Free vloggers should always start at http://freevlog.org
But for your specifics... Lots of people here use a Rode videomic (approx $100) mounted on top of their cameras, but that won't work on your IXUS - not least because it has no mic input jack. For your needs & budget, a cheap lapel mic would work. You'll have to record your audio separately into your PC and then sync it up. To make that easier (or at all possible), use a clapperboard or clap sticks together on camera before you start talking so that you can see the exact frame where they meet and easily match it up with the sound of the clap. You should Google for video lighting tips. There are many ways to skin that cat. For your IXUS, though, you just need good domestic lights, really. If you want a more interesting image for your talking head, try to get lots of separation between you and your background - give your image some depth, like Epic Fu - rather than the flat Rocketboom flat earth/desk set. Of course it'd be even better with a bigger camera with a better lens (and a Mic input). You're going to have to spend *some* money on software, if you don't want a lame app and a lame result. Sony Vegas sells for about $50 at the moment, I think, and you can test it out with a 30 day trial. Rupert http://twittervlog.tv On 13-Jan-09, at 4:45 PM, myfirstmemorydotorg wrote: Hey y'all. I am thinking about producing a talking head vlog à la rocketboom and I am trying to figure out what kind of gear I need. I saw http://epicfu.com/2008/12/how-to-make-a-kick-ass-web-sho.html and tried to look online for the definitive n00b's starter kit, but couldn't find a clear answer. I only have a Canon SD1000/Digital IXUS 70 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_sd1000.asp) to shoot with and I am guessing my first need would be a proper external mic... any suggestions on what could be a good value for little money and could work with this camera? Is there some cheap way to diy-engineer some good lighting? Btw, I live in Finland, so I do not have access to all the good online stores, not without significant delivery/customs cost anyway... I don't have a mac, and do not want to spend money on software. I have used Pinnacle Videospin with some success, can someone suggest any such free alternatives? Rupert http://twittervlog.tv/ Creative Mobile Filmmaking Shot, edited and sent with my Nokia N93 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
