I must say, there are few cycling youtubers who share this much useful information, and with such practiced brevity and genuine charm. You've got a loyal viewer here, and I wish you nothing but success.
Love your setup. Simple but effective! I love using a recorder and syncing in post rather than dealing with wireless. Makes it so much easier at times.
Jeven! I can’t begin to tell you how helpful your videos have been for me in understanding RUclips. Shared one yesterday with a contributor I’ll be working with. Thanks so much for them all.
Glad it was helpful! What I didn’t know when I did this was that Final Cut (and probably other editing platforms) can auto sync the remotely recoded audio with the pictures as long as they have a rough guide voice.
so true. My wife has started a channel and I am tech support. Been wondering how to remove some of the noise. (Janet Stark Cycling adventures). Have a great weekend
I'd bet money that your channel is going to grow very fast. Always very well made and informative videos, and of course you have the perfect radio/presenter voice. Keep it up! Great stuff :)
This video and the two that follow are absolutely excellent. It is clear to see your background in broadcasting. You are saving me a ton of time and money learning through trial and error. Thanks for sharing.
We can all have the fancy gear but you need a decent voice too! You have a voice that is very engaging and can listen to all day long. I'm new to your channel and very impressed with the content so far - thanks and keep it up.
I have to admit, it was the quality of your movies that made me decide to invest in cameras for my bike. Now all I have to do is find time to edit them and get rid of hours of boring monotonous views. 😝
“Kill your babies” is a film making phrase. It means, just cos you live the shot others don’t want to sit through it all. When you edit, find some words or music or both - something to drive the video - then be brutal with what you’ve shot. 😁
Absolutely agree it is about the story! All to often I stop watching a video of a stunning ride not because the footage is bad. Rather it has no story, just a soundtrack! Yes those can be interesting but most aren’t. I started making some videos (just with my mobile) for “Future Mark” because I want to be able to remember some of the things I do (alone and with my kids). Hadn’t thought about the audio trick which I use with podcasts! Thanks for another great video 👌🏼 You’re the first to explain the “like and subscribe” everyone pleads for 👍🏼
Hi Mark - I subscribed to your channel. I like the 'tease' you did at the start of your unexpected adventure. I'm guessing you shoot yours on a phone, because the audio is sometimes a little faint - phones can be weird like that. You might want to look at the Shure MV88 MOTIV mic which is a mini-gun mic that plugs directly into the phone. It's not the ultimate solution but it's pretty useful for stabilising audio when you're fairly close.
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks 👌🏼 I didn't have a microphone because I didn't plan to record anything. The road just suddenly became gravel and I got excited about an adventure 🤣 Similar thing happened when I did my 1st 200km Audax... I didn't plan to record anything but then got a flat tyre and started 🙄 Perhaps I should just carry the mic in case I start having fun! Keep your videos coming, I really enjoy them and hearing about the adventures you've had. Like you say, the story is important 👍🏼
Great video, well presented and edited. Your videos are something I've always aspired to create but never achieved. You have given me fresh inspiration to try again. One tip I do when setting up for a cycle-by shot is to film riding both ways. This gives you additional footage you can use if returning by the same route.
I just realised I hadn't explained this on the page linked in all the videos to my camera kit, sorry. Here's what I've just written with links. To mount the 360 out front or around the bike I use the Insta 360 Invisible selfie stick amzn.to/4cB2LBo clamped to the handlebar or steerer tube with a SmallRig clamp (don't clamp onto carbon parts!) amzn.to/4cDwd9J The clamp is great but the ball & socket can sag, so this needs to be tight. More recently I've used the Insta360 invisible handlebar mount and this is most secure, but gets in the way of Garmin mounts etc. amzn.to/3xeBpRf
Very interesting, impressive, short, but informative! Seems like a lot of work, though, especially when you factor in the time it takes to edit everything. Main reason I got back into riding my bike was to escape computer related technology that has all but taken over the modern world, in this case, cameras, audio equipment, editing software, and so on. It's cool playing around with those devices and accessories, but there’s nothing like being a cycling purist - just get on your bike and ride and enjoy. Bikes are/or certainly can be comparatively free of the usual high tech "accouterments." I prefer leaving all the fussing with such gadgets for time spent at work. Still, very glad such amazing technology is available and mostly quite affordable.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Exactly! Great point! It definitely motivates us to get out there and ride. Recently bought some cool gropro stuff and on more than one occasion I felt unmotivated to ride but then decided to try this or that mount or other accessory and before I knew it I was on my bike having a grand time road testing my new gear.
