Editing Lesson Blog

Today in class I learned the functions of the camera that we will be using for filming, and the ins and outs to editing my footage. Staring with the camera I learned the basic operations such as how to turn it on and off, how to know when it’s on, and how to operate it using the tripod. First open the camera screen and you look to the right where you will see the power switch. You will then turn on the camera; once you see the screen come on then you know that it’s on. Anything that the camera has seen from when you turn it on to when you turn it off is called a take. The take that you actually use in the film is called the shot. The more takes you have the better shot you have. If the SD card isn’t going in smoothly it’s wrong; if this happens take it out but pressing on it, then place it in the slot correctly. Moving on to the tripod, this is the adjustable device that will hold your camera while you are filming. Once installed it will allow you to pan, tilt, and shoot a tracking shot. To install it you will first need to take off the plate by pulling the lever. Then, you will notice a spring like part and a screw on the top. These parts match the bottom of the camera; you will then attach the camera to the plate by joining the parts. You will screw the stew part to the right to tighten it. After this is done you will then attach the plate back onto the tripod.

To upload and edit your footage to the computer you will need to login and look for the pinnacle studio on the desktop. Every group will be using one computer, and since the data will be saved onto one group members’ account you must ensure that the initial group members’ information is used every time to log on. When Pinnacle Studio is open, right click on the desktop and open a folder then name it. You will then pop in your SD card reader. Open the folder labeled “DCIM”. In this folder you will see all of your footage organized by date in their own individual folder. If you can’t find your footage, click on “private” then click “AVCHD”. After this click “next folder” then click “stream”. Everything that’s on your SD card will pop up. Highlight and drag any missing footage to your folder.

Whenever you return the camera dump your footage. This is when you remove all of your footage and put it on the computer. A cord that comes in your camera bag will allow you to dump your footage. The process that you will use to upload the footage from the laptop to the program is called importing. To do this click on the “Edit” board then go next to it and  click “ import”. After you do this a pop up will appear. On this pop up go to “desktop” and click the “+”. Then go to media and all of your footage should pop up. The footage that pops up will be your raw footage, the uncut, untouched, and non-enhanced footage. When your footage is loading do not touch anything until the completely yellow bar turns completely green. To cut your footage bring your play bar to the part that you would like to cut, then click the razor blade icon. This will split your footage and allow you to delete it. If you have made a mistake, click the undo icon to reverse it. To see your editing options, right click on the footage. In the options you will see transitions, effects, etc... If you wish to add a title click the “t” icon and type in your title. You will also be able to modify/ change the font as needed. Once it has loaded click and drag it above the clip that you want it to appear on. To decide how it enters click on effects and choose the one to your liking.

If the program freezes close it, then open it back up. When it opens up click continue editing. To save your work go to file and click “save as”. When you are completely done with your editing you will export your footage. You will then exit the window that is currently open and minimize the program. To make sure that your work is saved, open your film and watch it. When you watch it you should see that it was rendered. Rendering is when everything that you did was put altogether and made clean and smooth.