Need to video some training classes

[kranky]

So we want to start recording in-house training classes and need to buy some video equipment to do it with. This won't be "professional quality" but it shouldn't be crap either. I need to figure out what kind of equipment to get.

I suspect we'll want a two camera setup that will allow us to record good quality sound. Then we'll edit it down on a PC to create the final product. End users will probably be watching it on a PC or maybe a DVD.

Any thoughts on video cameras to look at, sites to visit, and/or vendors are welcome.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

The latest and hottest thing out is the Panasonic GH1 that will shoot 720p - its a hybrid camera cam .... check out Vimeo for videos shot with it, lots of nice vids... there are issues with it but the camera/cam is an amazing little device, generally costs ~ 1400$ and atm cannot be found in any retail store, or online, they are back-ordered a few months on them

personally i use a canon Vixia HF S100 - its the best in it's class, believe me; and generally costs from 850 to 1000$ ... records to AVCHD format

bought both of mine from B&H

 

[akugami]

Depends on what you're doing. Lighting equipment might be a must so that you can get a nice bright clear recording of what you're doing. Worse comes to worse, you can probably jury rig a few desk lamps to get the proper lighting you need. If you are also demonstrating some steps on a computer screen, I'd also look into getting a good screen capture utility that will record the video directly off the screen. This will give you much better quality than trying to position a camera on the screen to record it.

An AVCHD camera that can do 720p should be fine for what you're doing. Especially if you're going to be recording it to DVD later since that will mean the picture will be downgraded slightly to conform to DVD standards.

 

[Drakkon]

I love the canon XL2 for standard and canon XL H1 series for HD they seem to provide a pretty darn good crisp image indoors and out. but they are a little pricey (SD = $4K, HD=$9K). Its what we use in the studio at work in addition to Panasonic cameras for recording instructor lessons.
But then again my canon HF100 records AVCHD video that gets the point across just as well and put it on a tripod and it'll do.

 

[kranky]

Thanks everyone. I researched AVCHD and it looks like it can be edited with Adobe Premiere Elements 7 which is a plus. We don't have anyone who would be considered a skilled video editor as this is new to us. I'll probably end up having to learn how to do it and teach someone else.

I figure two cameras on the instructor and use Camtasia to record the computer screen image, plus a mike on the instructor connected to one of the cameras. Blend together in Premiere Elements 7 and hope I can figure out how to keep the audio in sync throughout.

The Canon XL2 is probably too pricey for us but the Panasonic Lumix GH1 and the Canon HF S100 would be doable. I like the idea of using SD cards to move the videos over to a PC. Either one is probably overfeatured for what we need but that's OK. Good video and audio recording quality and no need for a professional to run the equipment - they both look like they will fill the bill.

 

[akugami]

I don't think you need to be a pro or anything. Instruction videos are somewhat basic and in truth, most of the time, the camera is not being moved at all or only contain minor panning.

I suggest looking at instructional video from various sources. Visualize how they place their cameras to give yourself an idea of what you want the video to look like. Then do a test run. Tweak as necessary.

Windows 7 has limited screen recording capabilities called the Problem Steps Recorder. Don't know if this will help you. Sort of an advanced screen capture utility that you can also add notes to. Not a video recorder.

Possible replacement for Camtasia is the free Camstudio. Another alternative is BB Flashback which has a free edition. Don't forget that Windows Media Encoder also can record the screen.

 

[gsellis]

One can never underestimate the power of a A-T 500 Diversity Wireless mic. It compensates for 'wanderers' and you can pick up too much garbage across a room with a shotgun or onboard, including inappropriate cross-talk.

Start at 30 seconds in this video (which is probably very boring for folks not interested) for a sample.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PToGQ0KK6s

I preset the audio and did not get to do a final sound check before we started, so it is too hot to begin with. Through 15 seconds is the room audio coming in.

I use a Beachtek to put the audio in my Sony HDR-HC7.

 

[akugami]

Free Screen To Video

Maybe give this thing a try in recording screen info.