If you’ve been following my exploits with a $30 video camera, you know it cost $30. But what you may not know is that I probably don’t deserve a more costly one, because I’m not mechanically inclined in any way, and I can’t even operate the tripod without breaking it.
Hey, does anyone know how to stop home videos from losing all quality after being uploaded online? They’re crystal clear on my computer, but once uploaded they become cloudy and fuzzy. I’ve tried saving them in different formats and the results are the same.
It might have something to do with your quality setting. Quality and file size are tied together. Better quality=bigger file size.
So if you have some automatic settings for “web” or “email” or anything like that, it probably automatically sets the quality really low so it doesn’t take forever to download.
It could also be the place you’re uploading it to. If they have a file-size limit, then it might automatically reduce the file size (which can only be done by lowering the quality).
Also, most video sites will convert video into Flash, so there is a conversion that happens that might reduce the quality. It’s a crazy world we live in.
Wow, thank you Stu! I’ve used different settings and found that “Highest Quality” doesn’t even load to WordPress, YouTube, or Google Video. From there I went down the list until I finally found a format that would upload. It’s such a drag, and I wonder if it’s worth making videos at all when they come out so grainy. Would a better video camera make a difference?
OMG, that was too funny. Honestly, I’m laughing, probably, way too much over this video. It’s just so good to see you and it was so hilarious. Hope you visit soon.
I’m going to be there soon, I’m right outside your window now! No, seriously, I am going to be there soon. I’ll email you.
That was a riot! As someone who has directed many live human beings in acting situations I can honestly say Buck’s performance was subtle, nuanced, and had a range that went from left to right and almost totally front to back! It left me wanting for more.
So, I came up with a series!
Title: Exciting Everyday Adventures With Buck!
After the exciting and action packed (maybe with Jonathan Richman’s song, Action Packed or They’re Coming To Take Me Away, Ha Ha) opening we cut to Buck going about his everyday adventures!
Episode one: Buck opens a jar of mayo!
Episode two: Bucks ties his shoe (just one. Legal says it may be too action packed for some viewers to do both)
Episode three: Buck opens mail
As you can see, this series has endless possibilities. Have your people call my people to discuss why we have so many people.
This is a great idea, B&G, and I’m seriously thinking about it. Video blogging is a wicked temptation because it requires so little effort. Now if I can just figure out how to stop the camera from eating batteries…
This is a riot. I loved that we got to see you and Buck and hey – bonus – your little dog is on the bed behind you in the movie when you are in front of the mirror!
I want to take you and Joan out for a drink when you are here!!!
Yes! This sounds great. I’ll probably have Buck with me, but I’ll let you guys know when I have a firm date.
Oh, Teeni that would be a great idea. What do you think Wendy? We could drag Barbara (kicking and screaming) with us.
Barbara will be kicking and screaming at her own house? ‘Cuz, I don’t believe she’ll leave it.
I was cracking up. Seriously. How funny you two are, and I love these little videos. Bound & Gags is right. I want to see Buck open the mail. Or pump gas. How fun would his and your commentaries be around those things. I’m so happy you are getting to go home for a bit. You deserve it.
The thing is, video blogging is so much easier than normal blogging, you may very well be watching Buck open mail and pumping gas in the near future.
This was so funny! I LOVE your accent.
Hi Brian! But we don’t have any accent, it’s everyone else who’s got accents. Weird, huh?
I’m telling ya, the idea has legs! A splashy fifteen second opener, six seconds of Buck opening a door, BANG! Right to the flashy closing as the credits roll! Thirty seconds, game over!
And the story ideas? Endless!
Ya ever seen Buck sneeze?????????
Joan: Wendy’s absolutely right–I’m not leaving the house. What were you thinking?!!! You and she are coming here for a junk-food/gab fest.
And Teeni’s definitely invited, too! Really that would be great fun!
Well, I’ve got to say I’m with Brian regarding the accent. I’ve only been to Boston once, but it’s the Bostonian accent I miss the most.
As far as a better video camera producing a better quality video… yes, it will initially as long as you leave things uncompressed. But since you have to lower the file size to upload it to the web, identical videos taken by a million-dollar camera versus your $30 camera would end up looking pretty much the same after going through the compression process.
By the way, I just read your “About” page for the first time. And I gotta say, I totally hear you about the copyediting. Although, I am one of the few writers who actually loves having my work fixed by a good copyeditor. It makes me look like such a better writer than I really am. My own blog is not copyedited… so you can see why I think a genius copyeditor is always a good thing
Barbara’s right. What was I thinking? She’d never leave the house. JUNK FOOD?? I’d better bring my own Vitamuffin.
I love your purple walls! Makes me wish I could paint my little apartment walls. Stupid rules.
I love hearing your accent…do people around there give you shit for it?
And Buck is a GREAT actor!
Working and Laziness! Those two go hand in hand I tell ya. They’re gonna ruin America, no matter what Obama and McCain tell us about our tires.
Buck is a brilliant actor, and I nominate him for 12 Academy Awards, as well as the Mr Goodwrench award.
Is that Frank Black and the Catholics? The Pixies? I’m sure I know that song from some CD someone made for me.
LOVE your videos!
Wow, $30? We bought the Flip Meno for my stepson for $139. That is a great deal. I know nothing about fixing the picture, but someone will know how to help you Wendy!
Happy Halloween!
wish i was going to see you this weekend !!! DANG !!! DANG !!! DANG IT !!!!
HEY WHERE’S MY picture ? Its supposed to show up with my comment .
I love your tire video ! Buck is really a good sport, and a grrrreat actor. Is that what you call method acting ? Soo funny !