5 Video Best Buys: The Gear To Get You Filming Fast
Motion graphics & video plug-ins | DSLR video accesories Motion Graphics | 3D animation software
New to the world of video production and unsure what to buy? Our guide to the five best options in three software and hardware categories will get you started.
motion graphics & video plug-ins
Just as plug-ins can put that extra polish on music when mixing, they can really enhance and speed up visual processing. Here are five suites to help you add a little visual flair, adding everything from colour grading to 3D environments and text. Individual effects from bundles cost less, and trials are available.
1. Boris Continuum Complete 6 (from £649$995): Effects package for Apple, Adobe, Avid and Autodesk systems. Just under 200 plug-ins included to spice up your video and graphics.
2. FX Factory Pro 2 (£259$399): An effect architecture that powers many free and commercial effects for Apple and Adobe NLEs and motion graphics software. Pro version includes over 150 bundled effects.
3. Genarts Sapphire 4 (from £1104$1699): Expensive set of plug-ins for most platforms, can be rented on a mothly basis to cut costs. Over 200 processors, used in many movies.
4. Magic Bullet Suite 2009 (£520$799): Effects suite plugs into popular NLEs and motion graphics software. Includes the popular Looks 1.2, a grading plug-in with plenty of powerful colour, focus and exposure effects.
5. Trapcode Suite 2.0 (£585$899): From the ubiquitous Shine effect to the complex but powerful 3D generator, Form, these plug-ins have appeared in promos galore. Sound Keys generates keyframes from audio peaks: great stuff!
dslr VIDEO accesories
After mentioning the need for accessories when shooting video with current DSLR cameras (in the ‘Making Movies’ background articles), it’s only fair that we give you a rundown of some of the top manufacturers and products out there that’ll help you get that movie-style footage on a budget.
1. Genus Matte Box (from £415$640): Matte-box kits allow you to put Neutral Density filters and colour filters in front of the lens easily, avoiding the need to use screw-in models.
2. iDC Photo Video Viewfinder & Follow Focus kits (from £129$199): These new follow focus kits do away with cumbersome gearing, using a simple friction wheel to move the focus and zoom rings on lenses. Kits include a viewfinder magnifying eye-cup.
3. Redrockmicro DSLR Rigs (from £341$525): From small DSLR rigs including a follow focus, to lightweight shoulder-mounted setups.
4. Zacuto DSLR Rigs (from £309$475): A range of sturdy aluminium frames to support your DSLR camera, as well as magnifying viewfinders. Renowned for solid build quality.
5. Zoom H4N (£330$299): This four-track portable recorder is incredibly popular with DSLR users. Be sure to sync audio and video with a clapperboard or hand-clap.
Motion Graphics & 3D animation software
If you want to add some flashy titles, or even build a 3D world from scratch, these programs will help you. Be warned, though: animation can be hard to grasp, so be prepared to download a trial version, watch plenty of tutorial videos and put in lots of practice time. Student versions are less expensive too.
1. Adobe After Effects CS5 ($999$999): Deep and powerful software for text, video, 2D and 3D object animation, as well as post-production effects. Can manipulate 3D models created in 3D software. Links seamlessly with Premiere and other Adobe software.
2. Autodesk 3D Studio Max 2010 (£2409$3459): Powerful 3D animation software often used for modelling in computer game production, as well as film work. Very deep and complex, used in many professional environments.
3. Apple Motion 4 (£789$999): Included in Final Cut Studio package, makes it relatively easy to get started with titling and animation. Not quite as extensive as other software here, but well integrated with Apple family.
4. Blender (Free): This multi-platform, open-source 3D animation and modelling software is free! Very powerful, and tough for beginners, but supported by many on-line and print tutorials and a large community of users.
5. Maxon Cinema 4D R11.5 (from £746$995): Professional motion graphics and animation package for titles and full 3D animation, used extensively for television spots and ads. Relatively simple interface contains a powerful feature set. 0
Home |
Search |
News |
Current Issue |
Digital Editions |
Articles |
Forum |
Subscribe |
Shop |
Readers Ads
Advertise |
Information |
Links |
Privacy Policy |
Support
In this article:
Tue 22 May 2012
Sound On Sound : Est. 1985