How-To Guide & Tips for Recording Online Audio & Video

How-to Guide & Tips for Recording Online Audio & Video (Source: The Institute for Interactive Journalism, American University, funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation) --Used with Permission; excerpted by AAAS-EurekAlert!-- Audio 1. Double-check that your recorder’s battery is fully charged and that the volume is adjusted accordingly. 2. Position the recorder or clip the microphone plugged into the recorder onto the subject’s clothing. 3. Make your recording. 4. Transfer the audio file from the recorder to the computer using a USB cable or memory card (see the instruction manual that came with your recorder). 5. Edit the audio as needed using the appropriate software (Dexster, Adobe Audition, Garage Band, LiveType, etc.). Tips ⇒ Make a test recording This confirms that the device is working properly and that all settings are just right for the sound or video that you wish to capture. It will help to adjust your setup for the best possible recording. ⇒ Emphasize the importance of speaking clearly Users will likely be transcribing parts of the recording when writing stories. It is imperative that the speaker enunciates clearly and speaks at an audible volume. ⇒ Keep it short The most effective messages are simple, easily understood and concise. This also applies to audio recordings, since without the visual element there is little to keep a listener’s attention from waning throughout a lengthy audio clip. Online Resources http://www.j-learning.org/present_it/page/how_to_record_audio_for_the_web/ Exhaustive instructions on making the best possible audio recording for the Web. http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ A free software download of a program that can be used to format audio files for the Web. http://www.cnet.com Read up on audio editing software to find the right program for manipulating your recordings. - 1 - Video 1. Create your set. Check the positioning of lights and camera relative to the subject and make sure that the equipment is fully charged and secure. 2. Use the viewfinder to preview the shot. Make adjustments to zoom, orientation, contrast, etc.; take a test recording to confirm the placement of the camcorder relative to the subject, if desired. 3. Record your footage. 4. Transfer the footage from the camcorder to the computer using the memory card or other link provided (see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/getstarted/camera.mspx for different types of camera-computer link-ups). 5. Splice the footage together using video editing software — such as Final Cut Express, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas Pro, etc. — keeping the length to approximately 3-5 minutes maximum. Tips ⇒ Use a tripod This guarantees that the camera doesn’t move during filming. (Compare models at http://camcorders.about.com/od/camcorderaccessories/tp/TopTripods.htm) ⇒ Select a resolution compatible with standard-size screens Record in a resolution proportional to 320x240, the standard size of our video player. Examples are standard definition of 720x480, or a high definition resolution like 1440x1080. ⇒ Always have extra batteries, fully charged, on hand It’s better to have backups in case the battery gets low during filming than to rush through a shoot before the battery dies. ⇒ Shoot B-roll footage – and plenty of it B-roll footage is composed of basic shots that can be edited into a video to keep it interesting. Shooting from different angles and employing a variety of images that tie into the subject of the video is recommended. Single extended shots of the same thing for the duration of the video can be monotonous. Online Resources http://backstage101.learningcenter.sony.us/campus/p/campusId/2104/Digital_Video_101.htm Sony offers interactive tutorials and online courses to illustrate to users of all skill levels how to record and work with digital video online. http://reviews.cnet.com/4247-6500_7-4.html With a few clicks, find the camcorder best suited to your needs. - 2 - .

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