Simon, thank you for all of the details that you provide on your channel, I havé throughly enjoyed and learned from them. As a newby to video production I was delighted to see the three post on the technical aspects of production and editing. I have purchased an Insta 360 for my upcoming work and was hoping you could provide me with the make and model of the mount that you use on “Witchcraft” portion this post? Keep up the excellent content Gordon
Hey Gordon - glad this is helpful. What i use for those shots have changed. It was a clamp (listed in the video kit) and selfie stick. I now use the new Insta360 cycle handlebar mount. Sometimes I use the pole that comes with it, other times the 360 invisible selfie stick blog.insta360.com/new-bike-mount-for-incredible-third-person-cycling-shots/ If you watch my recent Ride to the Sun video, the shots during the ride (day and night) that appear to be drone shots are really the X2 that I now use on the end of the invisible selfie stick. I also screwed it into the handlebar mount to get those shots looking back at me. The audio isn't great, but I recorded that separately as I explained in these videos. Have fun experimenting!
Great, thank you again. I find walks and cycles take twice the time if I'm trying to video due to all the running back and forth. I use a little Lavalier lapel mic into a Zoom recording mic. Audio File handling is not my forte but I'm rapidly improving my organisation. But sound quality, as you indicated, is key and something I need to work on. Selfie-stick invisibility technology is a pretty neat tool. Thanks for giving us tips to improve our home movies!
Fascinating! And you have successfully put me off trying to video any of my 'adventures' as there is far too much work involved! And I note you didn't mention much about editing...
You're right, it's a heck of a lot of work, but having done it for so long I must like it. I didn't mention editing because it's hard to explain other than pointing out which buttons to push. I was hiking with the dog today and decided, more useful, would be a video about how to tell a story - structure, scenes, music etc. So as we walked, I shot it. Part of the structure comes in the shoot, but a huge amount is the creative part of editing. That video will go live as an extra first time Friday.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Excellent! I think you should stick to inspiring people to ride & swim & video it if they wish but there are plenty of resources out there if you want to learn how to edit. I was being slightly tongue in cheek as I used enjoy photography until I got fed up with spending so much time in my (digital) dark room. Now I'm happy with enjoying the experiences & taking a few snaps to commemorate them.
Interesting upload and insight. In spite of all the kit at your disposal, I’m sure it still requires your know-how and a good bit of effort to achieve the final results.
You're right of course. Having worked in TV production for almost 30 years certainly helps. What this only hints at is the time required - a recent ride which should have taken me 5 hours tops took more than 8 hours, and that was fairly fast. It's why I can't do many long exploratory rides in winter - there isn't enough daylight.
I was getting worried you weren't going to address the audio. Coincidentally I have a Sony recorder do at my house today from Amazon. Are using cycling a motorcycle because you're right you can't fix bad audio. Great video.
I forgot to ask, but just to be sure - at around 0.33 when you’re talking to the GoPro, are we hearing the audio that’s been captured by the lapel mic and audio recorder? What kind of software do you use for post processing and stitching it all together? You’re absolutely correct in saying that a good video is much more than the equipment being used, and your experience at Auntie is obviously testament to that. I was planning on doing the NC500 this year, and that may still be a possibility depending on how things pan out, but I’d love to be able to make an interesting video log that could stand the test of time.
Hi Del - all that audio is coming via the Sony recorder. I did one recently when I forgot to take the Sony and the Windslayer made it sound pretty good. I edit in FCP-X and there's an audio effect called 'Voice Over Enhance' which I use to flatten out the voice and compress slightly. I bought another, fairly expensive one, that's meant to use AI to cut wind noise but it really doesn't work too well. The NCT500 - hmm. It might be rather busy up there this year with few people going overseas and a very short season. Motorhomes crowd the single track roads at the best of times and can be a PIA to deal with. There's already quite a lot of hostility to things opening up in some highland communities, ours included. If you make money from tourism you want the visitors - if you don't, you don't. I'm not trying to put you off, just put it into context a little.
