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No Video Camera? No Problem.

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No video camera?
No problem.

Yes you can create video formatted presentations without a video camera using movie making software that you likely already own. These programs allow you to add transitions, effects, audio, music, titles, captions and/or credits to still photos - all without a video camera!

One such program comes bundled (since Windows ME) with windows operating systems and it’s called Windows Movie Maker. The program allows you to create and edit video/presentations and format files from still photos that may be used on your website, blog and other video sites.

In the past few weeks, I did finally began practicing using my video camera BUT my 1^st attempt at creating a narrated listing tour today was done with -0- visual "video camera" footage.

The audio may be a bit like story-time (hope you don’t fall asleep) of course music would be a great add!(for the next time crew)
Check it out if you have a chance –

This “Tour” was created with still photos and audio using Windows Movie Maker No Video Camera Required.

Note: There are sites that offer the Windows Movie Maker Downloads FREE:
i.e. CNET -FREE Windows Movie Maker download for XP

Posted by Teresa Berry on 08/30/2008 03:18 AM

Comments (26)

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26 Comments on No Video Camera? No Problem.

AUG

2008

thanks for the tip = video in any format is going to be more critical to buyers on the Internet

You're welcome Scott - I'm hearing that all over town - and we're ready :) (almost) thanks for saying hello!

Good post with great information. Let me give a tip for folks looking for a video camera. I found a NIB flip video on Craigs List a few week ago for $40. (The guy selling did the graphics for production and was given a few boxes of cameras). What a great deal and what a great camera. Even at retail it beats most what is avial for hundreds more

Just don't fall into the trap of labeling it or marketing it as a VIDEO, because it's NOT. It's still photos. Just because you zoom in and out doesn't make it VIDEO. Would you be willing to sit down at your TV to watch your favorite show if it was just a bunch of pictures strung together randomly zooming in and out and in and out and in and out for no reason and with no purpose.

NO.

Would you be OK if you spent $10 at your favorite movie theatre to watch a bunch of zooming still pictures?

NO.

Video is NOT the same as zooming pictures.

Hi Teresa, good job with your video .... or maybe we should call it show lol. I'm still amazed when I see negative comments in AR... the point is that the windows program is a good tool for putting together a presentation for a listing. I use a service through "Real Estate Shows" that allows me to place captions on each frame and put music into my presentation. However, it does not permit me to insert a narrative.

Thanks for the tip on Windows Movie Maker. Great video.

Teresa, your video was very good. Good photo and a good narrative. Thanks for the tip.

Teresa... I've used this program a few times... but never with narration... it came out great!

Dear Anon - Your point is well taken however the comment that

"Video is NOT the same as zooming pictures"

Is interesting because even when using a video camera (from my understanding) the production is a result of a series of still photos at varying frame rates

For purposes of this post - the term video was meant in part to relate to file format and ability to upload and/or promote on "video" associated sites.

The Literal meaning from Latin root - appears much less rigid - "to see"

For the purposes of a home tour - People aren't likely expecting an action packed thriller (I hope anyway) nor are they likely to pay-per-view - having said that I respect your opinion and/or expectation of what constitutes a video.

Here's a blog post that touches on the subject of "video" and the relationship to marketing Real Estate.

Posted on AR by Bob Sokoler

Jon in Ohio....Thanks for the compliment on the "show" - you're a kick!

btw very cool that there's a program available through "Real Estate Shows". I actually think the movie maker may allow for captions too but there's soooo much to be said for using programs we're acquainted with. There's enough to learn :)

Re: negative comments - they must be far and few between because either that was my first personal experience with one here in AR or they've flown over my head before. One note of interest - the comment was anonymous (go figure) responded anyway because it was a pretty "STRONG" opinion - geesh!

Thanks for stopping by, commenting and putting a little humor in the day:) Cheers!

Tony - that's a great idea....to watch Craigslist - wow you got a deal at $40 for sure! I actually have heard of people getting some good deals on phone(s)/blackberry (specifically) on Craigslist also. Great idea and thanks for sharing.

