I thought I would show you what I have been doing. This is my first attempt at using the software.Shot with a HF100 and PS 12 ultimate.

EDIT updated video here

Please feel free to CC.

Nice clip.

One suggestion which would make a tremendous improvement in the quality of your video is to always, use either a tripod or a unipod. That will make all the difference in the world. The small size and weight of todays video cameras makes it impossible to hand hold and get a steady shot. A tripod is the best, but a unipod really helps and is much easier to manage.

Don

Hi Don thanks for your feedback.

Some of the shaky footage isn't mine (4x3 clips). I actually tried to make it like that with some pan and zooms.

The main part (60 minutes long) I shot using a tripod in church and a monopod but found the documentary style a bit boring.This was the second time I had used a camcorder but you are right it's hard to get a steady shot.

 

I'm with Don... if you are doing some of the shakiness on purpose I wouldn't do that anymore. However, you have some BEAUTIFUL pictures here, and I've always liked that song! Also, I REALLY like that car!

Larry

I appreciate the feedback Larry. On reflection I agree it's making me sea sick today or perhaps too many beers yesterday. Luckily the other video is much more static as it was shot on a tripod mainly.

I have brightened some of the darker scences but can't upload the updated version for a bit.

I am going to a christening just before Christmas so hopefully my 2nd video will be better. Perhaps I should look into one of those steady things.

 

 

Perhaps I should look into one of those steady things.

You can steady yourself, by gripping your right wrist with your left hand, with both elbows firmly pressed against your upper torso.

Pan shots: Stand in a comfortable position, with both knees locked, square on to your Pan. Swivel your Upper torso, without shiftimg your postion, to your left (End of Pan), then to your right (Beginning of Pan). Start recordingg the action from right to left & vica versa. Swivelling your upper torso whilst doing-so & without shifting you feet.

Do 2 test clips: One without the above & one with. You'll be surprised at the difference.

I recently did a one-man hand-held Palmcorder Wedding  shoot, adopting the above procedure. 

There was an award-winning Film "Das Boot", filmed inside the cramped conditions of a submarine, where there was no room for a tripod.    

Sounds good can't wait to try it at the weekend.

I could slow the unsteady footage down using the speed tool thus reducing the shakes?

Sometimes that is what I do. If the audio allows it you have a good idea there.

 

Thanks. I thought that tool would be better than a stabalise say. Something to do tomorrow lunch at work then.

Steve,

On your 1st or 2nd go at filming, the others will view you as an expert if you have a tri-pod or monopod, so they will want to see the finished article and if it is not good+++ (and it won't be, at first), you go right down in their estimation. Also, you may be self-concious about using tri-pods, I was at first.

Quick tip: Check what the thread is at the base of your camera and go to your nearest B&Q and buy a bolt that will screw into that hole. Tie the bolt to a piece of long thick string, attach the bolted string to the cam with your foot on the other end - voila, a monopod! You don't look an expert and if the film is crap (and it won't be), two-fingers to them!

Second: please use some transitions; not Hollywood FX (or not too many). Some filmwork can look OK if you just go from one clip to the next, better to slide in gently. My opinion.

The newly weds are good friends of ours and they weren't going to get a video done at all. The church wouldn't let me wander around with a video camera so I had to use a tripod but I din't feel self-concious about using it as I knew almost everyone there.

Nice tip about the pocketable sized monopod equivalent.

I have added some fade and dissolve transistions now and it looks much better thanks.

I gave the DVD to the happy couple and they loved it, even wanted to pay me some money for all my hard work, I got a tear or two from the bride.

I showed the quick montage version on Facebook and 2 people said they want me to do a Christening and a Hotel Wedding. I will learn from the mistakes on this video and move on...the only way is up.

Thanks for everyones feedback.

steve1975l:

I gave the DVD to the happy couple and they loved it, even wanted to pay me some money for all my hard work, I got a tear or two from the bride.

I showed the quick montage version on Facebook and 2 people said they want me to do a Christening and a Hotel Wedding. I will learn from the mistakes on this video and move on...the only way is up.

Thanks for everyones feedback.

 

I agree with the bolt (eye bolt) idea. I also use a bungee cord instead of a string. Just make sure you use a long bungee cord. If there is too much tension and you lose your grip on the camera, it makes a really loud smashing noise when it hits the concrete.