5 Ways to Make a MindBite (Without Owning a Video Camera)

by Eric in General, Video Production and Publishing / 07.10.08

We’ve heard a lot lately that people ‘wish they had’ a video camera, or they would enter the Spread the Craft contest, if only they owned a video camera…well, we are here to say, You Don’t Need One! Well, OK, you might want to get one eventually, but you CAN make a MindBite without owning a video camera…and here’s 5 ways!

1.) BEG, BORROW, Check-Out and Steal a video camera. NO, don’t steal you’ll go to jail. Friends, family, or neighbors. You are bound to have one person in your sphere of acquaintances that owns a video camera. Ask nicely if you can borrow it; say pretty please. Tell them you will share the winnings from the Crafting contest, that should get their attention. You could even include your friend in your crafting project, or MindBite lesson.

Enroll in production classes at your local Community Television or Public Access station. Many Community TV stations have equipment for check out if you take their classes and get certified. Great way to get experience and learn fundamentals of video production.
Public Libraries. Check to see if your local library has cameras available for check out.
High Schools & Colleges. If you have a son/daughter in high school or college, or if you’re in school yourself, many have a Audio/Visual department that is an elective course.

2.) Digital Camera. Most digital cameras come with a video feature that allows you to record short videos to your data card. Video takes up a ton of memory on your card, so you’ll want to make sure that you have a card with a lot of memory (at least 1 Gig). And make sure you remove all the photos off the card, first.

3.) Webcam. Lots of computers now come with built-in webcams, or many people have bought one as additional hardware for their computer. A webcam can be a cheaper way to record your MindBite lesson, however, you are limited to a small recording area unless you have someone to move the camera for you as you do your demonstration.

4.) PowerPoint. Trusty old PowerPoint (or a similar program) can work, using still images, screen captures, and text to share the process of your lesson. You can connect a microphone to your computer to record the audio then import the audio into PowerPoint.

5) Cell Phone. Many cell phones are digital-video enabled, and this might be a way for you to record your MindBite. The video will be of a LOWER QUALITY, and you will have to check to see how much video your phone will record. This method will require a bit of research, and it will depend on the type of cell phone you own.

Good luck, in your search in finding a camera, hopefully this list can put you in the right direction. To learn more about Lighting, Audio, and Editing, check out some of other Insight videos. Until next time…