OT: A Cheap Video Viewfinder - FINALLY

[Paul Alciatore]

I have been looking into doing machining and perhaps other videos for some time now. Been making hanging lights for the shop and getting some on inexpensive stands for a office style studio. I need to clear out an unused bedroom in the house and that is going to take a bit.

But a big concern was the camera and viewfinder. A one-man-band video production company needs a way to see himself on camera while shooting. I have three possible choices for a camera and each of them has problems. Only my cell phone has provision for an external microphone but I have a work-around for that. My two digital cameras are not exactly professional models but they can make acceptable videos. One of them has a zoom lens with a very good range. But none of them would allow me to see myself while shooting. I could easily be cutting my hair off or be off center by a lot. And then there is focus. I see too many out-of-focus videos and I don't want to add to that list. So I want a somewhat large, external monitor/viewfinder with at least as much resolution as the camera that I wind up using. I have been searching for some time and, up until tonight I thought that I would wind up adding something to my cell phone was going to be the solution. Then I saw this video on a YouTube channel called "The Frugal Filmmaker":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXl444IxRl4

For me, at least, he has it nailed. He takes the HDMI output from an inexpensive digital camera (one of mine has that) and converts it to USB which then goes to a laptop or tablet. A program on the laptop or tablet then displays it. The magic is in a HDMI to USB video capture card which costs less than $7 due to drastic price reductions. An added touch is a USB Power Bank which is a battery intended for recharging cell phones. It can power that video capture card all day long and likely the tablet and camera too so I won't have any power cords hanging around. That should be a great feature while shooting in the shop. So it looks like my primary camera will be one of the Olympus digitals and not the cell phone.

If you are thinking about doing videos on a budget, I strongly recommend watching his video. It is not long and he talks fast. I have been through it about 8 or 10 times with frequent freeze frames and jumps backwards to pick up the fine points.

One thing: his list of equipment is a bit dated. About half of the E-Bay items I clicked on were no longer listed. I had to make substitutions. And I made some changes to suit the inexpensive tablet that I purchased to go with it all.

If you do this, be sure that all the cables you buy actually fit the various devices that you are using. I spent around three hours checking and double checking before clicking the ORDER buttons. And I may still have a SNAFU.

I did not get the tripod, swivel attachment that he used as I will probably make something a lot more solid. Machining content, finally.

As for that external microphone work-around, I have a digital, battery powered, Sony audio recorder which has good quality sound and a microphone input jack. I can put that in my shirt pocket and wear a lavalier microphone, which I also already have. Or I could just use it's built in microphone which is pretty good. I'm not sure how long I can record audio and video on two different devices and maintain sync, but I shall see.

All together it cost me less than $120 and, in the video world, that is dirt cheap.

With free shipping, it will be around a week for all this to come in. So, I should be putting it together next weekend. I hope. I'll post an update when it works or goes up in smoke.

[Doozer]

Just get a camera with a flip around screen.
I have a Cannon (T-50 I think, not sure) and
they are around $300. I don't have to jack
around with making anything work together
and piece part different stuff to make it work.
Point and shoot for $300. It always just works.
I don't have time to perfect a pile of parts for
my camera. I have machines in parts to film
and that's that the camera is for.

-D

[wmgeorge]

Yup what Dozer said, even my older video camera a Sony had a flip around screen years ago.

[Baz]

You started by saying you wanted to do machining videos but then talk about pictures of yourself. I have never seen a machining video in which a picture of the operator was in any way necessary, nor an enhancement and often downright awful. (I admit to not having looked at any of the videos apparently available from young female operators)
However I look forward to seeing the machining parts of your videos.
By the way have you streamed on Youtube before? If not be aware setting up is nothing like even the latest youtube videos showing you what to do. You have to 'enable a channel' which tells you it will be enabled in 24 hours then when you actually try to stream it delays another 24 hours. If you don't then do an actual stream it revokes the permission after a period. I found this out when trying to set up a new feed from our church last week and got enabled only an hour before the funeral that had requested it.

[Lew Hartswick]

Spare us the pictures of YOU. The machines, set-ups, and "work" are what we like to see. AND ESPECIALLY none of of those long-winded "Intros".
...lew...

[wmgeorge]

Spare us the pictures of YOU. The machines, set-ups, and "work" are what we like to see. AND ESPECIALLY none of of those long-winded "Intros".
...lew...

Ditto, most of those DIY videos take 10 minutes to tell you something that can be covered in 30 seconds. They are more interested in Talking about themselves than doing. Oh and don't use your cell phone please, get a real video camera. Then purchase a real video editing program and some books on using it.

[Paul Alciatore]

No long winded intros, but no endless pass after pass just to reduce a 2" OD to a 1/8" OD either.

But I do believe a short intro is in order. I hate videos where you have to watch it to the end to even know what is being made. The viewer deserves better than that. In fact I hope to include a short bit on the finished item in the introduction. Besides, you can't be behind the camera and doing the machine work in front of it at the same time. And often re-takes would require a lot of work and a second part that would only wind up in the scrap bin after shooting. I saw a video last night where the shot was completely out of focus while the host was trying to point out some details of what he was doing. You won't see a lot of my mug, but perhaps my hands doing the work.

For many reasons I want a nice, BIG viewfinder. But you guys do it your way: I won't argue.

And Doozer, I dream about a better camera. And the $$$ to buy it. What I really want is a mirror-less camera which takes interchangeable lenses. I'm talking four figures for sure. At present I have more time than money for this. Sadly, I have to be "The Cheap Cinematographer".

I just thought some might benefit from a video on how that man did it.

