Using Camtasia or other screen-capture video-editing software
Hi POT bloggers,
I’m putting together my first online course (starts in October) and am in the process of learning Camtasia. I’m aware of other screen-capture programs such as Captivate and Jing. I wondered if anyone has specials insights on what software works best (and why). Please comment if you do.
–Mark
September 13, 2011@ 5:04 am
Hi Mark,
I have used Camtasia with much success in the past and just recently added Jing to my computer. They are both owned by TechSmith so they integrate very nicely. I now use Jing more than any other video capturing software.
Jean
September 13, 2011@ 8:08 pm
Thanks, Jean. After I learn Camtasia I’ll give Jing a try.
–Mark
September 13, 2011@ 6:04 am
I’m a big fan of FREE.
I’ve been using Screenr to make some of the screencasts for this class, and I’m pretty happy with it, especially since it lets you download them as mp4 so you can edit. Only 5 minutes on the freebie account, though. Jing is good, though its mp4 is fuzzier than Screenr’s, but the account doesn’t cost so much to go Pro so you can do longer screencasts. The issue with Jing is that to host your screencasts in native .flv format you use Screencast.com, and if you get too much traffic they say you must go Pro. Keeps happening to me so I’ve begun exporting as mp4 and uploading to YouTube.
Another freebie if you’re on a PC is Camstudio. There are lots more (see http://www.diigo.com/user/lisamlane/screencasting), but again, I’m just talking free stuff.
September 13, 2011@ 8:10 pm
Thanks, Lisa, for the feedback. I’ll look into Screenr after I get a handle on Camtasia.
–Mark
September 13, 2011@ 7:11 am
Hi Mark,
I’m the queen of the freebees, so all I can advise on is my fave — Screenr http://www.screenr.com/ There are no bells and whistles — no faces to float on the screen, no enlarged arrows to direct, no real easy way to zoom in — just what you see on the screen is what you get.
I even use it to record in Second Life since I’ve not learned Machinima — http://youtu.be/IZEsp5tJPqQ
Definitely worth a look for anyone who wants a truly easy-to-learn freebee.
Good luck with your new course!
September 13, 2011@ 8:11 pm
I appreciate the comment Cris. I’ll give Screenr a try.
–Mark
September 13, 2011@ 3:19 pm
Hi Marc:
I have the same question! Thank you for asking it.
I am playing with Jing this semester and like it but the screen capture length is only five minutes. I want to capture a whole lecture to really replicate what I do in the traditional classroom. This will require more time than I am getting out of JING.
Hopefully, someone will let us both know?!?
Best,
Tami Smith
September 13, 2011@ 8:15 pm
Tami, it looks like Screenr is popular. Jean Proppe also said to try out Jing. I was a little apprehensive starting Camtasia but I seem to be ‘getting’ it now. Camtasia has a lot of good tutorials about the program on their company website.
–Mark