Wondering how to shoot high quality video on a device you already own?
Here, you will learn how to set up and shoot the best quality video
possible. If the video preparation is done correctly, it will increase the
quality of your video tremendously.
Lighting
The first and most important part to consider is lighting. Different devices
require different amounts of light and you can almost never have too
much. Cameras on computers, such as webcams, require a lot of the same
colour light to capture the true colours in the shot. If there is a mix of
fluorescent white light with incandescent yellow light, things like skin tone
won’t be true or as crisp. Filming outside will keep a constant and strong
light source. When filming inside, close the shades to keep a consistent
brightness.
Another key feature to consider is light placement. If you place the light
source pointing towards the camera, the aperture will adjust, and the shot
will look darker. The light should be shining on the subject, preferably from
above, and behind the camera so they appear well lit to capture the best
possible quality shot. Be aware of open windows and other light sources in
the shot that could affect the quality of the video being captured.
Choosing the right background
The next part to consider is the background of the shot. To make sure the
audience is focused on your message, remove anything from the
background that could draw their attention. This includes papers on your
walls or desks, people or cars outside the window behind you, or any other
possible distractions there might be.
Choose a location that is quiet and make sure there is nothing that will
take the attention away from your subject and your message. Do not
choose to film in a tight space, make sure there is about 8 feet between
your subject and the walls. This will minimize any shadowing that can
occur from the lighting. Places like outdoors, a patio, or a conference room
are great places to shoot as they can provide great, consistent lighting and
adequate spacing from the walls and camera as needed.
Framing your shot
Another factor to consider is the framing of the shot; what the audience
will see and from where. Make sure that the camera is level with the
subject’s eyes, so they look directly into the camera and not over or under
it. For interviews it is best to fill the frame with your subject, start with
the head at the top and the bottom around the upper chest and move back
as you see fit. Centre yourself in the middle of the subject, if there is a
backdrop you would like to include, move left or right off centre to
accommodate.
Sound
The best sound will come from the mic closest to the speaker. Some
devices, such as laptops and webcams, do not have external microphones,
so testing needs to be done pre-shot to determine how far the subject
needs to be to obtain the best possible audio. Listen for any background
noise that may come up in the shot and make sure it can be quieted so it
does not disrupt your message.
What to wear?
Solid colours are essential when filming as patterns and noisy clothing can
distract your audience from the message. Make sure your subject
contrasts with the background so they will “pop.” Do not wear red,
webcams do not film red well.
Portraying your message
When speaking, it is best to write a list of the points you want to touch on
and make sure to rehearse beforehand. Note your timing and audio before
the shoot so there are no issues or unforeseen problems.
Which camera to use?
Default camera apps will provide great quality video and are easy to use on
each platform. Windows 10, Mac IOS, iPad, iPhone, and Android will all give you great quality shots, if done properly.
Last but not least
Test as much as you possibly can, this is how you will achieve the best
quality results on the device you have. Hold your handheld device sideways
to get a true wide-view video and secure the device, do not hold it by hand,
so there is no motion or swaying.
Take it live
If you want to stream your high-quality video, you need to make sure your
network can handle it. Speed is not the only important thing your network
needs, reliability and latency are equally important. Make sure
not to use a satellite connection, the video stream will be very choppy. The most
reliable internet connection is from a wire connected to your computer. Wi-Fi and Satellite connections both cause latency in the network.
For a high quality live-stream, you need a consistent 2 to 2.5 times greater
outbound speed of the stream. For example, a 4mb stream should plan to
have 8–10(+)mb out or up speed. Once this is all set up, make sure no one,
or nothing, else is on the network when you go live as they can cause lower
quality streaming.
