How To Shoot Video With Webcam

Oct 30th, 2009 by Veron

Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic.

I used to have a problem when I needed to shoot a video of myself. Using an actual video camera was a little more troublesome as it needed to be downloaded into the computer before it could be uploaded to the internet video site. So the problem was how to shoot the video in as simple a step as possible.

I am an idiot when it comes to any technical stuff. Thus, I had to find a way to shoot the video and upload it the easiest way possible and not taking up too much time. Whilst researching on the topic, I came across the windows movie maker program. If you do not have it on your computer, you can download the Windows Movie Maker here.

Another requirement is to have a webcam. This can be built-in or connected to your computer via the usb plug-and-play system. Of course, you will need your computer too.

Open up Windows Movie Maker. Go to Capture Video. Click on ‘Capture from Video Device’. You will see a pop-up window of the Video Capture Wizard. This will walk you through the steps in creating your video. Select the video capture device you want to capture from. Once done, click on ‘Next’.

Shoot Video – Capture From Video Device

Enter a file name for your captured video and choose the exact location where to save the video to. When completed, click on ‘Next’.Select the setting you want to use to capture your video. This will determine the quality and size of the captured video. In order to not to use up too much disk space when saving the video, I normally select Video for LAN either 768Kbps or 1.0Mbps. It is not the best of quality, but it is pretty acceptable. Of course, if you have a greater disk space, you can use the higher quality selections. Click on ‘Next’.

You should then see the next pop up window with a preview screen of a video image of you on the right. Adjust your camera to fully capture you or your subject.

When you are ready to shoot the video, click on ‘Start Capture’. This will begin the recording.

Shoot Video - Start Capture

Upon completing the video shoot, click on the ‘Stop Capture’ button. Ensure that the ‘Create clips when wizard finishes’ at the bottom left is ticked. Then click on the ‘Finish’ button at the bottom right.

You will then see a screenshot of your video. Drag it to the storyboard section below.

How To Shoot Video

Now you should be able to see your video in the timeline on the right. Click the play button to preview your video.

Shoot Video - Preview Video In Timeline

You may edit your video, add titles or credits and even add some audio or music if you so desire using the tool bar at the top or the task side bar on the left.

Shoot Video - Edit Movie

When you are satisfied with your video, finish the movie by saving it to the location you wish to. Options to save it to your computer, a CD or send it via email or the web are available.