Legally blind, new to editing, seeks advice

Terry-Terrell wrote on 2/26/2019, 10:03 PM

Hello, I am sight-impaired, but even I can see my video needs adjusting. The two vocalists' faces are too bright. When filming, I used -1 Contrast, guess next time should use -2.

My question is, how can I improve this video, where the faces are too bright? What presets should I use, in order to improve picture? Do I use Video FX or Media FX? My software is Vegas 14 Platinum, I edit on HP All-in-one Desktop. Thank you, so much, in advance, for any help you can give! Regards, New Kid on the Block

Comments

Musicvid wrote on 2/26/2019, 10:17 PM

I'm sorry, there is little that can be done, as the whites are clipped.

One thing in the future, show up early to the gig for lighting check, and set (lock) manual exposure and manual white balance on full-up lighting, such as you have here.

FayFen wrote on 3/1/2019, 5:08 AM

What camera model was it ?

Terry-Terrell wrote on 3/1/2019, 10:50 AM

Ordro AC3 4K Camcorder Ultra HD Video... NOT VVERY HAPPY with it!

Musicvid wrote on 3/1/2019, 10:56 AM

Your camera gets 2.3 / 5 Stars on Amazon, where it is currently unavailable.

I'm willing to suggest that your vision may not be the problem here.

What is your budget for a starter model with weighted exposure?

Please don't offer advice until after @Terry-Terrell responds, because I suspect money may be an issue, as well.

Musicvid wrote on 3/1/2019, 11:05 AM

Terry-Terrell, you may want to check out some of the really good phones as alternatives. Sorry you got stuck.

Tim L wrote on 3/2/2019, 9:57 AM

Locking the exposure ahead of time -- at the brightest level -- is good advice, especially if the lighting doesn't change through the performance.  Underexposing a little is the safest route.

In addition, check to see if your camcorder has a "Spotlight" shooting mode.  Sony camcorders typically do, and this setting hints to the camcorder that you are recording a stage play or similar.  "Spotlight" is a type of auto-exposure mode where the camcorder exposes for the brightest thing it sees, figuring that bright thing is a face lit by a spotlight.  But getting bright lights into the shot might fool the exposure.

The Amazon listing mentions your camera has "face detection" mode.  It might use that just for focusing, but check to see if maybe it will detect faces and also compensate exposure accordingly.

Terry-Terrell wrote on 3/3/2019, 9:55 PM

Thank you, Musicvid & Tim, I appreciate you taking time to help.

I am returning Ordro cam, although, I used it again today, set exposure to -3! The pic was much better when subjects were under the spot, out of spot was a little dark, but was happier with the video than before. The sound, however, is just not good, so will be returning.

My budget is $300 -$400, so maybe I will stick with my wife's LG7 ThinQ, it seems to perform video as well as ordro + audio is much better! It even zooms in at a greater distance. However, IF there is a better option, as I said, $400 or so, I will listen. (IF I can grow my youtube channel, maybe then I could upgrade)

Thanks again guys!

Musicvid wrote on 3/4/2019, 12:54 AM

Will you be shooting mostly band gigs like your example?

I bet you could use a large viewing screen, maybe consider even a used iPad?

FayFen wrote on 3/5/2019, 1:17 AM

All those "ordro" 250-400$ from amazon are toys, they do not have optical zoom and surly a plastic lens.

I see nice offers on amazon for canon R800, google and learn if it's good for you.

Terry-Terrell wrote on 3/5/2019, 8:42 PM

Thanks very much. I will check out the canon!