered without adding excessive weight to your rig. When I was out shooting long days handheld, there were many choices to keep the camera and accessories powered for a long shooting day. There’s a wide variety of mobile power options available; decisions on what to choose just depends on a few factors, such as what kind of rig you’re using, weight/portability limitations, and how much
by Jennifer Hahn · Posted
A long, long time ago (not that far away), I began one of my first jobs at a multi-campus college that launched one of the first full-time distance learning classrooms in the US. It was my job to manage setting up the cameras, document camera, microphones, and other equipment the teachers needed to transmit their class to the other campuses. I never imagined that experience would now apply to the entire world of education, but here we are. However, the technology has progressed so dramatically from old CRTs and dial-up Internet, that my old
by Steven Gladstone · Posted
Choosing a camcorder for vlogging (video blogging)? I get it—it’s confusing. There are so many, brands, prices, features, and choices, all of which seem to be calling your name when the inevitable GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) kicks in. After reading this article, check out the Video Solutions for Vloggers article, which also discusses other essential tools for vlogging. However, in this instance, I want to delve a little deeper into the world of
by Mary Latvis · Posted
Looking to protect and transport your valuable video-camera rig? Here we highlight five soft cases designed to keep your gear organized and safe at hand during your shoot. All the bags have adjustable dividers, exterior and interior pockets, grab handles and, except for the roller bags, an adjustable shoulder strap.
A Place for Everything Bag
Found on almost any pro video set, Porta Brace’s durable, padded Cordura nylon camera bags are made right in Vermont. This maker's DVO-2 DV Organizer Camera Case fits cameras up to 18" long and is
by Mary Latvis · Posted
Shallow depth of field, large-format sensors, longer lenses, moving subject and camera positions—all these factors present a challenge when keeping your video shot in focus. “But my camcorder, DSLR, or mirrorless camera now has touch focus and autofocus,” you say? While such systems continue to improve, they do not provide the fine-tuned, immediate control that you get using a dedicated follow focus system. Consider that, when touch focusing, you probably grasp your camera with only one hand to free the other for touching the screen and you’ll
by Jennifer Hahn · Posted
In a way-back-when era, I had just purchased my Sony XDCAM PMW-EX1R for corporate and documentary projects and was getting lots of work with matching EX1 productions, since it was a pretty popular camera. So, it amused me when I saw the 2009 feature film, Public Enemies, and learned that the PMW-EX1 gen 1 was used as a B camera to the production's Sony F23 main camera for a few action scenes and close-quarter interiors. As I started to do more of my own productions, I needed to choose which B camera I was going to use for my events and
by J. Carlos Perez and Shawn C. Steiner · Posted
Congrats on starting film school! Your first day of classes is around the corner and you are probably already trying to figure out what equipment you’ll need to get started. Fortunately, most programs have many important tools available for students—namely big stuff such as camcorders and lights. Still, there are accessories, expendables, and other pieces of gear that you’ll want to have on hand or own yourself. So what exactly do you need to be prepared for film school? Luckily, not all that much.
What camera do I need?
To get started, you