This third action step leads you through the process of setting up your simple recording “studio”.
By the time you’ve completed this step you’ll have a setup you’re comfortable with that produces “good enough” results for your videos.
Relevant tutorials(s):
1) Choose your screen capture and editing software
First, you’ll need to decide what software tool or tools you’ll use to record your screen and webcam and then make any essential edits.
Make sure that you check out the video tutorials before picking a tool, but here are three recommended scenarios.
For a free but basic option use:
- Zoom (recording) + Adobe Trim Tool (trimming)
The free version of Zoom lets you record your screen and your webcam. The Adobe Trim Tool lets you perform very basic editing online for free.
Note: Adobe Trim Tool lets you trim content from the beginning and end of your video, but not from the middle.
For a pricey but painless option, use:
- Loom (recording and editing)
Loom is a very slick app that offers recording, editing and video hosting (plus cool things like automatic transcripts) for $15/month.
Note: Loom has a free starter plan that includes most features, however it has a 5 minute limit on video length, which won’t be enough for most people.
For a cheap/free but flexible option, use:
- ScreenPal (formerly Screencast-o-matic)
ScreenPal is simple to use and the free version of the recorder allows up to 15 minutes of recording. The free version of the editor allows you to make simple edits – both trimming and cutting.
Note: The Solo Deluxe plan gives you a lot of features (including automatic captioning) for just $36/year.
2) Run a quick A/V test
Next, once you’ve grasped the basics of your screen capture tool, record a short test clip.
Here’s what to do (the exact details with depend on your chosen setup):
- Open your favourite website in a browser window
- Resize the window so it takes up most but not all of the screen
- Drag the window as close to your webcam as possible
- In your screen capture software, choose to record the browser window screen and your webcam
- Read or just talk about the website for 30-60 seconds, being sure to make regular eye contact with the camera
- Stop recording and save the clip
3) Check the quality of your results
Now, review the clip you just made with a critical eye (and ear!) and decide if the quality is good enough for your course videos.
Remember, you’re aiming for “passable not perfect”. Consider asking someone else to review your clips to give you some objective feedback.
Ultimately, if certain elements are detracting from a good student experience, you may need to make adjustments or upgrade certain bits of “kit”.
Here’s what to check…
Check the Audio
First, focus on the audio. If possible, try listening through your headphones and then again through external speakers. (You’ll notice more imperfections with headphones.)
Tip: Set your output volume between half and three-quarters of the maximum. Your recording should be comfortable and clearly audible at this level.
Is the recording level correct?
If the audio is too loud (or distorted) or too quiet you may need to change the input level (or input volume) on your computer.
Here’s an article about adjusting your input volume on Windows:
Fix microphone problems - Microsoft Support
Here’s an article about adjusting your input volume on a Mac:
Change the sound input settings on Mac
Is there distracting background noise?
If your microphone is picking up small background noises which seem louder on the recording than they were in the room, your mic may be too sensitive.
You can try controlling the environment and/or turning down the input level.
If neither of these work, you may need to invest in a better mic.
Is there any distracting “popping”?
If you can hear “popping” (short, loud blowing noises on words beginning with “P”, “T” or “C”) then try adjusting the position of the microphone in relation to your mouth.
Alternatively, you can buy a basic “pop shield” which clips in front of your desktop mic. (Or a foam mic shield for a headset mic.)
Note: The occasional “pop” sound is fine, but if it’s happening every few seconds it will be annoying for the listener.
Is the voice quality good enough?
Sometimes, even with optimal audio levels and an otherwise quiet room, your microphone may capture audio that isn’t as good as you want for your videos.
Cheaper, built-in microphones may naturally capture audio that sounds more thin, artificial or “distant”.
Repositioning the mic can work but often that means repositioning the webcam too, which may not be possible.
The solution here is either to accept the audio as-is, or upgrade your microphone.
Check the Video
Next, focus on the video. Make sure you’re watching the video at its full size (but not necessarily full screen) and ask the following questions.
Are you framed correctly in the webcam bubble?
Check your framing in the webcam bubble in the corner of the screen.
It’s totally natural to move a little when presenting but try to make sure that your face does not slip outside of the frame at any point.
Ideally you’re aiming for somewhere between the “tight crop” of a passport photo and “mid shot” framing that shows your upper body and arms.
If the framing isn’t right you can reposition yourself in relation to the webcam or use your webcam software to zoom in or zoom out.
Is the lighting sufficient and consistent?
Ideally you want your face to be well lit with clear contrast between you and your background. Also, you’ll want to avoid hard shadows or changing light conditions.
If your lighting is letting you down, consider getting an LED lamp that fits to the top of your monitor screen.
If your background is too “busy” either move your computer to a spot where the background is more plain or buy a simple video screen/backdrop.
Is your face consistently in focus?
Some webcams have a fixed focus lens which gives reasonable results in a wide range of conditions.
Other webcams have autofocus which tries to adjust the focus automatically but can easily be confused by quick movement or low light conditions.
If you’re having problems with poor or shifting focus, try the following:
- Look at your webcam settings and experiment with different focus options
- Make sure you have strong, consistent lighting – this help the camera focus
- Try to move around less when presenting!
4) Make any necessary upgrades
Finally, once you’ve decided which parts of your setup need upgrading, make those changes and then record another test clip and go through the process again.
Remember, the ideal scenario is where you use the kit that you already have.
Achieving this will require learning how to get the best from what you have, and being pragmatic about the quality level you’re willing to accept.
That said, sometimes you will need to buy additional kit to ensure your videos are fit for purpose.