Video

There are many different types of tools available to record and edit video. These tools range from very basic to professional tools costing thousands of dollars. These are just a few choices that make sense for the beginning podcaster.

Software

Windows Movie Maker is a free video editing tool that works only on Windows based machines.

Apple iMovie software is made specifically for Macs and is bundled with Apple's iLife software suite which is priced at less than $100.

Magix Movie Edit Pro is a Windows based video editing suite that packs very good features at a very reasonable price around $60.

QuickTime Pro is a $30 program that allows Windows or Mac users to convert a variety of video formats into the iPod video format.

Adobe Premeire Elements is a great consumer level video editing application based off thier popular professional editing suite. Only $100.

Hardware

The Samsung SC-X300 is an ultra-portable digital camcorder that costs under $300. Videos are stored on a flash memory card that is sold separately.

The JVC GR-D250 Mini DV Camcorder costs less than $200. Videos are captured to mini-dv tapes which are sold separately and hold about 60 minutes of video each.

The Canon Powershot A560 digital still camera costs less than $200 and doubles as a movie camera. Movies are stored on a flash memory card.

Media Formats

Video podcasts are typically distributed in a QuickTime (usually with an M4V extension) format inorder to achieve compatibility with iTunes, the Video iPod and Apple TV. Many video podcasts also offer a Flash option (think YouTube) for viewing videos in the browser. This is typically achieved by uploading to a service such as YouTube or Blip.tv that will encode files to flash on their servers and provide an embed code so you can place the video on other sites.

Recording and Editing Tips

Beginner's should exercise lots of patience when recording and editing media for the first time. Planseveral dry runs. Make the episodes short. And make the goal to become comfortable with the recording process and familiar with the tools you are using. You may not like the finished product the first time around. That's okay. Take it as a learning experience and commit yourself to doing better next time.