For those of you with YouTube channels, camera advice requested.

I don't have any specific advice for you on a make and model, but I do have a word of caution.

I'm sure the GoPro cameras will come up in this discussion. They are great cameras, but they are not well suited for shooting model trains.

I tried using a GoPro when shooting model trains, but the results were not good. These cameras cannot be focused - they are a fixed-focus camera. That's fine for about 99% of everything these cameras will be used for. However, anything closer than about 12" from the lens is out of focus, and you can't do anything about that. That becomes a real problem when shooting model trains.

There are other models from other manufactures that allow you to change the focus, and this is what you really need for shooting trains.

I use a Canon EOS Rebel T6. 

I work in multimedia for a living and I have used a wide gambit of cameras. When starting out, do not overlook the smart phone camera. Most of them carry extremely strong options that can be used with just a small investment in the proper stands. This would be a very affordable option to get started with and no need to really drop a lot of money until you already have a start. Once more settled, if you find yourself really producing a fair amount of video, pick up a kit like this one:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c...77d_dslr_camera.html

I currently have this camera in my library and it is a GREAT starter set.

I use a Canon EOS M50.

I use my Samsung Galaxy S-9+.  I upload the videos via my computer.

@Rich Melvin posted:

I don't have any specific advice for you on a make and model, but I do have a word of caution.

I'm sure the GoPro cameras will come up in this discussion. They are great cameras, but they are not well suited for shooting model trains.

I tried using a GoPro when shooting model trains, but the results were not good. These cameras cannot be focused - they are a fixed-focus camera. That's fine for about 99% of everything these cameras will be used for. However, anything closer than about 12" from the lens is out of focus, and you can't do anything about that. That becomes a real problem when shooting model trains.

There are other models from other manufactures that allow you to change the focus, and this is what you really need for shooting trains.

I’ve found this out first hand a few years back when I got a pro for Christmas. Other than placing the go pro on a flat car and running it around the layout, my results were less than stellar.

right now I’m using my IPhone 7.  In the beginning of my YouTube  page I was using a flip.  Remember those?

In my experience, the Canon EOS M50 should work well for model railroad footage. It was released in 2018 and generally goes for around $650 when paired with a kit lens.

There's dozens of reviews of the camera on YouTube so if you're interested in the specs of the camera just search it up there.

It does have WiFi, so you can save photos and videos on your phone's camera roll. I've never used it so I'm no expert on this particular feature. Again, a review on YouTube should help explain that.

Here's some footage I got with it of my layout. I record in a flat color profile for a more precise color grade in post, so if you're wondering why the colors look bland here, that's why. I also had a Rode VideoMic Go recording audio. You can use the camera's built-in mic if you want, but I prefer using an external mic to spice things up a bit.

If you're curious on how it does filming real trains, check out this video a friend of mine shot earlier this month. He used no tripod, no external mic, just the basic camera and kit lens. I would share the one I made with "four-and-a-quarter", but I used two different lenses.

Hope this helps.

This is what will happen with a GoPro:

This is a scene from Bill's video posted above, and I don't mean to pick on you, Bill. Your video was just the most convenient place for me quickly to find an image that would illustrate the GoPro focus problem. I understand you shot this with a Canon EOS Rebel T6.

The big DSLRs often have the same problem as the GoPro because their large image sensor limits their depth of field. For shooting models, they are not as good as a camera with a smaller image sensor.

However, the DSLRs are not fixed focus cameras. If Bill wanted to do a "Take two" on this scene, he could easily have adjusted the focus to make it look better. You can't do that with a GoPro.

I found out the camera won't do autofocus in video mode like you can in picture mode. What I need to do is find an area I want to focus and work with that. But when doing 3 deep that isn't always easy to do.

And Rich I realized you were not trying to pick on me, but to show what happens.

I have a Canon "Prosumer" model, a Vixia GL-something, which is the successor to earlier Canon models I have used. It's great for color matching, low light conditions and a lot of other stuff. But frankly for most of the model train videos I do an iPhone (I think it's an 8) does the job and the big camera gets reserved for outdoor vistas. In fact the editing software makes as much difference as the camera in terms of allowing me to splice together clips and even correct lighting.

I wasn't aware of the GoPro limitations but I've never been tempted by that product anyway.

@rtraincollector posted:

I found out the camera won't do autofocus in video mode like you can in picture mode. What I need to do is find an area I want to focus and work with that. But when doing 3 deep that isn't always easy to do.

And Rich I realized you were not trying to pick on me, but to show what happens.

You shouldn’t use autofocus when shooting video anyway. That’s why the camera won’t let you do it. When shooting a moving subject in a video, autofocus can be fooled and start to “hunt” for focus. The result is an objectionable result on the video where things go in and out of focus rapidly.

