November 28th, 2007 · 9 Comments
Beth Kanter has got me thinking more about screencasting since I wrote my post on Quick Tips for Improving Screencasts because Beth loves Jing while I have mixed feelings. As Beth is way more experienced at screencasting, and my background is scientific research (yes I have kept that quiet), the only option was to investigate Jing deeper.
The Jing Project by TechSmith is currently allowing people free use of Jing and their web-hosting service screencast.com to capture images (and add notes to the images) or record it as a screen cast which you can then share free online at screencast.com.
Advantages:
1. Very easy to use
2. Easy to share images and screencasts
3. Superior quality
It does not change or diminish the resolution of your content which means the quality of the screencast is far superior (check out this screencast hosted on Google Video with this created with Jing). This means you could easily record the entire desktop and viewers would still be able to read the text in the screencast.
Disadvantages
1. Have to download two applications
To use you need to download both Jing and Microsoft .Net Framework 3.0. Some organisations are not keen on installing Microsoft .Net Framework 3.0.
2. Screencast is saved as .swf format.
The whole idea of Jing was they wanted to keep it very simple for very fast sharing of content. Unfortunately .swf is the hardest format to convert to another video format — which you need for: editing with MovieMaker, iMovie or Camtasia Studio); embedding in PowerPoint presentations; or playing on a mobile device. Trouble is people often do not realise the .swf format is an issue until then need to convert. Here is Jing Projects explanations for why they have limited file format — read the comments and you will see many have an issue with this format.
3. Will it remain free?
TechSmith explains that Jing is free to use, and to be hosted free at screencast.com for the duration of their testing. TechSmith traditionally sells software. They do state “As we learn what you want from this, we’ll have a better idea what the pricing and business model might look like in the future.”
TechSmith has been doing some interesting free product releases at the moment:
These are older versions of both software — which is not an issue for me with Camtasia Studio because I have not used it a lot but SnagIT 7.2.5 is nowhere near as good as the current version.
4. Causing my computer to start up slower
While making the application easier to use — they failed to make it obvious that you need to quit the application 
(probably a Sue thing). Refer to diagram for how to shut down.
Comparison to Camtasia Studio 3.1.3 and CamStudio
1. Better video format options with Camtasia Studio and CamStudio
Camstudio records as .avi whereas Camtasia Studio can produce movie as AVI video , MOV (QuickTime Movie), WMV (Windows Media video) and Flash (SLV/FLV format). Means easily converted for mobile devices and easily edited to remove bits you don’t like.
2. Decreased quality of Camtasia Studio and CamStudio when hosted on video sharing websites like YouTube and Google Video
You will need to used fixed region, autopanning and certainly worth considering using use zoom/pan (as suggested by Beth) to optimise quality of screencast. None of this is required with Jing hence screencasts are tricker and slower to create using these two applications.
But hosting on sites like YouTube and Google video means you can embed easily in blogs which is not possible with Jing.
FINAL THOUGHT
Thanks Michele Martin for starting this conversation on screencasting even though the topic was originally on Evolution of a blog post (this is a good example of evolution ) and thanks to Beth for sharing your expertise - check out Beth’s great screencasting wiki (especially her detailed sections: screencasts , resource list, examples of screencasts).
Very hard to recommend which is the best application to use for screencasts because it will come back to personal preference and what you are trying to achieve. My twitter network gave these various responses to their preference:
- Jing is incredibly easy, CamStudio can be a bear to get codecs right, Camtasia seems fairly intuitive…plus the webcam option! ( Since Camtasia (older version) is now free, it wins) - John Maklary
- Camtasia worked fine for us when we were making tv - mainly for web captures. For games/SL I prefer Fraps - skribe
- another option maybe wink - James Neill
- I like CamStudio for its simplicity - Wink also good for larger projects - Marg O’Connell
- I am for CamStudio too so easy to use and because it’s free - can’t comment on Jing haven’t used it. Wink would be 2nd choice - ozysteph1992
- fan of CamStudio (free and easy). Currently looking at Camtasia - more features than Studio (hence not as simple)- so far like it - Lance Treloar
- personally prefer CamStudio - got rid of Jing after to many conflicts - just got CamTasia and Snagit - Simon Brown
- I like Jings simplicity, but would go for Camtasia owing to its depth. My favourite is still Captivate though! - Andrew Brown
Would love to hear your thoughts on the pros and cons of the different free screencast software.
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Tags: Screencasting Tips · Video Sharing & Editing Tips
November 26th, 2007 · 4 Comments
Michele Martin (The Bamboo Project) did her first screencast using Camtasia to create a video that shows new bloggers the evolution of a blog post from her reading an article in her feed reader, through posting her response to the article and the interactions that took place in comments on her blog and at the original post. But she was a little disappointed in the quality of the screencapture so I thought I would share some quick tips that will help.
