What’s New in VideoStudio 2021
Just released this week was the annual full upgrade to Corel VideoStudio Pro 2021.
As is usually the case I will be updating my review of the program in the coming weeks.
On the face of it this version is not a huge leap forward as far as new features go but to be honest these days I kind of dread those ones!
I much prefer the ones where the makers of the software consolidate what they have, polish or enhance existing features, clean up past glitches and keep the program running in accordance with the latest tech developments.
That seems to be what we have with this one.
The Highlights Include:
- Extending the range of Instant Project TemplatesAdding AR Stickers which are like Instagram filters.
- In the Ultimate only version added more effects from NewBlueFX and proDAD including the Mercalli video stabilization tool.
- Obligatory enhanced rendering performance through improved integration with the latest developments from Intel, AMD and nVidia.
- A smoother and faster editing experience with the abovementioned speed improvements continuing through to the user interface.
- Enhancements to the Video Mask Creator, Split Screen Editor and Motion Control modules.
As I already mentioned I will get a full review done probably by next week although given the fact that not a lot has changed from the previous version my existing VideoStudio Review here still applies.
You can check out the new version at the Corel website here: VideoStudio 2021
And finally you can check out their new promotional video below.
How to Appear More Confident and Natural on Camera
It is easy to get the idea that someone who looks calm and relaxed on camera just has some kind of “natural talent” for it.
Actually nothing could be further from the truth!
An easy way to see this is find someone who you think seems quite natural on YouTube.
Then go back in their videos and find the earliest one you can of that same person.
Chances are there will be a world of difference between then and now.
Probably the best advice anyone can give on appearing natural on camera is to do it over and over again until the process itself is like second nature.
Once you have the mechanicals out of the way the rest will begin to fall into place.
Why Do We Have so Many Camera Angles in Cinematography?
I always find it interesting in film making how some parts of the process mimic how we see the world around us and others manipulate how we see the world being presented to us.
This video is a great discussion on the effect camera angle can have on what we see and how we both perceive it and react to it.
How To Make Cinematic Video?
Some good tips here for putting together a project and making it look more cinematic…. you know I really hate that term!
When we talk about “cinematic” what we are really trying to say is polished or professional.
Anyhoo, as I say some good tips to help you lift your game.
One-Click Reverse Video Effect – Wondershare Filmora X
Filmora like most video editing software has a one-click solution to reversing video so that’s not rocket surgery anymore!
However you can build on that feature to create even more complex effects and sequences.
Just check the video below.
The RGB Split / Chromatic Aberration Effect – CyberLink PowerDirector
Apart from the effect being demonstrated here there are a few things that are important to take note of.
First of all the software being used is irrelevant.
Most programs will have something like this that you can use.
The second point and probably the most important is that in the tutorial Maliek does not just add the effect and we are done!
He goes into the settings and takes the time to re-adjust it to make it look better.
Very often pre-loaded effects like this open with default settings that are often quite exaggerated.
The difference between cheesy and pro often comes down to taking the time to adjust the effect to make it look better by tailoring it to your project.
Finally, note that in the tutorial instead of clicking on tiny little buttons and things Maliek instructs to use keyboard shortcuts.
Learning some shortcuts and using them regularly can so so much time it is just not funny.
Smashed Screen Effect & Video Transition
This is a pretty cool looking effect that even the most basic video editing software can achieve.
I don’t mean as basic as Windows Movie Maker but programs like Movavi and Filmora or anything above that can certainly do it.
This tutorial is done in Movavi but once you check it out you will see that the brand of software doesn’t really matter all that much.
It is certainly a bit fiddly but gives a pretty good result if you take care of the details.
How To Record Videos in OBS – Editing & Separate Audio Channels
I have already added a complete guide to OBS in a previous Friday Roundup but if you missed that then allow me to bring you up to speed!
OBS stands for Open Broadcaster Software and is a free open source program used for live streaming and screen captures.
There has been a recent upsurge in the use of OBS due to so many people around the world being in various states of isolation and/or lockdown.
It is one of the most feature rich and powerful streaming solutions out there.
It has also always been quite popular as a screen recorder although that aspect of the program has possibly not been as well promoted.
The only real downside to OBS is that it is so feature rich that the interface can be a bit daunting with all those buttons and knobs and dial and settings and stuff!
In the video tutorial below Casey Faris goes through a specific type of setup for OBS that really showcases the power of the program.
Unlike most screen capture software (even the paid ones!) OBS can capture a screen recording but at the same time capture audio as a separate file.
This is very handy if you are going to be using the footage you have captured for the purpose of later editing.
How to Create Better Image Contrast While Color Grading
This is a good if not slightly technical discussion on the general subject of color grading.
The reason I have included it is because it takes a look at color grading from the point of view that everything kind of boils down to contrast.
By that they are not just referring to contrast as a difference between light areas in your footage and dark.
They are going al little more into the contrast created by the colors themselves which I think is an interesting take on the whole subject.
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