DIY: How to make better videos

By on 02 June 2005

Tags: camcorder | camera | digital | diy | guide | how-to | record | tips | vidoe | zoom

How to make better videos Frustrated with the results you are getting from your video camcorder? Make better home videos by following these five simple steps.

That camcorder you got for Christmas a couple years back is in the closet gathering dust. The last time you broke out your videos, friends and family suddenly remembered their urgent dentist's appointments. Every time you view your tapes, you get motion sickness and wear out your fast-forward button.

Sound familiar? If so, you're one of the millions of camcorder owners who have been frustrated by the results they're getting. Fortunately, shooting better-looking home videos is easy; you just need to follow some straightforward guidelines.

Camera movement
If your videos look as if they were shot by a drunk during an earthquake, keep these four steps in mind.

Zoom lenses
Don't get zoom-happy.

Autofocus
Keep your videos sharp.

Using light
Well-lit shots look better.

In-camera editing
Short bursts of shooting will make a more viewable video.

Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!

Be the first to comment on this article!

  • Leave a comment

All fields marked with * are required

What do you think

Your e-mail will not be displayed

You must read and type the 6 chars within 0..9 and A..F

You must read and type the 6 chars.


  • Best hard-disk camcorders

  • Top high definition camcorders

  • Canon HG21

  • Best flash memory camcorders

  • Canon HG20

  • Canon HF11

  • JVC Everio GZ-MS100

  • Oi!: Oregon Scientific's thrill-seeking camcorder

  • Sony Handycam DCR-SR85

More articles »

Find the right camcorder

Brand
  • Multiple options can be selected

    • Canon HG21

      Canon HG21

      Bedecked in black, the HG21 is Canon's top dog, second-gen, high-def, hard-disk camcorder. It features 12x optical zoom, a CMOS sensor, optical image stabilisation and an electronic viewfinder.

    • Canon HG20

      Canon HG20

      Canon's rapid ascent up the high-def, hard-disk camcorder totem pole continues with the HG20 and HG21 twins. Both share optical image stabilisation, 12x optical zoom and a CMOS sensor. The HG20 comes with a smaller 60GB hard-disk and misses out on a viewfinder.

    • Canon HF11

      Canon HF11

      It might not fit every hand, but the results it provides are excellent whether you're a manual fiddler or just want quick and easy automatic filming capabilities.

    • JVC Everio GZ-MS100

      JVC Everio GZ-MS100

      The JVC Everio GZ-MS100 is an average budget SD-card-based camcorder that's more attractive for its small design and relatively average video quality than its unique interface and one-touch uploads to YouTube.

    • Sony Handycam DCR-SR85

      Sony Handycam DCR-SR85

      If you don't want to, need to, or simply can't shell out a couple hundred dollars more for an HD camcorder, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR85 delivers decent SD video and copious recording time.

    More reviews »

    Membership benefits

    Manage and receive subscriptions

    Manage and receive subscriptions

    Choose to receive an e-mail update containing our best articles either daily, weekly or monthly. Sign up for a free CNET Australia membership now!