You can maximize your depth of field by getting the camera in close and using the wide end of the zoom lens range. The farther you zoom in, the shorter the depth of field.

Thanks for your understanding, Bill.

I'm using a Sony HD Handycam HDR-CX440 along with a Sony VCT-R640 Lightweight Tripod. Been very happy with both, but will probably look for a 4K cam next year.

I will tell you that your video editing suite and your editing skills also play a big part in your end result.

Good luck with your videos and have fun!

I’m glad you mentioned editing, Matt. That is critical to a good final production.

On my IPad, I use an app called LumaFusion. It’s a $30 video editing app that has a surprising amount of features and power. I edit “little” stuff on that.

In my professional edit suite, I use Final Cut Pro X on a MAC Pro, with 12 Terabytes of hard drive space. I did all the OGR HD videos using Final Cut.

FYI, DSLR cameras are horrible for focusing in video mode. I even have the "quietest" lens (Nikon AF-P) and you can still hear it.  They don't compare to Handycams for video auto focusing.

I agree with Rich though I have four GoPro cameras. I use them for diving and one is on a EVO 3-axis handheld gimbal. Great for tracking shots but not for the layout. I have run with it through a jungle and it looks like your on rails. Also the GoPro has way to wide of lens for layout work, unless you want to see a lot of ceiling. I also use Final Cut with a Mac Pro Tower. I'm just starting to log over 12 hours of video that I have shot of our little narrow gauge train here. It looks like it's the end of the line for our railroad after 50 years of running. Engines are up for sale. Don

I shot this picture....

Rich can correct me if I'm wrong, but I've been told there is another limitation to using an iPhone or iPad. Specifically, the zoom feature. This is a digital zoom, not an optical zoom. So the more you zoom in on a scene, the poorer the picture quality. This shows up as graininess, or electronic noise. So shoot with the widest angle for best picture quality. I have an older Canon FS100, which does well for general work. The last time I tried it on the layout, I was not happy with the results. Remember, most layouts are very challenging to take good video. You typically have moving trains, poor light levels, and want lots of depth of field. Baaaad combination! 

Chris

LVHR

I use a Canon EOS Rebel T5i on a tripod. With any DSLR; leave the autofocus off. As mentioned above, the autofocus is worthless on any DSLR as it lags and is noisy. I do a few run by’s before I shoot a scene and manually set the focus. There are better options if you want something just for videos but if you take your time to learn your equipment and your video editing software, you can get great results with a DSLR on a tripod. My DSLR severs 2 purposes (photos for my website and video) and I also use it for travel photography. It’s nice to have the dual purpose (photo/video) use of a DSLR and I would recommend it for that reason. Just make sure you get a good tripod and be ready for a bit of a learning curve when you first start shooting video on it. 

And more important than anything else; lighting is everything and makes ALL the difference! 

Absolutely. Even a so-so camera can produce nice images if the lighting is right.

If you're looking for a powerful video editor than DaVinci Resolve (Mac and PC) has a free version that's fully featured, no watermarks, and lots of YouTube tutorials available. I use it along with Final Cut Pro on my 27" iMac to do all my videos.

@BNSF-Matt posted:

If you're looking for a powerful video editor than DaVinci Resolve (Mac and PC) has a free version that's fully featured, no watermarks, and lots of YouTube tutorials available. I use it along with Final Cut Pro on my 27" iMac to do all my videos.

+1 on DaVinci. That's what I use and I love it!

@BNSF-Matt posted:

If you're looking for a powerful video editor than DaVinci Resolve (Mac and PC) has a free version that's fully featured, no watermarks, and lots of YouTube tutorials available. I use it along with Final Cut Pro on my 27" iMac to do all my videos.

Educate me...

If you have a full-featured editor in Final Cut, why do you need a second video editing program like Resolve? I don’t understand that.

Hi from Michigan: I use an iPhone 11 Pro and it may work for you.

YouTube now claims that 63% of videos posted are shot with camera phones. These test shots were all taken from the same location.  This camera phone has 3 optical lens to create the image.

I also use a Canon DSLR with several interchangeable lens but I have found that the iPhone does a great job, It is link to Apple Cloud and it shows you on Google Earth the location of every photo taken.  This information is very helpful when out rail-fanning. Example when out rail-fanning you can look at the Google Map and see where the rails are in real time.

I use Final Cut Pro for my video editor. I would recommend  iMovie because you can take classes at any Apple Store to improve your skills.

Hope this helps: Gary 🚂

@Rich Melvin posted:

Educate me...

If you have a full-featured editor in Final Cut, why do you need a second video editing program like Resolve? I don’t understand that.

@Rich Melvin Great question, the best way to put it is I just wanted to dip my toe into something new and Da Vinci was free so no upfront costs. I love Final Cut Pro from start to finish, however the color grading / correction tools in Da Vinci far exceed those in FCP. Also FCP is Mac only and Da Vinci is offered on both platforms. With that said I would never stop using FCP, but I like to mess around in Da Vinci once in a while.