Hi "Sam" - good to meet you all the way from Florida! My cousin (Shanna) shares your nickname - Her other nickname is "Queeny" and both were started (when she was just a tot) by her mom ....with a great deal of love, I might add. She's a cutie-pie!

Michael - You're welcome and Thank You! I just popped over to your blog and discovered I need to come back with some more time to enjoy. You have some good stuff there that I look forward to reading. Again thanks for the compliment.

You both have a good Labor Day week-end and thanks for stopping by!

Cheers!

Chuck you should know that Your AR Blog is AWESOME! I find myself wondering...."where does he find the time to arrive at such consistently great content" Very serious here, it's really an honor when you stop in - and made even nicer with your kind words and sense of humor - I've seen your work in the photography department on your blog and it's very impressive! great is a terrific compliment especially from you!

Your "Toot" brightened my day :) Thanks and Happy Labor Day to you and your Beautiful Family!

Cheers!

AUG

2008

Great post - thanks for sharing - I am sure I will check this out!

SEP

2008

Norma you're very welcome and you have a nice Labor Day!

Cheers! Teresa

Thanks for the tip. We were not aware of this info. All the best.

WOW, Anon had a point but so negative at that. Yikes. I like animoto which I see you found in other blogs of yours. I know that is also not 'video' either, but I like the formatting it does and the music in the background.

Teresa, if that was your first experiment, I am blown away. Please get on the next ferry to Bainbridge and show me how to do this. I'll buy dinner.

As far as Gofigger Anon's meaningless quibble about "video"--Ken Burns seems have done okay with his non-videos: The Civil War, Baseball, The War.

Thanks for posting!

SEP

2008

Bob & Carolin - if you are able to check it out I hope it's a good thing for you and thanks for stopping by!

Ronald- I'm in agreement with you on animoto.com - they can really mix and re-mix it up to create a very lively and entertaining presentation!! - Thanks for sharing your thoughts & comments - and the Yikes! :) Cheers Ronald!

Hi Paul - It helped that: (after finally deciding to get acquainted with my video camera over the last month) I also got some good practice using the movie maker program to work with that footage. - J

Thank you soooo much for taking the time to comment and the compliment - HUGE! With your expertise - no question that you certainly hold your own when it comes to the internet and marketing! (remember we've seen your Bio) Honored that you stopped by with such a lift -

and Ken Burns - what a great add to the conversation....

Gotta love this place! (The Northwest and Active Rain) Thank You Paul!

Teresa, this is a great reminder for all of us. I've used Windows Movie Maker in the past, and you're absolutely right - it's great! It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles that some other programs do, but it's easy and works great for basic video with sound and transitions (plus, as you mentioned, it comes with many computers). I've used it for tutorials many times and it works perfectly.

That was a great presentation Teresa. I noticed at the end of your clip there was about 20+ seconds of blank screen. What happened?

Most digital cameras have a video record function. Have you ever tried it out for a house tour video? On my camera there were three file size settings and the times ran from 46 seconds for high, 91 seconds for medium, and 242 seconds for low. Maybe that would be a viable option as well.

SEP

2008

Kenneth - hello and thank you for the compliment and camera setting tips! In answer to your question "What Happened? " re the ending.... the short answer "User Error" - J

I think I missed clearing something when editing & before adding the scrolling "end credit frame" from the program itself. (that's my guess)

Hi Candice - You're right and after using movie maker - can imagine using it for tutorials. btw - as long as you stopped in, thank you for ClassifiedFlyerAds.com - it offers a nice listing platform and agent resources - You Go Girl! And thanks for your commentsJ

SEP

2008

Teresa ... thanks for your post about Windows Movie Maker, which could be a tool for developing videos about properties. Sounds good to me. Now to next step for us ... figure out Movie Maker, get a video up, then figure out how to get that into an AR post. As there a site you recommend for info on that? Harrison

Harrison if you open the movie maker program you should be able to get the info needed for making a movie from the programs "Help" button/menu - once saved as a video it can be uploaded toother sites such as AR - here's a post from Jeff Turner on uploading a video to AR- I'll follow up with you in a bit Narrison.

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