Beginner's Guide for Live Video Webcasting
Doing live online video presentations are currently a hot topic and they are now becoming really easy to do (even for the the non-tech savvy). Here are some specific video & audio suggestions for those just starting out.
First, the camera and audio:
You can start video webcasting with a simple, inexpensive webcam. Many laptops today come with a built-in webcam and microphone. That’s hard to beat for convenience - but for better quality, consider an external digital video camera with a USB output. You may also want a better microphone, tripod, a light kit and a custom backdrop. Start small and scale up.
Webcams
Plan on paying $40 to $90 for a good external webcam. The mid to higher priced Logitechs receive great reviews and have performed well in our tests. More expensive webcams have better optics, slightly sharper imaging and work better in low light conditions.
Microphones
You can also use a professional microphone to improve the quality of the audio. You could use a lapel microphone or wear a headset mic to free your hands and lets you move around.
Most of the problems with audio quality involve too much ambient sound and/or having the subject too far from the mic. Avoid turning up the system volume to compensate, as this will make the distortion worse. Try to control the environment and anticipate ambient sound issues. Of course a trial run is always important to make sure everything is working properly.
Second, the lighting:
Control your light source during the webcast. Don’t rely on the light from the monitor - you will experience color shifts and it could look a little spooky. Make sure you have more light on you than the background. Too much back-lighting and your face will appear silhouetted. So try facing a window or put a desk lamp in the foreground and dim the room lights a bit. You can soften the light by directing the lamp to bounce off a wall or better still, clip a sheet of white paper in front of the lamp. This diffusion technique is what the pros do. It makes for more flattering faces. A softbox light kit may be a consideration.
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