Recording Videos
Recording videos
With countless recording options to choose from, where do you start? What tools are available on your University-supplied PC? How do you get the most out of them and what support can NUIT provide when you encounter problems? The following list of recommended software is a good place to start.
Recommended Recording Software
ReCap Personal Capture (PCap)
We recommend you use ReCap Personal Capture (PCap) to create video content such as narrated PowerPoint videos, screencasts, visualiser recordings, and short 'talking-head' pieces with your webcam. Although other software and approaches are available, PCap offers a one-stop-shop for recording, editing, captioning and hosting your content.
Once recorded, you can use ReCap's basic editor to trim recordings and add automatic captions. You can then easily share your recordings with students via Canvas.
PowerPoint
You can also use PowerPoint to make videos of slide narrations and screen recordings. This is a simple technique and allows you to edit and perfect your recordings slide-by-slide, before exporting to video format.
Zoom
You can create video content directly in Zoom by recording a session. Zoom can record to your local computer or to the cloud (but be aware that cloud recordings are only kept for 30 days and must be downloaded).
Teams
Similar to Zoom, you can create video content directly in Teams by recording a meeting session. Teams recordings will be saved automatically to OneDrive (or SharePoint if the meeting was started from a group channel)
Alternative Recording Software
If you feel limited by the software recommendations above, or have an idea for a more advanced video and want to explore your options, the following tools will help you take the next step. If you still have an idea for a video and can't work out how to get started, contact LTDS and they will be happy to help.
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free and open-source program for desktop computers. It can help with broadcasting and recording live events. The program captures feeds from a variety of video sources and can merge into a single video. Staff have used its ability to allow presenters to superimpose their webcam feeds over screen captures.
OBS is also a great video editing platform, which can be used to edit videos created in OBS or imported from elsewhere.
You can find out more on the Editing Videos page.
Camtasia is also an excellent video editing platform, which can be used to edit videos created in Camtasia or imported from elsewhere.
You can find out more on the Editing Videos page.
Shotcut is a free and open-source program with the ability to capture video from your webcam, as well as audio recordings and voiceovers.
It is also our recommended video editor, meaning you can record, edit and enhance your recordings all in the same program, or import those from elsewhere.
You can find out more on our Editing Videos page.
Recording Videos: Hints & Tips
Please note, this advice is generally for teaching staff creating talking head videos. There is also lots of overlap for other video types. For more details see our types of video.
You will already have access to a range of recording devices; for example a smartphone, tablet, desktop computer, or laptop. These devices will have either a built-in or attachable camera and microphone. We encourage you to use these devices to create your video content.
If you use a visualiser (or document camera) on campus, you can also purchase a 'mobile' version for use at home, or simply simulate one using a mobile phone. You can find more information on our Types of Video page.
It is important to consider your environment before filming. Try to record in a quiet, well-lit space with a plain background or neat bookcase behind you. If possible, try to minimise movement or distractions in the background.
It is usually best to use your computer's built-in webcam for recording video content. However, if you do not have one, you can also use your mobile phone. Be sure to use the front-facing camera so you can monitor the picture while you record, and always record in landscape (horizontal) rather than portrait orientation.
Framing
To frame your shot effectively, stand or sit close to the camera, and try to place your head and shoulders centrally in the frame; not too close and not too far. Place your camera so that it's at eye-level, rather than above or under you, and try to keep it steady.
Lighting
Always make sure you are the brightest object in the picture. If you have a light source behind you, such as a window or a lamp, it will over-expose the scene and cause you to appear in silhouette. Facing the main light source or placing a warm light in front of you is ideal.
Similarly, try to avoid strong light from above or from the side as this will cause unwanted shadows across your face.
Your device's built-in microphone is probably good enough for most videos. Try to record in as quiet a place (and at a quiet time) as you can. An inexpensive microphone can help with reducing ambient noise if finding a quiet spot is difficult.
We recommend turning off any noticeably loud and distracting machines if you can, close your windows, make sure your mobile phone is on silent, and place programs such as Teams into do-not-disturb mode to disable notifications.
A script can help to prepare content, but we recommend creating an outline with three or four key points instead. This helps you present a more authentic, natural sounding video. Aim to sound like you are talking about your subject in a one-to-one tutorial rather than giving a presentation to a large audience.
Also, remember that videos do not need to be perfect. Don't worry if your videos have a few small hiccups, corrections or long pauses. These can be edited and removed.
Video length
Expectations and attention spans make it difficult to consume videos that are too long. Try to keep your video recordings as short and as concise as possible, and certainly no more than 20 minutes long for video lectures.
Videos that are shorter - between 3 and 6 minutes long - are easier for students to digest, and can be achieved by strategically breaking apart complex topics and removing content that isn't absolutely necessary.
Video format
Videos should be produced in MP4 or MOV format for upload to ReCap.
Quiz questions in videos provide a helpful way to pause the video delivery and check understanding. Quiz questions can be added to videos (and audio) files on ReCap and to videos on Microsoft Stream.