I have two but mainly use the iPhone app called Teleprompter- at least I think that’s the name not what I’ve renamed it. It has an orange/red icon. That said I only use it when I’m sat at the table and feel I have to stick to a script. On something like this I just talk to camera.
Great video, thanks for sharing. I am just returning to cycling and hope to use my GoPro 5 on the handlebars but it’s been 20 years so no rides outside village yet.
Thanks Simon another excellent informative video. That Insta 360 F is amazing - better start saving the pennies!!!!! A lot of work clearly goes into each video so good to see subscribers increasing. Would you mind telling me which software you edit videos on. Cheers Graham
Thanks Graham. All of these are cut on FCP-X. I learnt to edit on Avid (the main BBC system) and found it easy to switch to FCP-7 when I went freelance. I stuck with that for years because it was what my main client used and I could trade Log Files with them. I even kept an old Mac so it could run FCP-7. That's all gone now and I'm using FCP-X which has nice features but I still don't find as intuitive as 7. perhaps it's just an old dog struggling to learn new tricks 😀. Oh, and it's the Insta 360 ONE R - www.insta360.com/product/insta360-oner_twin-edition I bought the twin edition and I like the modularity, but have yet to use the normal lens.
Hi Simon, Thank you for your informative and polished video. I learned a lot, and look forward to putting it into practice. Question: How is the selfie stick mounted to the bike frame? Is there a bracket that comes with it? If so, what model of selfie stick do you use? Best wishes on your project. It is very well done. Jeff
Hi Jeff - for some reason RUclips just showed me this comment, one month after you made it. The selfi-stick has a 1/4inch tripod mount in its end, so I attach it to either the bars or more usually the head tube with a SmallRig Super Clamp: amzn.to/2Gdqvkq (Amazon.co.uk)
@@alwaysanotheradventure Hi Simon, great video! I purchased the mount you linked, however I am finding that road vibrations and the weight of the lever arm are moving the position of the selfie stick and making it "sag" rather than stay straight out. This seems to be related to the failure of the ball and socket joint to stay locked in place. Did you experience this problem, and if so, how did you find your way around it?
@@Lifebehindbars45 That can be an issue Derrick and I don’t leave it in place for a while ride, just short filming sections. To hold it in place I clamp the mount to the headset spacers under the stem then add a cable tie around it to hold it next to the stem. This works for slightly longer sections but I don’t feel it’s safe to leave in place for a full ride.
Great video, Simon. Thanks.I didn’t realise Insta 360 did all sorts of jiggery-pokery that eliminates the mount from the short. Very curious to see how GoPro respond with the 9th iteration
Thanks Del. I'm starting to play with the 360 in a waterproof housing. Initially the stitch lines were obvious, but the desktop App makes removing them easier. When you look close, the quality isn't as good as the GoPro, but still, GoPro have quite an act to follow for 9
I knew when you said “back board “ that you were a pro. I’m a old pro too but I didn’t know that word. Your shows look great But I’d add some modern transitions. I’m starting my own channel soon!
Ha! Yes, that goes back to the days of film where, when cameraman had to turn over quickly, the sound recordist would add a clapperboard at the end so the two could be syncd in the edit. I appreciate the feedback on the transitions - I tend to think they can look a bit naff and disguise dodgy filming, but I certainly will explore a few more. I'll look out for your videos.
The camera out front is the Insta 360 with the invisible selfie stick they make. They're attached to the bike with a SmallRig Super Clamp amzn.to/2Gdqvkq
@@alwaysanotheradventure that's great thanks!!! I've been wanting to rig my 360 to the bike but couldn't find the best place for it. Always feel it's bit too heavy for the helmet too.
@@ktluv769 The little 360 works on a helmet but I wouldn't fancy this out in front. I clamp it on the head tub below the handlebars. It can stick out the front or off to one side. Also looks pretty good out the back off the seatpost. This video shows it in all sorts of places but I made sure I was on a road with no people or cars about, because it really does stick out! Have fun experimenting. ruclips.net/video/hvYElFI-ySc/видео.html
Great. Thanks Simon. I've been considering the GoPro 8 for a camera upgrade but also being swayed by the new Sony ZV1 .... Would be interested in your thoughts ?
