Video Editing Tips

We'd all like to think of ourselves as amateur photographers/videographers but many of us don't have a clue what it takes to be really good at capturing the moment on our cameras. Surprisingly, there are some simple, proven steps you can follow in order to bring out the best in your videos. 

The following are 10 tips to make your videos look more professional: 

1. Use Good Lighting  - Avoid overhead light that will cast unflattering shadows on the subject's face. When shooting outside, it's best to capture footage either at dawn or dusk where the lighting will be softer. If you're on a budget, a ring light is an affordable option to minimize shadows and increase the quality of your videos. 
2. Have a Clean Background - Having a clean background will make your videos look more professional. You can do this by having a solid color using a wall or backdrop paper. 
3. Use a Good Video Editing Program - Blackmagic Design cameras includes a free copy of DaVinci Resolve. DaVinci Resolve combines editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio postproduction all in of software tool. DaVinci Resolve has been used in major Hollywood productions such as the Fast and Furious franchise and Pokemon Detective Pikachu. 
4. Keep Your Edits Simple - Clean edits will generally make your videos look more professional. Clean up background noise by using noise-canceling, adjust the lighting as needed, and add background music. 
5. Clear Audio - Fuzzy, indecipherable audio can ruin a good video. A person will sit through a grainy video, but will most likely leave if they can’t hear what’s happening onscreen. Invest in a good microphone to capture clear audio. 
6. Eliminate Shaky Footage - Shaky footage looks unprofessional and like a home movie. It can even make the audience motion sick. Use a tripod or use a steady surface to keep the movement to a minimum. Blackmagic Design cameras have built-in stabilization and DaVinci Resolve software can help with stabilization in post-production. 
7. Rule of Thirds - The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that places the subject in the left or right third of the photo leaving the two-thirds open and creating a pleasing composition. Most cameras have an option to create a grid in the viewfinder to assist you in creating a composition. 
8. Shoot from Different Angles - Cutting from one angle to another is a great and simple way to add variety and create a dynamic video. 
9. Plan Out Your Videos - When you create a video, ask yourself: what is its purpose? What are you trying to communicate? Write a script and create a storyboard to help form out your ideas. Have a clear message and don't be afraid to reshoot, edit, and minimize. 
10. Have Fun! It's so important that you have fun, and this will translate to your final product!

What do we recommend?

If you're looking for professional equipment to take the place of your phone camera, there are a variety of options. However, we tend to lean towards Blackmagic Design.

Blackmagic Design Cameras are excellent for novices and professionals alike because they are easy to use and have professional features that allow you to create the Hollywood look of feature films. You get advanced features such as 4K, 6K, and 6K Pro models, large 5" LCD for easy focus, SD card and CFast media, external USB-C media disk recording, EF or MFT lens mounts, and more! DaVinci Resolve Studio is also included for editing, color correction, audio post, and VFX! 

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro are available at SabrePC.com in limited quantities!

Feel free to contact us with any questions you have. We are happy to recommend which camera would work best for whatever you are trying to do.