How can i achieve proffesional looking video footage from my video camera?

Question

Im sure there is methods to make a home video camera vidoe appear to be like the ones you see in films, im not sure how to explain it , is there like some sort of filters you get for the lense or something else does anyone know what i mean and can you help me?

Answer 1

i think what you mean is the "film look" most movies have. (and thats an actual term.)
there are programs that do this very well, but unfortunately, the only one i know is pretty expensive.

they create the look by taking your video and adjusting gamma, contrast, etc. to make it look like it was shot on film. so really, if you had a film camera, you wouldnt need this.

i have adobe premiere pro 1.5 and after effects (you can do it in either) , but the programs themselves dont create a film look Instead you have to buy another plugin for the programs called magic bullet (google magic bullet software, and check out their website).

unfortunately, premiere pro and after effects cost anywhere from $700-$1000 each depending on the version and package you get. magic bullet (last time i checked) costs $300-400.

however, you can improve the quality of your video in other aspects like camera work, the subjects in the video, etc.

contact me on yahoo because id like to explain more about the "pro-look" as opposed to the "film-look"

Answer 2

It really depends on your camera...is it a DV (digital Video) cam? Or a VHS Camera? Most times to achieve the effect your looking for it has to be done in post production. There are companies out there that handle this sort of thing. And some of the video editing software handles it as well, though not as on spot (yet) as a major motion film. In short, you've either got to cough up 10-20 thousand for a "film" camera or go into post and filter it from there. At least to my knowledge, and my research. Try doing a yahoo search on "DV to Film"....or check out the sony vegas website (the software I use for video editing)