My first HD video is finally online after hours of editing: Kayaking down the Chassahowitzka River. Click on the 'Full' button for the highest resolution. I'd say even after just one video, I have learnt a lot of things that will make my next video better.

Ten things I learnt after my first nature/documentary-style video:

10. Dont talk about useless stuff i.e. keep mumbling to a minimum.
9. Take slow, long shots. Preferably move instead of just panning.
8. Don't zoom. Instead, take a clip, stop, zoom, take another clip.
7. If you said something wrong, retake entire clip.
6. Make sure there are no annoying noises in the background. Dubbing takes a lot more effort.
5. Feel free to take multiple shots of the same thing.
4. Don't even bother to shoot scenes you will edit out anyway, like four blurry minutes of sea gulls flying around.
3. Don't turn 180 degrees unless it is shaded in all directions because the sun will mess with the lighting.
2. Dont make girly motions with hands no matter how secure you are in your manliness.
1. Speak more clearly, slowly, and do not start EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE with "So..."

I'd say my next video will definitely be more interesting. I am more than satisfied with the quality and performance of my new $200 Kodak Z812IS. I believe in upgrading my equipment when I truly outgrow it. For now, there is no camera in the world that can improve my video editing skills. Nor will any video editing software help me with impromptu dialog delivery. I used a trial version of Sony Vegas to edit the 70+ Quicktime H.264 movie clips that my camera shoots to natively and if my next video editing session goes well, I will certainly buy the software. Video editing is fun!

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