Do you have a digital camcorder that captures in Digital8, MiniDV, HDV, or any of the DVD formats? Good! Then you are ready to GoNogging!

Follow these easy steps to get your short video online and start teaching

 
1. Your camcorder will need some kind of direct connection to your computer either to the USB or FireWire ports or by inserting the DVD you've recorded.

2. Once you've downloaded the video from the camera, you can upload it to GoNogging or, if you are able to, edit and play with it some more!


Do you have an analog camcorder that uses VHS, VHS-C, SVHS-C, 8mm, or Hi8 tape?
Good!  We can still get your videos onto GoNogging. Just a few extra steps and some additional equipment and you'll be on your way. 

Now since these camcorders are not usually equipped with computer connections you will need to digitize the video with a converter box, which will convert the analog signal from the camcorder to a digital signal that the computer can understand. After the video has been digitized, you can manipulate it further and upload it. Come on now it's not that hard to do. I bet that techie neighbor of yours can help you out. Or ask your local computer store to lead you in the right direction.

Step by Step Suggestions:
(Remember these are general instructions; please refer to your cameras owner's manual for specific instructions).

1. Plan your video

You don't need a full script, but you should have an idea about what you want to teach and the general flow. Depending on the extent of your video you might want to do what the pros do: create a cue card. Get a large piece of poster board at your local office or school supply store and with a larger marker write out a numbered list of the points you want to make. You can then place or tape this cue card next to the camera as you're filming.

2. Set the stage

Pick the best place to film your video and make sure that it is clear of anything that might be too distracting to the viewer. Usually it is best NOT to shoot in front of any windows, as this will cause some difficult lighting.

3. Lighting

Light is your camera's best friend! The more light you can shine on you and your subject will really improve your videos and make them better for your viewers. Experiment to find the best lighting for your videos. You don't have to go out and buy professional lighting. Make sure your lights are on and positioned away from the camera lens. Bring over an extra lamp or two to make sure everything is well lit.

4. Shoot your video

The best videos are short and to the point. Keeping it short will focus your audience's attention and make your point come across more powerfully. If you have a complicated subject that will take more than 5 minutes to explain and demonstrate, think about breaking your video down into segments just like the pros do! Several shorter video segments are much better than one long extended video.

5. Edit your video

Connect your camcorder to your computer in the usual way and upload your new video onto your computer. Most camcorders come with some sort of editing software. If your camcorder does not come with any editing software, check out the Gonogging support section to find some editing software that is right for you. Modify your video as you see fit. Cut out the parts you don't like and add some titles or other info that descibes your video to the public.

6. Produce your video!

Almost all video editing software has an option to produce your video, which will allow you to tailor the size, compression, and format of your video. Gonogging recommends that you save your videos as either QuickTime .MOV, .WMV, AVI, or .MPG files. These are the most common formats and they work well on GoNogging. We specifically recommend the MPEG4 format at 320x240 pixels with MP3 audio. Resizing your video to these specifications before uploading will help your video look its best.

7. Compress your Video

Nobody wants to sit around and upload their video all night long. The files that your camcorder produces are in a raw format, and not compressed, therefore they are MUCH larger than a normal video file. Usually, most video editing programs will have a compression feature built in. Check your software or set the video compression while you are producing your video. Compression means that your actual video file will be smaller and thus will take much less time to upload. The quality of your video will not be affected. Your final video file must be no more than 25 megabytes (25MBs).

8. Upload your video

Log on to your GoNogging account and press the upload video button. You will be asked to provide some detailed information about your video (which will help your audience find your video) then select your video and click the submit button.