@trainroomgary I enjoy taking photos with my iPhone 11 Pro, but it doesn't seem to compare to shooting photos with my Nikon DSLR D3100. It's an older model, but the it takes fantastic photos like this Big Boy in action that I took last year.

Matt, are you using Final Cut Pro 7 or X?

I used FCP 7 for many years. All the OGR videos up through Great Layout Adventures 6 we’re done in FCP 7. I also did a lot of editing for other corporate clients not in the model train business. I used to do a lot of work for the Hoover Company, for example. I’m now an expert on vacuums and carpet cleaners. 👍🏼

Moving to FCP X was a major “gear change” for my brain because it’s so different from FCP 7. I’ve mastered FCP X for basic stuff, which is about all I do. There are certain flows and rhythms in editing on a specific platform that have to be learned to be able to edit quickly and efficiently. I just cannot imagine working in TWO different programs for this. The keyboard shortcuts are different I’m sure. That alone would drive me nuts.

As for the color grading tools, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve had to do any serious color correction in my career. If you light the set correctly and set up the camera properly, color corrections just aren’t a big deal.

I'm using Final Cut Pro X and really do enjoy it quite a bit. It's probably best to say that I do all my serious editing in FCPX and mess around with Da Vinci every now and then. You are correct on the color correction at least for what I'm doing with it. You would be surprised on how close video editing tools are to each other at least for FCPX and DV. I don't use Adobe Premiere so I can't comment on that product.

Now I already hear your voice in a good number of engines I own Rich, am I going to hear your voice when I turn on a Hoover vacuum too 

I've just begun messing around uploading experimental videos on Youtube, all of mine are rather crude at this point, but I am getting my feet wet so to speak. I was shopping for a video recorder about 2 and half years ago, and being able to mount on a tripod and hold comfortably with one hand, auto as well as manual focusing, HD formats, shooting in low-light, recording memory at least two hours, and being able to mount on a flatcar were my up-front criteria. I ended up with a Sony Handycam - FDR-AC33. The memory feature is via cards - small disks about the size of a large stamp. I like the camera, however it's a little pudgy - ostensibly due to the wide-angle lens and all the features, and if finances allow I'll eventually get a narrower camcorder just for flatcar, and use the FDR for tripod and trackside shots. I briefly messed around with Sony's free editing software, but YouTube has an even easier editing feature. Strictly amateur stuff I am sure.

Despite that my camera records in HD (either 1080 or 4k I think), the "free" YouTube channel that I have defaults to uploading standard format - 480 - which is okay for messing around. I suppose there's a charge if you want to upload videos recorded in HD, due to data size. Thus the video below is shown in standard format...I tell you though, once I plug my camera into my HD tv, and hit play in 1080 format the results are awesome. The video below demonstrates the "pudgy" ramifications as the camera rubs the rock wall. This is how I learn: by doing  All of this, like building a layout, train maintenance, takes time, which is of short supply as I am still working my backside off earning a living, not to mention household and yard chores.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8nQSyehUys

@Paul Kallus posted:

I've just begun messing around uploading experimental videos on Youtube, all of mine are rather crude at this point, but I am getting my feet wet so to speak. I was shopping for a video recorder about 2 and half years ago, and being able to mount on a tripod and hold comfortably with one hand, auto as well as manual focusing, HD formats, shooting in low-light, recording memory at least two hours, and being able to mount on a flatcar were my up-front criteria. I ended up with a Sony Handycam - FDR-AC33. The memory feature is via cards - small disks about the size of a large stamp. I like the camera, however it's a little pudgy - ostensibly due to the wide-angle lens and all the features, and if finances allow I'll eventually get a narrower camcorder just for flatcar, and use the FDR for tripod and trackside shots. I briefly messed around with Sony's free editing software, but YouTube has an even easier editing feature. Strictly amateur stuff I am sure.

Despite that my camera records in HD (either 1080 or 4k I think), the "free" YouTube channel that I have defaults to uploading standard format - 480 - which is okay for messing around. I suppose there's a charge if you want to upload videos recorded in HD, due to data size. Thus the video below is shown in standard format...I tell you though, once I plug my camera into my HD tv, and hit play in 1080 format the results are awesome. The video below demonstrates the "pudgy" ramifications as the camera rubs the rock wall. This is how I learn: by doing  All of this, like building a layout, train maintenance, takes time, which is of short supply as I am still working my backside off earning a living, not to mention household and yard chores.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8nQSyehUys

 

 

Great video, fantastic layout. I've mounted a camera on my train.  I rigged a flat car to hold the camera and went around my layout and the club layout.

@Paul Kallus You can upload any resolution to YouTube and there is no additional fee, however please note a few items.

