Izzy Video tutorials make it easy to learn video.

The more I use my Canon 5D Mark II, the more I’m impressed with the image it produces. I like it much better than the image from my Sony PMW-EX1, which is a much more expensive camera.

So here’s my new thinking:

* If you need to capture LONG video clips, like at weddings, conferences, and things like that, then I think you should definitely look at standard video cameras. The Digital SLR with it’s 12 minute video clips won’t really work for this.

But…

* If you’re shooting narrative pieces like short films, music videos, commercials, and feature films, then I can’t help but recommend a Digital SLR. The picture quality (shallow depth of field, great dynamic range, etc.) is stellar.

Because I shoot both types of footage, I’m keeping both cameras, but I have to say that the Canon 5D Mark II is my preferred video capture device now. By itself, it’s okay, but when you add on a few accessories, it becomes incredible.

I’ll cover more on this soon, and I think I’ve got a tutorial coming along these lines… ;-)

Wireless lavalier microphones are a fundamental tool when you shoot video, but for someone new to this kind of gear, they can be challenging to use. This members-only installment of Izzy Video will help you get set up correctly.

Also, in the video I make several announcements regarding events where I’ll be speaking live…

This Saturday on Sept. 19th, I’ll be speaking at the Chandler, AZ Apple Store from 4-6pm. It’s free, and there should be room for 30 people or so. For the first hour, I’ll talk about operating a video camera, lighting for video indoors, lighting for video outdoors, and audio for video. For the second hour, I’ll do “questions and answers.” If you have video questions, you might want to come join us. (And sorry, but the event won’t be captured on video, so I won’t be able to release something later if you miss it.) Here is the location info.

Did I mention the event is free? :-)

Also, on Oct. 16th, I’ll be speaking about audio for video at Blogworld Expo (not a free event). If you’re going to be at Blogworld Expo, come check out my session.

And then on Nov. 14th and 15th, we’ll be doing Podcamp AZ again, and I’ll speak there as well. I’m planning to do a lighting workshop of some kind. This event will be free as always, and we’ll have a lot of fun there.

Why am I doing these live events? Partially because people asked me to speak, but also because as much as I love training on video through these tutorials, there’s something fun and dynamic about the live environment. I’m really looking forward to these events, and I hope to see you there!

Oh, and here’s the Quicktime version of the trailer for the above video tutorial.

If you want access to the full version of this video along with more than 100 other video tutorials, you should become an Izzy Video Member.

I receive a lot of emails. Thank you all very much for the kind words you continue to send me, and I wish I had time to respond to all of them. Last night I received one of my favorite emails so far. Here it is:

Hi Izzy,

My name is Timothy McKean. I am a longtime member and subscriber. I
teach video production classes at the High school and Graduate levels
and often use your materials as part of my curriculum. For my
graduate classes this coming term I am going to have my students buy a
membership to izzyvideo.com in lieu of purchasing a textbook.

I was wondering if you offer an educational rate, or would consider
creating a special offer for my students. Your $69 rate is not bad,
but a $39 or $49 coupon code (like your current promotion) is more
comparable to a textbook that I might require.

Thanks again for all the work that you put in to helping me, and my
students, produce better video.

Timothy McKean
Oak Hills High School, Video Production
Azusa Pacific University, MA in Edtech and Learning

I responded to Timothy, and we worked out a nice discount for his graduate students. (By the way, if any of you would like to try something similar with a group of students, I’d be happy to do something like that with you as well. Just send me an email at izzy (at) izzyvideo (dot) com.)

Many of you know that I’ve been producing the Izzy Video Tutorial series for several years, and the memberships are currently my main source of income. When I receive emails like this, I can’t tell you how great it feels. Thank you so much for the support and encouragement, and for helping me spread the word about Izzy Video.

If you want to learn the fundamentals of video, now is your chance to spend a day with me live. In connection with PubFilms, I’m holding a one-day workshop on April 17th, 2009 in Gilbert, AZ (suburb of Phoenix).

It’s a packed day, starting at 8:30am and ending at 4:30pm. These are some of the broad topics I’ll be covering:

• Operating a Video Camera
• Lighting for Video
• Audio for Video
• Shooting Video Indoors
• Shooting Video Outdoors
• Posting Video on the Web

I want to keep the group small, so I have time to answer questions. I’m limiting the workshop to 20 people. You can see more details and register here for the event.

Don’t know who I am? Check out my About Page.

Are you interested in winning a trip to Arizona to attend an Izzy Video workshop where you can learn LIVE techniques to shoot better video? If you are, then read on…

IzzyVideo and PubFilms Invite You To Compete In Our FREE Short Film Competition!

Your audience decides who wins!
The short film with the most votes will win the grand prize!

Grand Prize Winner Will Receive:
2 Plane Tickets To Sunny Arizona
3 Days And 2 Nights Paid Hotel Stay In Arizona
Free Admission To Izzy Video Workshop
1 Year Subscription To IZZY VIDEO
1 Year Subscription To American Cinematographer
1 I-POD Touch

Runner Up Will Receive:
1 Year Subscription To IZZY VIDEO
1 Year Subscription To American Cinematographer
1 I-POD Nano

To learn more, please visit:

http://www.pubfilms.com/competitions/izzy

* PubFilms is kind enough to sponsor this competition. They’re doing some pretty interesting stuff. I highly recommend you check them out.

P.S. If you have a short film already in the can, you might as well enter it here. If you don’t have one done, maybe this can help give you sufficient incentive to get going on it. :-)

* Grand Prize is available to US residents only. There are other rules like this, so please read closely when you register.