Video Questions about Cameras, Lighting and Sets Answered

The questions about online video keep coming. A client sent me these questions and I figure many people can benefit from my response:

1. What camera are you now recommending – brand name and model?

I answered this question about buying camcorders a couple days ago. My favorite continues to be the Flip HD. There are now so many variations that you really just have to pick the one that appeals to you most. My general recommendation is to buy the most you can afford. And I suggest going with HD (high definition) since so many of the video distribution sites are moving in that direction.

2. Where is it best to buy this video camera?

I buy just about everything on Amazon. But shop around. You can find deals everywhere so I don't have a "best" recommendation.

3. Should I buy some lighting equipment?

Hmmm. Lighting is not my expertise. Good lighting in video is important and it also depends on how you intend to use the videos. You may be able to get away with the lighting you have. Here's a video about lighting videos that may be helpful (thanks to an article by Mike Stelzner where I first saw the link!)

4. If I do a series of videos to the same audience, should I utilize the same setting and background for each video or mix it up?

That depends. What kind of message and/or image do you want to project to your audience? Are you producing tips or something more akin to a regular "show"? Is your audience conservative or hip? What do you think they would want? (Hint: do a survey!)

Gary Vaynerchuck's insanely successful Wine Library TV may be a good model. Gary shoots a show nearly every day and many are shot at the same location, but not all. Essentially, there are no rules. You need to figure out what you want to convey and then the best way to do that.

Do you have any recommendations? How would you approach doing a video series?

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