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Resolved Question

Is multicam what I need?

Feb 24, 2014 12:51PM PST

Hello. I would like to sync two separate video recordings of me playing the guitar. The first would be of the main guitar part. Then I would like to go back and record a guitar solo and add it to the main recording such that it is in time with the first guitar recording. Please tell me how to get started. I was hoping to stay under $200 for a camcorder. I also want something small that I can take on hikes. Thanks.

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tapa96 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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A Decent Editor
Feb 24, 2014 2:13PM PST

What you need is a decent mid range editor from Corel or Sony. You would record the main part and afterwards the solo.
These editors have a main timeline track and (what are called) overlay tracks. Your main guitar part would sit on the main timeline and the solo part on an overlay. You can move the part on the overlay to align with any frame on the main so that it looks like one piece. That covers the video and you can do exactly the same with the audio.

The camera is more difficult given your budget. Yes the internal mics will give a very reasonable result as long as your recording location is free of noise but, ideally, a camera with an external mic socket would be better so that you can locate a stereo mic (camera mic sockets are normally 3.5mm stereo) close to your guitar. If your guitar has an electric pick up then a direct connection to the camera is possible BUT you would need a bit of electronic kit to make the guitar signal compatible with the camera mic input. If the pick up is of a microphone type than you would probably be OK.

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Camera Type
Feb 24, 2014 2:22PM PST

Just to add. Most mid range cameras are so small that the easily fit a jacket pocket. My current camera is a Panasonic HC-V700 (with a mic socket) It is about two years old and has been replaced last year with the 720 and will be again replaced with the 750 this year. There are some 700s available still on Amazon which may now be closer to your budget.
My camera for example will take still photos as well as video, has optical image stabilisation so reducing the need for a tripod and a decent zoom. It slips into my fleece pocket so It goes for many walks.

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follow-up
Feb 24, 2014 10:41PM PST

Thanks. What kind of camera and microphone should I get. This is not a really advanced project. I am just going to plug into a small Marshall amp and record some music coming through the amp. Some will be clean; some will be distorted. Also, you said I need a mid-range editor from Corel or Sony. Is this software? If it is, what is it called exactly? I don't want to spend a ton of money and would consider freeware, though I don't like it because it tends to mess up your computer. Thanks.

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What camera and more do you have now?
Feb 24, 2014 11:29PM PST

Freeware is out there with some apps like http://cinelerra.org/ being more than capable but sometimes the creator has limitations they didn't reveal.

But you have some things and there is free stuff. What I notice is that many times folk want it done for them (research, tutorials and more.) That's OK, but we have google and such to speed all this up today.
Bob

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Corel VideoStudio Pro X6
Feb 25, 2014 12:51AM PST

This is the editor I use. Available from Amazon but you will need an up to date computer to run any of the current editor suites. (1-2 years old)

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Another follow-up
Feb 25, 2014 3:21AM PST

Okay. So I need a new computer and this $60 Corel VideoStudio Pro X6 - New! software. What kind of camera and mic do I need? Again, I just want to record myself playing the guitar at my apartment. I use a fairly small Marshall amp. It won't be blaring loud or anything. But, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I want to be able to use the camcorder when I am hiking and walking around in public. Thanks again.

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camera too expensive
Feb 25, 2014 10:31AM PST

Hello. I looked your camera up on Amazon. It is like $600. That is way out of my price range. I noticed that the Panasonic HC-V520 is like $250. Would the latter work for this purpose? Is there anything else out there even more affordable that would? Thanks.

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HC-V520
Feb 25, 2014 2:37PM PST

Yes but it does not have an external mic socket. This may not matter as the internal mics should pick up the sound OK.
Incidentally the 700 is around £420 on Amazon here.

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thanks
Feb 26, 2014 10:15AM PST

Thanks a lot for getting me started. I'm going to go ahead and mark this question as answered.