The Beginner's Corner: Shooting for the Web

I just bought a new camcorder and I’m thinking about using it to record my own podcast. Do you have any tips for shooting video specifically for the web?

Brian

If you’re going to be recording video specifically for the web it’s important to understand how video works on the web. When you upload your video to the internet it will have to be compressed from its original form. Video is typically looked at in individual pixels. When computers compress video they look at video in blocks of pixels and try to simplify everything in that particular block. The way computers translate video onto the web makes shooting video specifically for the web a little different than your typically video shoot.

Keep it simple

With compression in mind, the simpler you can make your video the better. The less your video changes from frame to frame then the easier it will be for your computer to compress the video file. When you’re looking for places to film your podcast try filming it in front of a static background like a white wall or a colored sheet rather than filming it outside where you may have trees or cars moving in the background. In order to capture background movement in your video you’ll need a file size much larger than you will probably want to upload to the web.

Keep it short

Internet audiences typically want to watch short to the point video. Not many people will want to watch a 20 minute podcast, and not many websites will allow you to upload one due to the videos large file size. A good podcast length is typically somewhere between one and three minutes. If you have a lot to say you may want to break your video into several segments and allow users to pick and choose what video topics they view.

Get a tripod

Movement in your video such as the general shaking that occurs when someone is holding a video camera will make it harder for your computer to compress the video and depending on what’s going on in your video can make it difficult to watch. A tripod is always a good idea in any video recording situation, but for video specifically for the web it is especially important.

Get a good microphone

A microphone is a must-have for any podcast. Podcasts are primarily audio based. When you use the built-in mic on your camcorder the audio quality in your podcast will typically be pretty low. A cheap lavaliere mic can be a great investment for your podcast and will dramatically improve its quality.

Keep it Tight

Tight shots mean less information on the screen and likewise video that is easier to compress.

Think about your player size

If you’re recording video to upload to YouTube or your own personal web site think about the size of the player window when you’re shooting. While it might be tempting to use smaller props and show detailed items during your podcast keep in mind how small those items will actually be when they’re watched.

Overexpose

Computers tend to make video a little darker than it typically appears. If you are recording video specifically for the web you may want to record your video a little hotter than you would usually. Overexposure will also eliminate some details in your video that will make it easier to compress. Experiment with a few different exposure settings on your computer to find one that works best for your particular background and needs and still preserves a good amount of quality.