Choose a recording method

• Methods for recording and submitting Canvas video assignments with Panopto video
• Methods for recording and posting replies in Canvas Discussions with Panopto video

Video best practices for recording videos

Prior to recording consider these tips for planning your video: 

1. Decide on the content you'd like to present in your video.
2. Determine what what type of video is best for conveying your message?
   • Video/audio podcast (head shot) to explain or describe a clinical case (diagnosis, treatment)
   • Video/audio plus PowerPoint
   • Audio plus PowerPoint
   • Audio podcast
   • Or, a more complicated video production requiring a variety of shots and video clips (including people, indoor and outdoor locations, props), and assembling in one final video.
3. What recoding tools are available to you?
   • Computer webcam
   • Computer screen capture tool (like Panopto, Zoom, Google Meet, Camtasia) 
   • Mobile device (mobile phone, tablet, digital camera)
   • Tripod
   • Mic
4. Considerations for in-person or online collaboration assignments:
   • What tools are available for recording?
   • How can you edit the video?
     • Who will collect all the video clips from all the recording devices to one?
       • Connect devices to the computer and import clips?
       • AirDrop video files (iOS)?
       • Upload to a shared online folder?
5. Do you have access to editing software? Mac products and some Windows products come with basic editing software.
6. Other considerations: length of video, adding voice/over narration, music, etc. credits

Follow these tips for setting up video and audio.

Frame your shot

• Position your device where light is plentiful.
  • Light should come from the front, sides and above the subject(s).
  • Avoid shooting in shadow (light behind subject).
  • Choose neutral settings and avoid spaces with lots of distractions.
• Secure the device and make sure it's always attended.
  • Cameras: Always place on a table or traditional tripod
  • Laptop computers: Place on a solid surface, or portable stand with camera facing subjects.
  • Mobile devices: Use a tripod when ever possible. Alternately, use a mobile device holder. If you have no other option, have someone hold it. 
• Make sure the device is set horizontal and if you the camera provides the option, select the 16:9 aspect ratio for full 1080 resolution.
• Capture full scene and full range of subject(s) motions. This will ensure maximum picture "resolution" and audio best audio possible.
  • Place the device as close as possible to the subject(s).
  • Then, zoom out as wide as you can until you see head(s) and feet and capture all the elements you'd like in the scene. (Most internal computer webcams do not have a zoom feature.)
  • Adjust the camera angle to capture full scene and motion of subjects by distancing the device away from the subject(s), a step at a time, until you can see the subjects/activity. 
    • Tilt screen, camera, or mobile device to adjust the frame - to capture more of the upper half or lower half of subject(s).

    • Pan the screen, camera or mobile device to adjust the frame - capture more or less of the sides.

      Note: If you are too far away from the subject(s), zooming in degrades the picture and audio quality. 

Capture optimal sound - Using a mic is always preferable.

• Set your device in a quiet place away from loud, humming, buzzing sounds, or other distracting activity.
• **If you position the camera close enough to the subject(s), you should be able to capture good quality sound from a mobile device. 
• If you use the internal computer mic make sure the "input" sound is set close to max.
• If you have an external mic, position it as close as possible facing the subjects (for aesthetics, place mic out of the camera frame visibility; however, audio is more important and if capturing good sounds means having the mic visible, choose sound quality! 
• Speak as natural as possible, but remember the mic. 

Do a test recording

After framing your shot (and placing the mic-if using). Have the subject(s) do a walkthrough the movements. Make note of when you'll have to adjust picture and sound.

• Adjust the frame - Can you see the subjects while they are moving?
  • Move the camera, computer or mobile device farther or closer to subjects.
  • If someone is holding the camera, they should adjust their position closer or father away from subjects. 
  • Avoid zooming in if possible.
• Adjust the mic and/or audio settings on your device - Use headphones - Can you hear the subject(s) as they move and speak?
  • Move device closer to subjects.
  • Raise the mic level on your device if possible.