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Do It Yourself Video Camera and Editing

R RedSoxFan21500+ posts
OK, I'm bracing myself for the scoffing to be heard, but I just bought a Flip video camera for about $110 (search the web, I got this from a company called something like P.C. Richards), they normally run as high as $180 or so.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is that if you are looking for an extremely simple way to capture a few seconds of form filming at the cages, or if you can get relatively close at a game, this Flip camera is the bee's knees.

It comes with very simple to use built in editing software that you get at by simply plugging the included USB plug to your computer.

If you are like me and trying to figure out how best to capture snippets for a site like berecruited.com, or for combination into a series of shots for posting to YouTube or Facebook, VERY EASILY, you should check this camera out.

I used it last night from the stands at a basketball game and the result was quite acceptable. Not professional by any means, but for a quickie look by a busy coach, it should fit the bill.

More effective may be the ease with which you can shoot kids you might be coaching and then provide them with feedback on video without a whole lot of effort.

Just my two cents. Cost and simplicity were key benefits. Highly professional? no way. Great zoom? No. Good shots? YES!
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AntzDadAntzDad1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Sandman:
How does it compare to using an iPhone?


http://www.youtube.com/user/roundfile86

Here are some movies I made. (flip mino, non-HD) Obviously, I didn't spend much time on them. I have a few baseball ones, but I can't remember the youtube password. Roll Eyes

It does take decent video and audio. You can hear the kicker's dad, ten rows away, calling for a 50-yard FG. Very simple to use and edit. You can upload your videos to a hosting site, or email them to individuals, but unlike iphone, you can't send them directly from the device. It has LCD screen that acts as a viewfinder. Works great at night, but it can be difficult to see in daylight. Kinda just aim and cross your fingers. Stores about one hour of video.

Without a strong zoom, baseball can be difficult to capture. The field is so big and the ball is so small. You have to experiment.

I never used it much for sports, because the games were my social hour. I didn't want to be off by myself somewhere, looking for the right angle and light.

It's inexpensive and no bigger than a cell phone. It fits in your pocket. I say it's worth trying. There are similar cameras out there, too. I've only used the flip.
O Out_Fielder_1110+ posts
I use a Flip Video and love it. fits in my pocket and shoots at 720. I agree it's not like using a high resolution video, but it's easy to use and for recruiting it provides enough detail of the players to be able to gage the performance. One thing you need to watch is the audio. Seems that it is good at picking up several conversations and not all are good.
birdman14birdman141,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Out_Fielder_11:
Seems that it is good at picking up several conversations and not all are good.


You always have to watch what you say. You can never tell who is listening. Wink

I have a Flip, and it does do an effective job. PC Richards is an appliance and video store in the NY area and I bought mine there as well for $110. Nice little device.
PISPIS1,000+ posts
If all else fails, feel free to contact me. Here comes the shameless plug... And before everyone jumps on me, I am a paying advertiser Smile...

I'm all for "do it yourself" assuming you have the time, equipment, and know how. That has worked for plenty of families and I recommend it do those that can handle it.

On the contrary, however, I've spoken to many mothers/fathers that have spent more time and money creating something that is not even close to being useful. The bottom line is what is your time worth? One father I spoke to spent 2 full weekends just filming skills. That doesn't take into account editing, producing, no idea if they did web or dvds.

If you look at examples of my videos you'll notice that simplicity is the key. Video of a swing is video of a swing. The key is how you present it. Recruiting videos are not meant to be "block buster" hits by Steven Spielburg, but they do need to be easily accessible and easily navigated by your target audience...college coaches.

I've never been to Rhode Island, but I'd be happy to be of any assistance that I can. Feel free to contact me privately if you want.

Rich
www.playinschool.com
R RedSoxFan21500+ posts
Thanks Rich. I wish you well in your business and after reading the news link at your web site it sounds like you are on the right track.

I would never suggest that a Flip could take the place of a pro. But for those of us with dwindling bucks it might just help us cross the barrier from NO video to SOME video. As you point out in the article, a coach doesn't want a Spielberg production but needs to see enough to say, OK, I will be in the same town as this kid on such and such a date and he didn't throw up on himself in this video. Let's see who he is and who he plays with."

But you are quite right to point out, many people are too busy or otherwise talented and therefore services like yours could be indispensable.

Thanks for supporting HSBBW!

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