I haven't used it but it looks a great little camera, the sort of thing I might take on holiday with me, although I'd look closely at the Canon powershot G7 2 too. It would need to have a good zoom and that's not always possible in a small body. I might use it in place of the A6400, except the interchangeable lenses on the Alpah make it more versatile. Plus that glass also fits my pro video camera, the Sony FS5 (which I didn't mention). I expect the quality would be better than the GoPro, but it's not in the action cam market. At £700 I might hesitate about popping it in my back pocket on a bouncy ride but I'd love to try one if I could. If you go that way be sure to let me know how it works for you.
@@alwaysanotheradventure sound is my biggest issue so far ....wind noise in particular so I think I might well look at your solution to that too ...... It's reasonably economical and your sound quality is always good 😁. Thanks for your advice
Nice video and very good explained all the things. I have a question about your audio setup: How is the Sony recorder dealing with sweat? Have you clipped it to your bibs? I just think about my phone in the trikot bags, it is most of the time wet because of sweating... Thanks! :)
Thanks Nick. Sweat has never been an issue I've had to consider - I didn't think about it until you mentioned it. The recorder usually sits in my rear cycling pocket, so there's usually a base layer and a jersey between it and sweaty old me. Once or twice I've tucked it in my bibs but again, no sweat issues. In fact, rain would more of an issue but then I'd put a rain jacket on. The same recorder has been used in very challenging conditions for pro work. On those occasions I put it in a ziplock bag - not waterproof where the wire exits but usually good enough. When I REALLY need it waterproof I have some phone dry-pouches into which I've permanently mounted an old (but good) microphone which I cover with clingfilm, held in place with black tape. The recorder fits in the bag, the mic plugs in, then the package is sealed. It can still be turned on through the plastic of the case.
Like all your videos Simon, fascinating! Would love to see your editing suite. I'm sure it'll be professional and expensive - are there any cheap alternatives?
I suspect 'suite' might be more fancy a name than it deserves. It's a MacBook Pro 2018 plugged into an old monitor, one of the first HD ones around, plus two small speakers from goodness knows where. It's really not very fancy...
Great video! Could you tell me which category you select to put a RUclips Cycle vlog under? The closest I see is Autos & vehicles or Sports, but nothing that really fits the cycling category.
It massively varies. On the adventure videos I don’t write a script because I have no idea what’s going to happen to me. However, I try to establish a “why” I’m doing that video - that gives me the basis of a narrative. I’ll do quite a lot of research (often the story comes from that) so I have stuff to talk about along the way - it’s irritating to me when people point the camera and go “wow I wonder that that is?” I just think “find out and tell me”! The more structured videos, like many in the Older Athlete Series are scripted, but even then, I don’t learn the words. I take in the sense of what I’ve written then say it - sounds more natural. Third - with guests you never know what they’re going to say, even if you’ve spoken on the phone first. So I go in with a plan, sometimes a scripted outline, to guide me through the interview. When I get back I often have to rewrite and re-structure because the guest came out with unexpected stuff, hopefully better. Finally, when things get really technical (like some of the VO2max and one I’m working on about zones and lactate threshold testing) I run the videos past one of my channel members who has a PhD in this and literally wrote the text-book. On that type of video- so very different to the adventure ones - it’s absolutely essential to be right. If there’s disagreement (there often is) I need to explain that. Quite a full reply there - sorry!
Great video as always and I was particularly interested in this because I film the odd documentary here and there. Although at present I’m laying in a hospital bed with a broken ankle after falling with my gear at a place called “Snake Pass” near a place called Glossop. So I’m. Out of action for a few months I’m afraid. So like I said great video and keep them coming 👍
The "odd documentary". Just quickly looked through your 'Human Garbage' and will go back for a longer watch because it's excellent, first person stuff. For that kind of work, and I emphasise I haven't used it as such, but the 360 offers the option of capturing everything in a 'bubble' of action, allowing you to choose your framing afterwards. So you don't need to set the camera down and hope what's going to happen will be in shot, you can make sure it is afterwards. There's an Insta 360 App that has lots of demos built in, so while you're recovering you might want to take a look. It shows lots of silly trick shots for the Insta crowd, but might offer real potential for serious work too. Sorry to hear about the ankle - I don't miss rock climbing one bit!
Thank you for the feed back on Human Garbage. I took cheap cameras because I was on my own and as you know the public are very unpredictable. Which you’ll see in the film when I got attacked. I did buy the LG 360 when it first came out, but the insta looks more workable so it is defo something I am looking at. Like I said keep the videos coming, because it helps me get through this. 👍👍
Thanks Kilroy. I worked for the BBC for 25 years alongside some great camera operators and picture editors which certainly helped. I also did a directors course, so I've been making videos and TV programmes of up to an hour's duration, for all my working life. Kinda hard to squeeze all that knowledge into a RUclips video 😀
@@alwaysanotheradventure Also to add. Maybe this might be a series in and of itself for you; shooting and filiming cycling stories and what not. Not many are talking about that and I think people would def be interested.
Wow, this is very complex though in terms of all the gear. I run @CambridgeBikeParty and I'm going to try to improve my video captures of our rides this year, but I'm not really a video editing person or even that good with certain tech. Hmm, i might just try to do more with my phone before I really upgrade to the next level. 🤔
I don't mean it to be complicated, and remember, it's just my way of doing things after 40 years. It doesn't mean I'm right! Finding your own path is often more satisfying.
@@alwaysanotheradventure it's fantastic to see what it takes to get certain shots, and what specs to consider when picking gear. I'm just new to the video world thanks for all your insights.
No worries- part two is structuring the video. ruclips.net/video/sXG4Hwcdyeo/видео.html Part 3 on editing coming very soon (it's a bit harder to explain!)
@@alwaysanotheradventure actually while I've got your attention would you mine posting a link to the camping lite video you mentioned in the new forest. Cheers Gavin.
@@gavincrillyfilmandphotography Yes of course - it was my first go at Bikepacking and making films like this, so it's just shot on my iPhone. I didn't realise I wasn't allowed to camp in the New Forrest (oops!) ruclips.net/video/mYj_0vTXRlQ/видео.html
Very interesting Simon, thanks for sharing your tips. I've been wondering about that Insta 360R to replace my old Hero 4 that I'm still using (on the basis I could use it as a 360 of action camera two for one).
When you look closely Chris, the image quality on the 360 is not as good. That said, I've yet to really use it with the standard lens attached, and I know that's what you're talking about. I'll take it out with me today when walking the dog and see how it works - I really must get around to doing this. But the GoPro 8 is down to £279 right now, hinting that the 9 is coming soon.
I must say, there are few cycling youtubers who share this much useful information, and with such practiced brevity and genuine charm. You've got a loyal viewer here, and I wish you nothing but success.
Thanks kind of you to say Riley. It probably helps that I'm having fun and not taking it too seriously.
Love your setup. Simple but effective! I love using a recorder and syncing in post rather than dealing with wireless. Makes it so much easier at times.
Jeven! I can’t begin to tell you how helpful your videos have been for me in understanding RUclips. Shared one yesterday with a contributor I’ll be working with. Thanks so much for them all.
Thanks for the great tips. Recording sound separate was the best one thanks
Glad it was helpful! What I didn’t know when I did this was that Final Cut (and probably other editing platforms) can auto sync the remotely recoded audio with the pictures as long as they have a rough guide voice.
so true. My wife has started a channel and I am tech support. Been wondering how to remove some of the noise. (Janet Stark Cycling adventures).
Have a great weekend
Awesome
I'd bet money that your channel is going to grow very fast. Always very well made and informative videos, and of course you have the perfect radio/presenter voice. Keep it up! Great stuff :)
Thanks very much, I've been doing my best for a while so we'll see how it goes.
This is like Francis cade without the 9 minutes of chatting with his mates - only the useful info here 😀Keep up the fantastic work!
😂 Thanks Keith! I hope you'll also like the Adventure Cycling videos too tinyurl.com/AdventureCycling
This video and the two that follow are absolutely excellent. It is clear to see your background in broadcasting. You are saving me a ton of time and money learning through trial and error. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers Paul - I hadn't replied to this one.
We can all have the fancy gear but you need a decent voice too! You have a voice that is very engaging and can listen to all day long.
I'm new to your channel and very impressed with the content so far - thanks and keep it up.
That's kind of you to say, thank you.
Absolutely fascinating Simon, you put so much work into your videos and the results are stunning. The disappearing stick is something else, blimey!
Thanks - and those Insta360 cameras have got even better since I made this.
