How To Video Series Articles

Still Life Video Shoot Lighting Setup

Tabletop shooting is a very specific type of video shoot that can be really hard to get right. Also referred to as still life shooting, it’s very much what it sounds like. Usually, an object is filmed on top of a flat surface in great detail.

Think products, tutorials, or stop motion videos. These classic examples of tabletop filming require a certain level of perfectionism to get right.

In this episode of our How To Video series, Nick LaClair, head of video production for SproutVideo, will walk you through how to properly light a still life video shoot. We’ll specifically address the challenges posed by regular stationary objects, shiny objects, and beverages, with tips for enhancing the end result.

Camera Kits Pros and Cons

When it comes to professional cameras, there is no such thing as “one size fits all”. In this episode of our How To Video series, Nick LaClair, head of video production at SproutVideo, sits down with Michael Rubenstein, freelance photographer and director, to talk about the camera kits they use in the real world on a typical shoot.

They’re two video experts, with two really different cameras – a Sony FS7, and a mirrorless AS7ii. So, which is best? Turns out, it’s not that simple as there are pros and cons to each.

Watch the video below to get a hands-on comparison of footage quality, functionality, and other factors that can make a real difference when choosing which camera to work with.

Example of a Video Camera

When it comes to picking a video camera, it’s not just about image quality. The camera also has to offer the type of battery life, audio inputs, video outputs, ergonomics, and image control options to suit your project.

In this episode of our How To Video series, we’ll walk you through what you can expect from different tiers of video cameras for each of those five factors. We’ll also explain why each one is important to consider when selecting a camera for your project.

Factors for Video Image Quality

The image quality can vary significantly between two 4K cameras, as pictured above, but why? Part of the answer is the camera sensor, which we looked at in detail in the last episode of our How To Video series.

However, a lot of the difference also comes down to what happens to the image data after it hits the sensor. There are three main factors: bit rate, bit depth, and chroma subsampling.

If you’re already lost, don’t worry. We’ll break down what each of those terms means, and how they impact footage quality. Watch the video below and keep reading to gain an in-depth understanding of what really makes a difference for pixel perfection.

All About Camera Sensors

Your iPhone shoots 4K, and so does a $50,000 cinema camera. So, what’s the difference? Is all 4K created equal?

The plain and simple answer is a definite NO. As Nick LaClair explains in this episode of our How To Video series, a lot of the difference in footage quality comes down to the role sensors play in processing visual information. Keep reading for a deep dive into how camera sensor size impacts everything, from depth of field and the size of the frame to the level of noise in your image.

Editing Audio in Adobe Audition

Audio always needs fine-tuning to sound professional. Still, this highly technical process can be intimidating for lots of video editors, even those with plenty of experience under their belt.

In truth, post-production processing of audio is an entire career track because it’s so specialized and involved. Yet there is quite a lot you can do to improve your audio if you know the basics.

In this episode of our How To Video series, Nick LaClair, head of video production for SproutVideo, walks you through removing unwanted background noise, and optimizing your vocals in Adobe Premiere. Watch the video tutorial below to learn how to edit your audio, and work more efficiently when processing audio in post. His tips will help you save time and avoid common pitfalls when polishing your audio tracks.

example of a clapper for syncing audio

Today, we’re tackling all the advanced audio techniques that separate great audio from the merely good. Our How To Video series host Nick LaClair is joined by professional audio technician, Mike Infante. Together, they’ll walk you through perfecting your mic placement, different mic pickup patterns, and dual recording systems. Make sure your videos sound as good as they look with this in-depth tutorial.

basic audio configurations for mic types
Sure, having the newest, cutting-edge audio equipment is always ideal. However, there are other ways to approach audio that won’t break your budget while still making a significant difference to your finished videos. For example, simply having the right setup for capturing sound can help avoid many common audio problems.

In this post, SproutVideo’s Head of Video Production, Nick LaClair, will go over the basics of capturing high-quality audio by showcasing three different kinds of mic configurations. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of on-camera mics, lavaliers, and boom mics, and when to use them depending on what you’re shooting.

indoor office video shoot setup

It’s one thing to shoot a video in a studio where you have total control over the lighting setup. It’s quite another to shoot in a typical office environment, with a mix of natural and artificial light sources.

In this episode of our How to Video series, we’re focusing on how to successfully craft indoor environmental lighting to achieve a beautiful end result. This particular tutorial builds on skills we covered in our previous episodes on video interview lighting, and studio lighting.

Whether you have a lot of lighting gear, or just a bright window in a cool space, this guide will help ensure your subjects look their best on camera in an office setting.

Perfect Studio Video Lighting Tutorial

Ever wonder how the pros manage to get that perfect, glow-y lighting when filming in a studio? You’re about to find out.

In this episode of our How To Video series, we cover best practices for studio lighting. Our video tutorial walks you through the equipment to use, and exactly how to position your different lights to get the best results. Keep reading for our illuminating tips on three-point studio lighting.

SproutVideo

How To Video Series Posts

The Simple Trick to Lighting Still Life Video Shoots

Real World Lessons on the Camera Features That Count

The Five Video Camera Features You Need to Know

Pixel Perfect: Understanding Image Quality for Video

Camera Sensors: Does Size Matter?

Four Easy Steps to Clean Up Audio in Post-Production

All About Advanced Video Audio Techniques

The Three Essential Mic Setups and When to Use Them

Achieve Flattering Lighting on Camera in an Office Environment

Best Practices for Perfect Studio Lighting

Categories

Don't miss a post — get them by email! Learn how to: