Ask Petra: YouTube Vlogging and Techy Stuff

Hints tips and advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm just starting this filming malarkey with a GoPro Hero 8 - editing with Davinci Resolve 16. I'll be honest, I struggle with technology... but have enjoyed the learning so far

What do you use?

I've used iMovie for several, because it comes free with Mac. It's pretty easy and has good basic functions. However, I'm currently trialling Final Cut Pro X which is a professional level software, so the learning curve is steep.

I've tested out several cameras for making hiking videos: iPhone, GoPro 7 Black and currently testing Vmate gimbal, which is still immature firmware wise but shows great promise.

As stated elsewhere, recently 'upgraded' and am now trying out.

GoPro Hero8 Black on a GoPro mini tripod/grip
iPhone 11pro with mini tripod

For editing I use Adobe Premiere Pro as I can use my work license. I've used DaVinci Resolve successfully, its really powerful, but my PC (and I) struggled with it.

I'm still learning loads but early advice I took and am still trying to follow:

Keep clips short <5secs, horizons horizontal and steady.
Compose your shots and vary the content (close ups, people, scenery, action).
Avoid panning and zooming.
Consider the narrative structure.

If audio is important, get a mic and wind cover.

I shoot at 24 or 29fps generally. With my Mirrorless camera I set the shutter speed to 1/60th and use a variable ND filter to control light but with the GoPro and iPhone this isn't straightforward so will see how it goes.

I'd be interested in creative commons music options as the one's I've found are very limited.

Loads of tips on YouTube.

edit: just seen your vid on the other thread - great start

Superb advice, thanks

So far I’ve managed well with Davinci, but using a MacBook Pro 2020 is probably part of the equation.

For sound, I used the GoPro Media Pack (Surround case for hero 8) shotgun mic for that first ‘test run’ it’s simple and easy. Ive invested in Rode Wireless Go System, from what I’ve seen it works very well (but not cheap)- I’m going out to play this afternoon.

For music and sound effects I’ve subscribed to Epidemic - the first month is a free trial. Reading the T&Cs your media can still contain there content once you cease subscription, which you can do at any point.

I use Cokin P series ND filters for photography and have a cheap set of Chinese filters for the GoPro - I’ll see how that goes with time.

I like the idea of short clips and varying content, it keeps things dynamic and moving.

My biggest drawback is a bleddy throat infection which has left me croaking for some time, it’s a bit naff for narrative, but will hopefully get better.

It sounds like your technical knowledge is very good. I know bugger all but am quite enjoying the education on the way

well, I've done DJing and audio production for years, and some photography, so there's some overlap but only recently got into doing a some video stuff. I'm still dabbling with video production and testing out what kit would work for me and for my style of videos, which is probably a bit different from the majority of the YouTube content.

Osmo action to film most stuff, pictures with my galaxy s9.
Micro windjammers help keep the wind noise down!
Edit with Kinemaster app, simple, on the go.
Music from Epidemic sound.

How are you finding Epidemic, so far it appears to be most of what I would like to use.

Do any of you guys want to share your channel ID - I’ll happily subscribe

Have a look at this.

He also has a good vid on Rode Wireless.

I'm interested in Rode Wireless, it's high quality and super portable. Downside are the price and need for charging (on longer trails). I have couple of Rode directional mics.

Mine is my signature, but the content is pretty sh!t, consisting of unintentional video compilations of random clips from trips, random clips on their own and test videos.

I started making my own background music after I got fed up with copyright notices (which block the videos from being monetised (if I ever get to that stage)). YouTube has some free songs in the editor as well available for download. There are also some Soundcloud content available to use with Creative Commons license for non-commercial use, I think.

Haha I love that guy’s reviews. I got the media mod very very very cheap. It gives me the mics plus cold shoes and usbC + HDMI and jack plug - but essentially it’s a mount for the Rode receiver and the lighting mod.

I’ll follow up on the dead kittens in that review - they look good. The Rode comes with two little dead kittens but they don’t clip very well.

That’s odd, I’ve lost signatures ... might be the phone settings???

I got the stick on deadcats for my gimbal (which has a poor sound as default atm). I recorded some walking yesterday, so I need to test the audio, if the deadcats did they trick. Bloody expensive though: £12 for 10 round stickers and pieces of fur.

Prob not showing on mobile version. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpV6lYZMKvgRqYrO2FdWVA

Excellent - I’ve subscribed. I’ll have a look later, but I’ve got to get in a mo’, my C19 year just came back negative whoop whoop

‘Accidental’ road kill would be cheaper... no no no no... dead cats, that’s not what they mean is it.

https://www.youtube.com/user/matrix7278
Thats mine, walking ones I make public family ones are private.
I dont do much other than capture our walk/camp and mostly the wifes arse but they are more for me to watch than anybody else ...

Or just clean out the shower plug hole

I like the tips and tricks of this guy
**dont try making this video at your age @ bluff**

So far so good. Search function is decent

Excellent, subscribed

I think ... this is my id https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVu0oJz1HB8iOPORhnxNtGQ

belly button and under crackers should do ...

I shall look at that later... I’m assuming skills will be to advanced for it

Got ya now