Spare us the pictures of YOU. The machines, set-ups, and "work" are what we like to see. AND ESPECIALLY none of of those long-winded "Intros".
...lew...

[Doozer]

And Doozer, I dream about a better camera. And the $$$ to buy it.

Nope. I don't believe your poor house excuse.


-D

[BCRider]

....But I do believe a short intro is in order. I hate videos where you have to watch it to the end to even know what is being made. The viewer deserves better than that. In fact I hope to include a short bit on the finished item in the introduction.....

I like the way you're thinking on the SHORT intro and sneak peak. Of course you're going directly counter to what appeals to the YT algorithm. But it would be SUCH a nice break from having to jump to the end to even see what the item is and how it's being used.

Examples of not overly long winded but informative intros are typically found on Joe Pie, Jon's Machine Shop, Rustinox and Blondiehack's videos. And most of those show a nice blend of real time and sped up basic chip removal.

The view finder screen will likely pay off for more than doing selfies during the intros. There WILL be times where the camera is in the way of the work or measurement instruments. A nice tablet sized or even small lap top sized screen would allow you to operate and view the work being done through the camera rather than bumping it out of the way from your efforts to look around the camera.

[wmgeorge]

Many years ago when I first started out with video editing I had a fast computer with a expensive graphics card and used Adobe Premiere. In those days I needed to capture the video and Save to the computer. Today the program just takes video formatted files off your camera and works with that. You will still need a fast up to date computer. Adobe Premiere Pro Review | PCMag

For what little I do today I use Premiere Elements. Easy video editing software | Adobe Premiere Elements 2023

Plus in my updated Windows 10 Pro I found a Video Editor, I know zero about it but perhaps a little reading plus some trial and error might be a learning experience?

[Mike Amick]

I'm rather surprised there is such distain for the film maker to include himself in the video. We all watch "git er done" type vids with the most famous one's all including themselves in the video. Maybe you think Paul is not photogenic but heck .. .he seems like a nice enough looking gent to me.

[Paul Alciatore]

OK, don't believe it.

In the immortal words of my wife's cousin Silvia when she got an obscene phone call, "What the f**k do I care?"

I liked Silvia. My wife had an interesting family.

Nope. I don't believe your poor house excuse.


-D

[Paul Alciatore]

A couple of the videos you mention are some of my inspiration. Along with all my school instructors from grammar school on up. Having my mug on screen was never a priority. Perhaps for a few seconds but the intros should be about the project, not me.

As for screen size, the tablet I ordered in that binge last night has an 8" screen. Screen size vs weight and overall size was the tradeoff I guess. Oh, and $$$ too. It was only $60. I did say "The Cheap Cinematographer".

I was thinking of just referring to my bits as "Paul's Shop", but now I am looking at "The Cheap Cinematographer". I wonder if there is a way of putting the idea of a workshop into that? "The Cheap Chop Cinematographer"? ..... Nah. "The Cheap Chips Cine"? Chips can refer to both metal chips and electronic chips. I like that. Or "Paul's Cheap Chips Cine". Sounds unique. I don't think anyone has used that yet.

Again, I am not espousing any method or equipment as being better or worse. Just sharing what I found and think will be useful FOR ME. As always, YMMV. But, again as always, discussion is good.

I am going to look up those other videos you mentioned.

I like the way you're thinking on the SHORT intro and sneak peak. Of course you're going directly counter to what appeals to the YT algorithm. But it would be SUCH a nice break from having to jump to the end to even see what the item is and how it's being used.

Examples of not overly long winded but informative intros are typically found on Joe Pie, Jon's Machine Shop, Rustinox and Blondiehack's videos. And most of those show a nice blend of real time and sped up basic chip removal.

The view finder screen will likely pay off for more than doing selfies during the intros. There WILL be times where the camera is in the way of the work or measurement instruments. A nice tablet sized or even small lap top sized screen would allow you to operate and view the work being done through the camera rather than bumping it out of the way from your efforts to look around the camera.

[Paul Alciatore]

Thanks for the tips on video editors. They are very much appreciated. I was delaying that decision until after I had shot some actual footage.

I just looked in Windows and did find a simple video editor. Tried it a bit, but I think I want something better. But it's free.

Many years ago when I first started out with video editing I had a fast computer with a expensive graphics card and used Adobe Premiere. In those days I needed to capture the video and Save to the computer. Today the program just takes video formatted files off your camera and works with that. You will still need a fast up to date computer. Adobe Premiere Pro Review | PCMag

For what little I do today I use Premiere Elements. Easy video editing software | Adobe Premiere Elements 2023

Plus in my updated Windows 10 Pro I found a Video Editor, I know zero about it but perhaps a little reading plus some trial and error might be a learning experience?

[Paul Alciatore]

Mike, thanks for the complement. I looked a lot better 50 years ago.

I do think just a bit of on-camera personal appearance is more than enough. I have always been shy about public speaking. One of my weaknesses, I guess. I will probably look nervous and awkward, at least at first. So I am going to keep any personal appearances as short as I can.

And even the introductions themselves should be short. Informative, but short. I am not after YouTube ratings or getting paid for what I show, just want to share like we all do here. I believe in giving the viewer a chance to just say, "Nope, I'm not interested." And then just click away. I do want to do it in a professional way or as close as I can come to that with my abilities and budget.

I'm rather surprised there is such distain for the film maker to include himself in the video. We all watch "git er done" type vids with the most famous one's all including themselves in the video. Maybe you think Paul is not photogenic but heck .. .he seems like a nice enough looking gent to me.