This week, we’re rounding up a few pieces about online video making — because there’s a lot happening in this world.
First up is a news brief explaining how someone could use their “high-end” camera as a webcam. Next, an article on at-home lighting tweaks. And finally, a YouTube update.
Online video making is always changing, folks.
High-End Cameras as Webcams
Engadget recently reported that many high-end DSLR cameras — think Canon, Nikon and “Sony models on Windows” — can serve as a useful webcam “as is.”
According to Engadget, some cameras produce video results that are better than many webcams on the market. However, the article does mention a few “pitfalls,” which they thankfully troubleshoot.
A few notes, though: If you’re working on a Mac or own another high-end camera brand, you may need to purchase a video capture device to get your “webcam” up and running. Also! If you don’t have a tripod, you’re going to have to invest in one.
Amp Up Your Room’s Lighting
Although most of you probably have your at-home lighting system perfected, we wanted to link to a recent TechCrunch post that details how to upgrade webcam and video conference lighting. Some of you may be looking to change your set-up, or maybe you’re new to the game.
The piece details lighting basics (remember to sit facing light sources, including natural and at-home light), two and three-point lighting, lighting kits and more.
If you’re in the market to upgrade or change your current lighting set-up, TechCrunch makes a few notable recommendations, too:
- A full lighting kit from Neewer (a two-point lighting set-up)
- Elgato’s Key Lights
TechCrunch also recommends the Hue Play light bar if you’re considering adding an accent light to your room’s setup. (The tech site adds that if you’re interested in using the light bar, you’ll need to invest in a “Hue hub” first.)
According to TechCrunch, the light bars “provide awesome uplight effects on light-colored walls, especially if you get rid of other ambient light (beyond your main video lights).”
Another “effect-type” lighting suggestion is Philips Hue Signe floor table lamps. “The Signe series is a long LED light mounted to a weighted base that provides strong, even accent light with any color you choose,” reports TechCrunch. “You can sync these with other Hue lights for a consistent look, or mix and max colors for different dynamic effects.”
YouTube Videos Ease Navigation with “Chapters”
YouTube recently added a feature called “Chapters,” which makes its longer videos easier to navigate, Engadget reported.
YouTube adopted the new feature after it performed well “during a testing period.”
“Viewers can click on chapters to jump to a specific part of a video and rewatch video clips,” Engadget added.
“Chapters are visible at the bottom of the video player and show timestamps from the video description. Chapters are optional and will only appear if a video creator chooses to include them. Creators can only use chapters if the first chapter starts at 0:00, the video has at least three time stamps or chapters and if each chapter is at least 10 seconds.”
Users can access YouTube Chapters in Andriod and iOS YouTube apps and on the web.
“Chapters” sounds like a useful addition that you, as a user or clip and content creator, can enjoy. After all, any tool that makes a longer video more searchable and watchable is helpful.
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Abbie Stutzer is a queer, non-binary writer living in Kansas City, MO. You can find them doing witchy stuff at home with their numerous pets or at the local animal shelter saving lives. Contact Stutzer via abbie@ynotcam.com.
Background header image by Thomas William on Unsplash.
