#11 - Camera, Taxes and Other Chaos

07/19/24 • 58 min

In this episode, Lionheart and Midgeman discuss cameras and lenses for video content creation. They share their own camera setups preference and discuss the importance of proper lighting and how it can greatly enhance the quality of video footage as well as create a dynamic and visually appealing look. The conversation touches on topics such as lens adapters, prime lenses, and the benefits of shooting in 4K and cropping to 1080p. The conversation then shifts to webcams, with the hosts recommending the Logitech C920 as a solid option for beginners but on the flip side, the challenges they've faced with Elgato's software. They briefly discuss Adobe's subscription practices and the importance of competition in driving innovation, the use of VTubing software and face recognition, as well as using phones as webcams, the potential issue of overheating, and the importance of investing in equipment. They talk about the importance of financial planning and investing in the hobby. The episode wraps up with their experiences with setting up their own companies and working with accountants who specialize in the creator space.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Episode

02:09 - Lion's Camera of Choice

05:21 - The Challenges of Lens Compatibility and Adaptation

07:13 - Utilizing Software and Framing Techniques for Dynamic Shots

14:13 - Difference Between Lens & What Setting to Look for In a Camera

17:25 - Creating Visual Interest with Ambient and Mood Lighting

22:07 - The Green Screen

27:46 - First Webcams & Challenges with Elgato's Software (and others)

33:58 - Issues with Adobe's Subscription Practices

36:57 - Don't Use Laptop Webcam If Possible Or Use Your Phone!

38:59 - Pre-Mention of Next Week's Episode of Exploring VTubing Software and Face Recognition

39:58 - Phone Streaming & Investing Into Quality Equipment

45:50 - Bills, Taxes & Accountants

52:39 - Even More Lens & Lighting Chat

56:37 - Rounding Out The Episode

Links/References

Sony A6400 w/ Prime lens https://www.sony.co.uk/interchangeable-lens-cameras/products/ilce-6400

Sony A5100 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Alpha-5100-ILCE-5100-inch/dp/B00MTZI1WI

URTH https://uk.urth.co/

Panasonic Lumix S52 https://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-mirrorless-cameras/lumix-s-full-frame-cameras/dc-s5m2.html

L-Mount Alliance - https://l-mount.com/

Panasonic Lumix GH5 https://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-mirrorless-cameras/lumix-g-cameras/dc-gh5body.html

Canon M200 https://www.canon.co.uk/cameras/eos-m200/

Sigma 1.4f 16mm https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c017_16_14/

RGB strip elgato lights https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/light-strip-pro

Phillips hue signe floor lights https://www.philips-hue.com/en-gb/products/smart-floor-lamps

Pull down Elgato greenscreen https://www.elgato.com/uk/en/p/green-screen-mt

Elgato 'normal' greenscreen https://www.elgato.com/uk/en/p/green-screen

Logitech C920 https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/products/webcams/c920-pro-hd-webcam.960-001055.html

Razer Kiyo https://www.razer.com/gb-en/streaming-cameras/razer-kiyo

Elgato Facecam MK2 https://www.elgato.com/uk/en/p/facecam-mk2

Sirui - https://store.sirui.com/

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Episode

02:09 - Lion's Camera of Choice

05:21 - The Challenges of Lens Compatibility and Adaptation

07:13 - Utilizing Software and Framing Techniques for Dynamic Shots

14:13 - Difference Between Lens & What Setting to Look for In a Camera

17:25 - Creating Visual Interest with Ambient and Mood Lighting

22:07 - The Green Screen

27:46 - First Webcams & Challenges with Elgato's Software (and others)

33:58 - Issues with Adobe's Subscription Practices

36:57 - Don't Use Laptop Webcam If Possible Or Use Your Phone!

