Equipment Needed
Camera: You might already possess a camera within reach. Consider using your computer's built-in camera or your mobile phone's camera initially. Should these options not meet your quality standards, consider acquiring a webcam or investing in a DSLR.
Microphone: High-quality audio significantly enhances the learning experience for your learners. Avoid relying on the built-in microphone of your computer or mobile phone due to inadequate quality. Consider investing in a stable, hands-free microphone that effectively reduces background noise and is discreet in appearance. Alternatively, a table-top microphone can suffice. Whichever option you choose, it's a worthwhile investment for enhancing your course quality.
Screencast software: You will require dedicated screencasting software such as Quicktime Player, CamStudio, or Jing. Some options are freely available and may be bundled with your computer, while others may need to be purchased separately.
Lighting equipment: Initially, experiment with natural light sources. If natural light proves insufficient, consider supplementing with household lamps and lights. Should additional illumination still be necessary, a three-point lighting kit is recommended.
The Setup
It's crucial to properly arrange your recording environment to ensure your course participants enjoy a seamless experience. They should be able to see and hear your content clearly, without any distracting background noises or camera instability. The positive aspect is that you don't require a professional studio for this; you can set up your recording area right at home.
Consider that different courses necessitate different setups. For screencast videos, you'll be capturing your computer screen alongside a voice-over. For instructional videos where you're directly teaching, you have the option to film yourself as a "talking head" or while demonstrating a particular activity (such as meditation, managerial techniques, Arduino assembly, etc.). Additionally, post-recording, you can utilize editing software to blend screencasts with footage of yourself speaking.
Audio Setup
Ensure that your external microphone is correctly connected to your video recording equipment, which may seem obvious but is crucial for optimal performance.
Review the gain settings in your microphone configuration. The gain setting dictates the volume of the audio captured by the microphone. If the gain is set too high, you may encounter electrical static noise in your recordings.
Verify that the audio output settings of your microphone are configured for stereo rather than mono recording.
Speak clearly, loudly, and directly into the microphone. For optimal results, maintain a distance of 6-12 inches (approximately 15-30 centimeters) from the microphone. Avoid speaking too close or too far away from it.
If you notice popping sounds in your recordings, particularly during words with "p" sounds, consider using a pop filter. A pop filter can be attached to your microphone to help minimize these popping sounds, which can create unnatural audio spikes and prove distracting for your learners.
Recording Area Setup
Below are some recommended approaches for establishing a recording area within your home:
Space Arrangement: Modify the recording environment to minimize echo. This can be achieved by integrating sound-absorbing acoustic panels or employing simple solutions such as draping blankets, cushions, pillows, or positioning couches to diminish echo interference in your recordings.
Computer Setup for Screen Casting: Maintain a clutter-free computer desktop to ensure minimal distraction from the core course content displayed on the screen. Ensure that your browser and tabs are devoid of irrelevant content unrelated to the course.
Lighting Considerations for "Talking Head" Videos: If recording indoors, position yourself near a window where natural light illuminates you from the front or side, rather than from behind. Ensure that the primary subject of your video is well-lit and clearly visible, minimizing background shadows and ensuring optimal visibility of your facial expressions.