Software options for Creating Screencasts
I should however start by saying there are a lot of options for creating screencasts (i.e. digital recording of a computer screen). Here are a few of the free software you can use:
I normally use CamStudio because we don’t have licensed copies of Camtasia Studio at work — which means if I want to edit the screencast I have to use MovieMaker. Camtasia Studio means you can record and edit the screencast without having to use another program plus Camtasia Studio does more than just screencasts (e.g. create videos from PowerPoints and create digital stories).
Improving the readability of a Screencast
1. Use Fixed Recording Region
My first for creating a better screencast is the recording region. Recording the entire desktop is not an issue if you are creating a video from a PowerPoint because text is usually large (here is an example of a video podcast created by Richard Meagher from a PowerPoint and this is how he creates his video podcasts using Camtasia Studio).
Ideally, for most situations, when creating a screencast it is best to use a fixed region (640 wide by 480 high) and set the screen recording to autopan. Autopan means the region you are recording moves as you move the mouse. This means the text on the screen will be considerably easier to read as opposed to if you had recorded the entire desktop.
2. Video Format
Video format you use to produce your screencast can have a big impact on final quality of the online video.
The trouble is the most frustrating aspect of video is there is too many video formats. Some applications only provide limited options for saving your movie however Camtasia Studio gives you lots of options i.e. AVI video , MOV (QuickTime Movie), WMV (Windows Media video) and Flash (SLV/FLV format) so that you can choose the best option depending on how or what device you will be viewing it.
Below is my quick screencast that shows how to use fixed regions for creating a screencast which was produced as a .mov video compare this to the poorer quality of the same screencast produced as a .wmv video.
With video is it always worth having a play with video format, remembering that you may not notice the difference between the formats until you upload to the video sharing website. For Camtasia Studio — I suggest probably best to stick to .mov format, using medium setting, when uploading to video sharing websites.
FINAL THOUGHT
Getting it right with video can be really frustrating! Format and options can drive you insane. I only had time to share a few tips, and I am not an expert with Camtasia Studio. Please add your tips for creating screencasts.
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Tags: Cool Web 2.0 & Desktop tools · Photosharing & Editing Tips · Screencasting Tips · Video Sharing & Editing Tips
Ok..I need your help! Collective intelligence required for solution.
Problem:
Running workshop on how to podcast and in part of the workshop they want me to teach the lecturers how to convert their PowerPoint into a movie (with their voices narrating the PowerPoint presentation).
Yes, I know should be an easy decision for me as I am into video podcasting :). Always the case the more you know the harder the decision.
[Image from misterjt]
What I can’t use
Must use technology that lecturers will have access to once they get back to their Colleges. This means:
- Can’t use Mac technology - apparently they are an endangered species in TAFEWA
- Can’t use software that costs money - in a TAFE organization purchasing software takes time (depending on the software can be months..)
Type of software I am after
- screencasting software (i.e. software that records whole or part of a computer screen) because it is a valuable skills for lecturers to learn (e.g. create videos on “how to do” tasks for software applications; I also use to explain what I am looking for when editing student work)
- software must create a movie in a format that be converted easily to .mp4 format as they will be uploading the movie as a podcast (to a podomatic account)
- easy to use
Several people have suggested Photostory (save PowerPoint as jpegs, import images into Photostory and then narrate). Doesn’t quite fit desire to teach screencasting.
Options I have considered
Camtasia Studio 4.0
Camtasia is definitely a great piece of software. Can use it to create screencasts or movies from photos/videos from digital cameras. Can create movies in a wide range of formats.
Unfortunately does not fit into the free category. If I knew that all participants had access to this in their workplace then this would be my choice. It would mean I could also use this for creating movies from photos/videos rather than MovieMaker, and not have to teach MovieMaker. Camtasia is not the most intuitive program to use (would do their heads in going between Camtasia and MovieMaker).
Windows Media Encoder
Encoder is free to download if you run Windows operating system. This is the program that I normally use. It is okay. Creates movies in .wmv format. Being a bit temperamental tonight and crashing Media Player mmmmm is it Media Player or Encoder that is not happy?
Microsoft Producer
I believe this is only designed to screen capture with PowerPoint so that is not a good option. Important for them to be able use software with a range of programs.
CamStudio
It is free. Really easy to use. Creates movies in .avi format.
What haven’t I considered? Which would you use and why?
Probably need to also nag some people to help ….. Philip, Darrel, Gabriela, Hans …anyone?
Tags: Screencasting Tips
