Devices for Recording

Your Smartphone!

With a tripod and suitable accessory, we can have a simple set up with any smartphone with a decent built-in camera as shown in the picture below.

You will need god external microphone such as Boya microphone.

This is an example of the video recorded using my iPhone set up shown above.

This is another example of the video recorded using my smartphone (Huawei P20) with Boya microphone.

This video by Dr Ema was recorded and edited entirely using a smartphone.

Digital Camera

An entry level (affordable) digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless type) are very suitable to produce high quality instructional video.

This video was taken with Canon EOS M50 (price: RM2500.00 to RM2700.00).

Webcam

The simplest way to record a video, especially for recording your computer screen, is just using the webcam.

Basically there are two types of webcam:

Built-in webcam that come together with your computer (usually laptop)
External webcam that you can connect to your computer via the USB port.

Logitech C920 webcam

Logitech BRIO 4K Ultra HD webcam

Portable Swivl System

Ever wanted to take a proper video of yourself but couldn’t find someone to pan the camera for you? Try Swivl, a rotating and swivelling camera dock for handheld cameras that allows automated tracking of subjects.

Compatible with iPhones, iPad, tablet and any DLSR camera or video camera with a tripod mount, Swivl is equipped with a motorised primary dock that wirelessly connects to a marker unit and follows its move to keep the subject within the camera frame.

Swivl is perfect for individuals who would like to produce videos with panning movements, such as lectures, covers or live performances, and instructional videos, among others.

The picture below shows how I set up the system for classroom recording.

This is an example of a recorded Swivl session. Once the recording is completed, the PowerPoint was synced automatically.

DJI Osmo Pocket

This is a wonderful little but powerful gadget that can be used not only to produce high quality instructional video but also for vblogging (video blogging). You can buy the gadget online as low as RM1500.00. The quality of the video in 4K resolution is simply superb!

With its face-tracking ability and rotating three-axis gamble, you can set up the device on a tripod and shoot the video without requiring another person to assist.

Watch the promotional video below.

Mevo Plus—multi-camera production from a single camera

Mevo Start Live-streaming Camera

This is a newer version of Mevo with higher specifications and features.

Jabra PanaCast

This camera gives 180-degree field of view. Read the review: Jabra PanaCast Review: Everything You Need to Know

Microphone

Good instructional video must be accompanied by good quality audio. The built-in microphone in the camera or computer is not good enough. You will need to use external microphone connected to the audio jack or USB port.

Affordable external microphones are available in the form of wired or wireless. Examples shown here are the type I use for my DIY video recording.

Boya BY-M1 Lavalier Microphone (RM40.00 to RM50.00)

Boya BY-WM4 Mark II Lavalier Wireless Microphone (less than RM300.00)

Other option for wireless microphone —BOYA BY-WM3U Digital True-Wireless Microphone System for Android Devices, Cameras, Smartphones (2.4 GHz) (approximate RM600.00 if purchased online).

CONDENSER MICROPHONE

If you want to get better sound quality or setting up your home studio, get a condenser microphone. The condenser microphone shown below, BM-800 is very affordable and can be purchased online at less than RM100.00.

Zoom H1N Handy Recorder Quick Test (used as a USB microphone)

This versatile sound recorder can be used in many ways: (i) to record audio directly on the SD card in the recorder (ii) connect the recorder to the smartphone (iii) mount the recorder on a DSLR camera (act as a shotgun mic) (iv) connect to the computer USB and used as a USB microphone.

For this quick test, I connected the H1N to the USB on my Macbook Pro and do a quick screen recording. I set the audio setting at 48 khz 24 bit in wav format (this gives the highest uncompressed audio quality). The gain on the recorder was set at 6 (on hearing the result, maybe I can increase to 7 or 8 because my voice is naturally not very strong).

I didn't do any post-editing to reduce noise. I purposely turn on the aircon and the ceiling fan (speed set at 3).

What do you think?

DO YOU HAVE AUDIO/SOUND ISSUES?

The issue of connection could be related to the types of connection to the device. Learn about TRS or TRRS types. You may require a simple adapter that you can buy from any computer shop or online. Very cheap. Then there is USB-A, USB-C type connection as well. It can be quite bewildering.

What about noise? Well, noise can easily be eliminated during post production but try to reduce the noise during the recording as much as possible. I use Vention USB external sound card with 3.5 mm earphone adapter. The price is around RM25.00 (online).

TIPS FOR RECORDING SOUND

Lighting

Adequate and appropriate lighting are essential to get a good quality video. A natural daylight from window is the cheapest option. For indoor or studio-based video shooting, affordable lighting can be obtained with variety of choices such as ring light, softbox, dimmable LED, etc.

Dimmable Bi-color LED Video Light

Ring light

Softbox light

Tips for Lighting Set Up

Tablet

Tablets such as Wacom, iPad or any Android tablet can be used to produce 'Khan's style' teaching video (writing while explaining).

This Huion HS64 Digital Graphics Tablets OSU is very affordable (less than RM150.00)

If you prefer to write/draw while explaining, use the tablet. Look at the example below.

Screencasting

A screencast is a video recording of your computer screen and usually includes audio. Screencasting is also referred to as video screen capture and is a great way to teach or share ideas.

Screencasting can be done with a desktop/laptop or any tablet/smartphone. Below are selections of free and paid applications.

Screencasting Application for Desktop/Laptop

Camtasia (not free; available for Windows & Mac)
Screenflow (not free; available only for Mac—simply the best!)
Screencast-o-matic (free; web-based or installed on computer)
Loom (Chrome extension; free)
Screencastify (Chrome extension; free)

Screencasting Application for iPad

Explain Everything (not free; simply the best app for iPad)
Touchcast (free; rich features; highly recommended)

This is an example of a screencasting using Screenfow for Mac.

Google Sites

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