38:59 - Pre-Mention of Next Week's Episode of Exploring VTubing Software and Face Recognition

39:58 - Phone Streaming & Investing Into Quality Equipment

45:50 - Bills, Taxes & Accountants

52:39 - Even More Lens & Lighting Chat

56:37 - Rounding Out The Episode

Links/References

Sony A6400 w/ Prime lens https://www.sony.co.uk/interchangeable-lens-cameras/products/ilce-6400

Sony A5100 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Alpha-5100-ILCE-5100-inch/dp/B00MTZI1WI

URTH https://uk.urth.co/

Panasonic Lumix S52 https://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-mirrorless-cameras/lumix-s-full-frame-cameras/dc-s5m2.html

L-Mount Alliance - https://l-mount.com/

Panasonic Lumix GH5 https://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-mirrorless-cameras/lumix-g-cameras/dc-gh5body.html

Canon M200 https://www.canon.co.uk/cameras/eos-m200/

Sigma 1.4f 16mm https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c017_16_14/

RGB strip elgato lights https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/light-strip-pro

Phillips hue signe floor lights https://www.philips-hue.com/en-gb/products/smart-floor-lamps

Pull down Elgato greenscreen https://www.elgato.com/uk/en/p/green-screen-mt

Elgato 'normal' greenscreen https://www.elgato.com/uk/en/p/green-screen

Logitech C920 https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/products/webcams/c920-pro-hd-webcam.960-001055.html

Razer Kiyo https://www.razer.com/gb-en/streaming-cameras/razer-kiyo

Elgato Facecam MK2 https://www.elgato.com/uk/en/p/facecam-mk2

Sirui - https://store.sirui.com/

Previous Episode

#10 - Understanding Audio

In this episode, Midgeman and Lionheart discuss their experiences with audio issues, equipment and settings. They talk about the challenges of managing audio and share potential fixes and recommendations for controlling audio levels and using mixers. Midgeman briefly mentions how he hid a bunch of old videos on his channel to improve algorithmic suggestions and reflects on the poor audio quality of his earlier content. In this part of the conversation, Midgeman and Lionheart discuss their experiences with different types of microphones and audio interfaces during earlier years in his content career. Lionheart discusses his journey from using headset mics to finding a low-profile microphone mount. They also briefly touch on the topic of camera issues and the challenges of positioning a camera for streaming. In this final part of the conversation and they both discuss the differences between microphones and their personal experiences with various models. Exploring the pros and cons of dynamic, condenser, shotgun, and USB microphones, highlighting the importance of microphone placement and the need for proper research when choosing a microphone. Diverting from microphones to talk about the benefits of using ultra-wide monitors for gaming only. Many Censors are included in this frivolous ending as they mention a reminder to set up the microphone at a distance of 4 to 6 inches from the mouth for optimal sound quality.

Next Episode

#12 - VTubing with Lady Saffron

In this episode, the hosts interview Lady Saffron who is a Vtuber. This episode is centred about learning more on the topic of Vtubers, their communities, the genre, technical aspects, roles of agencies within the space and how they support their chosen Vtubers. Lady Saffron highlights the drawbacks of agency involvement; scandals, lack of creative control, and the need for permissions due to copyright issues.

We get a deep dive into her journey as a Vtuber, how she goes about setting boundaries and rules in her community, what challenges that may bring. Whether that be technical, mental or physical. The hosts and guests discuss the evolution of Vtubing as an industry, and the technical and expense requirements of running a VTuber model. In the final part of the conversation, Lady Saffron discusses the benefits of anonymity, and the potential future of VTubing. She also shares her preference for YouTube over Twitch and mentions her upcoming sub-a-thon in August.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

01:41 - What is Vtubing?

04:32 - The Role of Agencies in Supporting VTubers

08:55 - Agencies offering Financial Support for Vtubers

10:42 - Agents offering Music Videos & Merchandise

13:10 - Agency Drawbacks, Scandals & Creative Controls

15:48 - What Inspired Lady Saffron to be a Vtuber

18:54 - Lady Saffron Lore

22:15 - Engaging Audience, Parasocial Friendships & Strategy

27:01 - Balancing Authenticity & Privacy

33:30 - Professional Jobs Coming out the Vtubing Space & Models