1. Make sure the source file your uploading is at least 1080 or 4K
2. When you initially upload a YouTube Video it has to process the video so the SD version is available first and then the HD / 4K in a few minutes, although this could take longer.
3. If you click on your YouTube Studio > Videos > then click on any video you will see video quality available.

@Paul Kallus posted:

I ended up with a Sony Handycam - FDR-AC33.

Are you sure about that model number? I don't see an FDRAC33 Sony model in their lineup. I do see an FDRAX33, however.

The memory feature is via cards - small disks about the size of a large stamp.

They are not discs. They are tiny memory chips. There are no moving parts inside them, just memory circuits.

Despite that my camera records in HD (either 1080 or 4k I think), the "free" YouTube channel that I have defaults to uploading standard format - 480 - which is okay for messing around.

All the HD formats for your video are available.

I suppose there's a charge if you want to upload videos recorded in HD, due to data size.

There is no charge for a YouTube (Google) account. They will run ads in some of your videos. That's how they make their money.

Thus the video below is shown in standard format...

No it isn't - it 's full HD as shown in the image above. Even 4K.

I tell you though, once I plug my camera into my HD tv, and hit play in 1080 format the results are awesome.

That's because the video IS in HD format.

And you should learn how to EMBED your videos, instead of just copying and pasting the URL here.

One thing you may want to try is to couple the car that has the camera mounted to it at the front of the engine.  It will give one the feeling of almost being in the cab!

@OGR CEO-PUBLISHER posted:

One thing you may want to try is to couple the car that has the camera mounted to it at the front of the engine.  It will give one the feeling of almost being in the cab!

I thought I did that long time ago but I could not find the video.  Here's one I'm sure I used the Flip camera ten years ago.  Few of these engines are gone from the collection and/or have been upgraded with better sounds/cruise.

@Rich Melvin posted:

I don't have any specific advice for you on a make and model, but I do have a word of caution.

I'm sure the GoPro cameras will come up in this discussion. They are great cameras, but they are not well suited for shooting model trains.

I tried using a GoPro when shooting model trains, but the results were not good. These cameras cannot be focused - they are a fixed-focus camera. That's fine for about 99% of everything these cameras will be used for. However, anything closer than about 12" from the lens is out of focus, and you can't do anything about that. That becomes a real problem when shooting model trains.

There are other models from other manufactures that allow you to change the focus, and this is what you really need for shooting trains.

Rich,

Being the recipient of your superb video talents on OGR's Great Layout Adventures #7,  I wanted to repeat the three main things I learned from you during that session.

1) Great video is as much managing shadows as it is lighting

2) use a tripod

3) Don't use the phrase "Lash Up " in your presence

And, oh yeah, a bonus catchphrase.... "Cue the tornado".

TJ....Terry Johnson

Thanks all for sharing insight into the YouTube features. I just checked my "YouTube Channel" and found the "Quality" selection under "Settings", which allows playback in the various formats, although as mentioned your monitor or TV needs to be capable of broadcasting in the selected format, i.e., 1080.

Rich - I checked and verified your findings - it is the Sony FDR-AX33.

As Alan noted, mounting a camera in the front-end on a train gives a neat view:

@TonkaNut posted:

Rich,

Being the recipient of your superb video talents on OGR's Great Layout Adventures #7,  I wanted to repeat the three main things I learned from you during that session.

1) Great video is as much managing shadows as it is lighting

2) use a tripod

3) Don't use the phrase "Lash Up " in your presence

And, oh yeah, a bonus catchphrase.... "Cue the tornado".

TJ....Terry Johnson

LOL!

Terry, I can honestly say that I have never before or since been able to say, "Cue the tornado." when shooting a video.

Thanks for your kind comments on the OGR Videos.

@Paul Kallus posted:

FWIW: I tried following the instructions on embedding videos and got lost, which is not hard these days.

Check THIS THREAD on how to embed a video here.

Rich - I just watched your tutorial - easy to understand and thank you! After watching I realized the tool bar was not showing up (was using Internet Explorer); so I switched to MS Edge browser and the tool bar appears!

As I learn by doing, here's another video demonstration - this one filmed in very low light to test my cameras alleged low-light capabilities. I don't have anything to compare this against, however. The "clunk" at the end of the video is a collision at Dead Man's Junction...with subsequent sounds dropping out from the crash! Fortunately, no one was injured and circuit breakers tripped from the derailment, saving the electronics.

Believe it or not I use an old iphone 5 to record my video. Here's a video I shot for the kids. It's mostly Strasburg Railroad, but some toy trains at the end. I've since added an external mic for better sound. A humble beginning but I hope to improve. I'll check out some of the suggestions above, so thanks for all the advice.  (That's what I love about this board) I took some video of the big 611 when it visited Strasburg last year and I hope to get that footage posted soon. ~Robert