Thanks
thank you for sharing this useful information
I have to admit, it was the quality of your movies that made me decide to invest in cameras for my bike. Now all I have to do is find time to edit them and get rid of hours of boring monotonous views. 😝
“Kill your babies” is a film making phrase. It means, just cos you live the shot others don’t want to sit through it all. When you edit, find some words or music or both - something to drive the video - then be brutal with what you’ve shot. 😁
You are so generous, this is a beautiful, helpful blog, thank you for sharing!
I'm pleased you found it useful.
Thanks for the detailed guide. Great job. Cool equipment you have.
Glad it was helpful Jay
Absolutely agree it is about the story! All to often I stop watching a video of a stunning ride not because the footage is bad. Rather it has no story, just a soundtrack! Yes those can be interesting but most aren’t. I started making some videos (just with my mobile) for “Future Mark” because I want to be able to remember some of the things I do (alone and with my kids). Hadn’t thought about the audio trick which I use with podcasts! Thanks for another great video 👌🏼 You’re the first to explain the “like and subscribe” everyone pleads for 👍🏼
Hi Mark - I subscribed to your channel. I like the 'tease' you did at the start of your unexpected adventure. I'm guessing you shoot yours on a phone, because the audio is sometimes a little faint - phones can be weird like that. You might want to look at the Shure MV88 MOTIV mic which is a mini-gun mic that plugs directly into the phone. It's not the ultimate solution but it's pretty useful for stabilising audio when you're fairly close.
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks 👌🏼 I didn't have a microphone because I didn't plan to record anything. The road just suddenly became gravel and I got excited about an adventure 🤣 Similar thing happened when I did my 1st 200km Audax... I didn't plan to record anything but then got a flat tyre and started 🙄 Perhaps I should just carry the mic in case I start having fun! Keep your videos coming, I really enjoy them and hearing about the adventures you've had. Like you say, the story is important 👍🏼
Great video, well presented and edited. Your videos are something I've always aspired to create but never achieved. You have given me fresh inspiration to try again. One tip I do when setting up for a cycle-by shot is to film riding both ways. This gives you additional footage you can use if returning by the same route.
Always a good plan! Thanks Gary
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thank. Quick question, how did you get a stable mount on the bike for your selfie stick?
I just realised I hadn't explained this on the page linked in all the videos to my camera kit, sorry. Here's what I've just written with links.
To mount the 360 out front or around the bike I use the Insta 360 Invisible selfie stick amzn.to/4cB2LBo clamped to the handlebar or steerer tube with a SmallRig clamp (don't clamp onto carbon parts!) amzn.to/4cDwd9J The clamp is great but the ball & socket can sag, so this needs to be tight.
More recently I've used the Insta360 invisible handlebar mount and this is most secure, but gets in the way of Garmin mounts etc. amzn.to/3xeBpRf
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thank you.
Very interesting, impressive, short, but informative! Seems like a lot of work, though, especially when you factor in the time it takes to edit everything. Main reason I got back into riding my bike was to escape computer related technology that has all but taken over the modern world, in this case, cameras, audio equipment, editing software, and so on. It's cool playing around with those devices and accessories, but there’s nothing like being a cycling purist - just get on your bike and ride and enjoy. Bikes are/or certainly can be comparatively free of the usual high tech "accouterments." I prefer leaving all the fussing with such gadgets for time spent at work. Still, very glad such amazing technology is available and mostly quite affordable.
I often ride without shooting a video, but I enjoy it because it motivates me to get out and ride. I completely understand it’s not for everyone Jolly
@@alwaysanotheradventure Exactly! Great point! It definitely motivates us to get out there and ride. Recently bought some cool gropro stuff and on more than one occasion I felt unmotivated to ride but then decided to try this or that mount or other accessory and before I knew it I was on my bike having a grand time road testing my new gear.
Simon, thank you for all of the details that you provide on your channel, I havé throughly enjoyed and learned from them.
As a newby to video production I was delighted to see the three post on the technical aspects of production and editing.
I have purchased an Insta 360 for my upcoming work and was hoping you could provide me with the make and model of the mount that you use on “Witchcraft” portion this post?
Keep up the excellent content
Gordon
Hey Gordon - glad this is helpful.
What i use for those shots have changed. It was a clamp (listed in the video kit) and selfie stick.
