Most YouTube users have seen videos of all kinds. There are those uploaded by amateurs, often of poor video and audio quality and with poor camera handling. Then there are the intermediate ones, mounted correctly, filmed with a good camera and offering a good viewing experience. Finally there are the professional ones. These are filmed with the best cameras, with the help of specific equipment and programs and following the correct principles of videography. This article explains how to produce professional looking videos.
Steps
Step 1. Get a camera with good image quality
It is essential for filming a professional video. The better the quality of your camera, the better the video quality. Today, you can find HD cameras from reputable manufacturers for under $ 500, which will allow you to add a professional touch to your videos.
When choosing a camera, look for a resolution of 1080p. Even if the quality of a YouTube video is already high at 720p, at 1080p your videos will be even better. At this resolution, your camera sensor will be able to shoot higher quality video
Step 2. Improve the sound quality
Higher quality video is followed by higher quality sound. Users expect professional quality sound if the video is at that level. Almost all solutions are better than the microphone on your camera. External microphones are much more effective at capturing sound, and they are also much more versatile.
Step 3. Stabilize the camera when filming
A shaky video that makes users feel seasick is for amateurs. In the professional world, shaky hand-held shots are rarely and tastefully used. Anything that helps reduce camera shake and stabilize your footage will greatly enhance the viewing experience and allow you to show off your professionalism.
- Use a tripod. This is a great way to stabilize footage. You will find them easily and using them is just as easy. While you can find them for less than € 20, the quality will depend on the expense. Justifying an expense of € 150-300 for a tripod now may seem ridiculous to you, but it might be worth the investment!
- Use a steadycam or other stabilization devices. A steadycam will allow you to walk and move with the camera without producing the blurry images typical of hand-held camera shots. This adds a smooth and professional element to your videos and can make footage more interesting than what would be possible to produce with a fixed camera on a tripod.
Step 4. Learn better shooting techniques and practice with them
By learning and following the good principles of videography you can improve the visual experience of users. Well-composed, natural-looking shots filmed with the right lighting will always benefit the video.
-
Use the rule of thirds. This rule divides the image into three parts. A left, central and right area, and an upper, central and lower area. Try not to focus the subject in the center, as this often confuses the user and can distract the audience, as well as negatively affect the composition of the shot.
Make Professional Quality YouTube Videos Step 4Bullet1 -
Framing. Framing essentially means the use of elements in the shooting environment to complement the shot or make it more appealing from a visual point of view. Framing the subject near the right side of the shot, with other subjects further away in the background helps to compose the shot and make it more interesting.
Make Professional Quality YouTube Videos Step 4Bullet2
Step 5. Enhance your editing program and exploit its potential
Better quality programs allow you to have more control over the appearance of the finished video. They will also allow you to add special effects if your video requires them.
-
Add introductions or closing movies, a logo to remind users to subscribe to your channel, non-copyrighted music in the background or during the introductions to keep users interested.
Make Professional Quality YouTube Videos Step 5Bullet1 -
Animated titles and curated special effects improve the quality of the video. Flames from exhausts and explosions in action videos are great examples. With a better program, you will also have more control over the sound.
Make Professional Quality YouTube Videos Step 5Bullet2
Step 6. Practice
Practice makes perfect. With each video you will become more and more skilled. Try producing some test videos to test your skills or make an effort to learn something new. This will make you a better creator, and will allow you to improve the quality of your videos.
Advice
- Stabilize your room. Tripods and steadycams enhance your footage. A stabilized camera offers a better experience to the viewer
- Don't neglect the sounds. While you'd rather not spend a lot on microphones, this aspect can greatly improve the overall quality of your videos. Any microphone will certainly be better than the one built into your camera.
- Make sure your camera has an input for an external microphone. Otherwise you will have to record your audio using an external recorder, and complicate the production of the video.
- While Mac and Windows editing programs can be very expensive, Linux operating systems offer the equivalent tools for free. While you may need to spend some time learning, this is certainly a great option.
If you plan on producing more than one video on your channel, you can think about creating a unique introduction that represents you.
