A few years ago all aspects of video production went digital. In the years since, the various technologies have gotten better, cheaper, smaller and easier. That's the good news. 

The bad news: although cheaper than it used to be, video production isn't cost free, and creating good video can be both time and effort consuming. 

Most starting into video editing should realize they are potentially starting a new hobby that can seem a bottomless pit for both effort and disposable cash. Did your spouse (and family) really survive both computer widowhood and genealogy widowhood only to endure video widowhood? (You have been warned.)

Virtually all components of video production come in both expensive professional ("prosumer") versions, and cost-conscious "home" versions. 

If you want to become a professional event videographer, who charges hundred of dollars to record weddings and other events, you will definitely want to invest in higher end tools. But amateur genealogists needn't bother. Lower cost home versions easily meet our needs.

(A local cable TV provider routinely lends barely trained amateur volunteers low-cost camcorders to record local community events, lets them edit their tapes in a low cost "home" editing program, then broadcasts the result as a public service. The best of these efforts rival professionally produced documentaries. )

What you need to get started:
-- a Digital Video (DV) camcorder and accessories
-- a rather new and fully loaded personal computer and accessories
-- video editing software and accessories
-- oh yeah, and one more thing: accessories.
  

Copyright 2006-2007 John Cardiff