09-10-2011, 11:58 PM

I have a channel on YouTube for piano playing. I've begun work on my first video tutorial. I find it challenging to do a video tutorial without a video camera that hangs above the keyboard but is pointed at the entire keyboard. Currently, I use the camera within my MacBook. What type of video camera, that is high video and audio quality, would you recommend for me to use for my YouTube videos? Also, are there any stands that would be good to use for putting above the keyboard, that would allow a viewer to view the entire keyboard?

09-11-2011, 11:15 PM

Well, that's a big question.

Quality audio won't usually come from onboard camera mics.

This means you need:

1) A good camera that has a mic input
2) Some form of mic - some mics use XLR connections, which means unless the camera you get supports XLR input, you'll need some sort of a conversion box (like a Juicedlink or Beachtek device)
3) You may want multiple mics, depending on how your piano is, you may want one closer to and pointing into the piano for the music pickup and another one (possibly a lapel mic) to pick up your voice as you talk. If you plan to do multiple mics, you'll need some sort of device that can mix down into the feed supported by your camera - this could be a Juicedlink, beachtek or other device.
4) You'll need a camera that has a relatively wide angle lens to be able to pick up the entire keyboard without having to have the camera too high above you. You can go a traditional camcorder route, but you may want to inspect using a dSLR that supports video recording where it's easier to get quality wide angle glass. If you go dSLR, you'll have to look closely to make sure you get the features you want. Most dSLRs limit the length of a single recording to between 10 and 20 minutes. A few allow for extended recordings.
5) You will need to look into getting some sort of a short boom to mount the camera to that supports aiming straight down. there are some booms that come with their own support rig and some that attach to tripods. Some are really massive which you probably don't need, so shop around.
6) You can probably get away with normal lighting to start, but eventually you'll probably want to get some studio lights. Lighting can make a lot of difference between quality imagery and drab colors and/or noise (some cameras perform poorly in low light)

Just my initial thoughts

09-12-2011, 01:21 AM

Do you have any recommendations for me as far as specific video cameras?

09-12-2011, 07:27 AM

I have some ideas, but how much are you budgeting for this (ballpark is fine, I just don't want to suggest something that is way out of your price range)?

09-14-2011, 01:13 AM

Ballpark range is $100 to $400