I now use the new Insta360 cycle handlebar mount. Sometimes I use the pole that comes with it, other times the 360 invisible selfie stick blog.insta360.com/new-bike-mount-for-incredible-third-person-cycling-shots/
If you watch my recent Ride to the Sun video, the shots during the ride (day and night) that appear to be drone shots are really the X2 that I now use on the end of the invisible selfie stick. I also screwed it into the handlebar mount to get those shots looking back at me. The audio isn't great, but I recorded that separately as I explained in these videos. Have fun experimenting!
Thanks for uploading this video which help me too make better video’s!
No problem!
Thankyou, a great run through. Very informative and glad I'm doing most of that, but the insta 360 is just elven magic. Have subbed!
😀
Succinct yet very informative, thank you very much, now subscribed 🙂
Hi Simon, love your channel and approach, very informative.
Thanks Steve - I'm pleased you think so
nice video.I've picked up a few tips here.
Great video with some real insight on what goes into making one of your videos. Please keep up the good work. Cheers
The editing follow-up video is nearly done.
Great, thank you again. I find walks and cycles take twice the time if I'm trying to video due to all the running back and forth. I use a little Lavalier lapel mic into a Zoom recording mic. Audio File handling is not my forte but I'm rapidly improving my organisation. But sound quality, as you indicated, is key and something I need to work on. Selfie-stick invisibility technology is a pretty neat tool. Thanks for giving us tips to improve our home movies!
Cheers Terry - I think the more you do the better they get.
Very helpful!!
Fascinating! And you have successfully put me off trying to video any of my 'adventures' as there is far too much work involved! And I note you didn't mention much about editing...
You're right, it's a heck of a lot of work, but having done it for so long I must like it. I didn't mention editing because it's hard to explain other than pointing out which buttons to push. I was hiking with the dog today and decided, more useful, would be a video about how to tell a story - structure, scenes, music etc. So as we walked, I shot it. Part of the structure comes in the shoot, but a huge amount is the creative part of editing. That video will go live as an extra first time Friday.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Excellent! I think you should stick to inspiring people to ride & swim & video it if they wish but there are plenty of resources out there if you want to learn how to edit.
I was being slightly tongue in cheek as I used enjoy photography until I got fed up with spending so much time in my (digital) dark room. Now I'm happy with enjoying the experiences & taking a few snaps to commemorate them.
This is really helpful.
Pleased you think so, and i hope the other two parts are equally useful.
Thanks for sharing.
Interesting upload and insight. In spite of all the kit at your disposal, I’m sure it still requires your know-how and a good bit of effort to achieve the final results.
You're right of course. Having worked in TV production for almost 30 years certainly helps. What this only hints at is the time required - a recent ride which should have taken me 5 hours tops took more than 8 hours, and that was fairly fast. It's why I can't do many long exploratory rides in winter - there isn't enough daylight.
Really helpful video thanks
Glad you liked it Mark
Just watched your informative video. Thanks for sharing. You've got a newbie (pun) subscriber.
I was getting worried you weren't going to address the audio. Coincidentally I have a Sony recorder do at my house today from Amazon. Are using cycling a motorcycle because you're right you can't fix bad audio. Great video.
Hi Trevor - saved that until last because it's so important. Old school end-board stuff is often best when you're using lots of different cameras.
Very interesting 👍
Glad you think so Mark.
I forgot to ask, but just to be sure - at around 0.33 when you’re talking to the GoPro, are we hearing the audio that’s been captured by the lapel mic and audio recorder? What kind of software do you use for post processing and stitching it all together? You’re absolutely correct in saying that a good video is much more than the equipment being used, and your experience at Auntie is obviously testament to that. I was planning on doing the NC500 this year, and that may still be a possibility depending on how things pan out, but I’d love to be able to make an interesting video log that could stand the test of time.
Hi Del - all that audio is coming via the Sony recorder. I did one recently when I forgot to take the Sony and the Windslayer made it sound pretty good.
I edit in FCP-X and there's an audio effect called 'Voice Over Enhance' which I use to flatten out the voice and compress slightly. I bought another, fairly expensive one, that's meant to use AI to cut wind noise but it really doesn't work too well.
The NCT500 - hmm. It might be rather busy up there this year with few people going overseas and a very short season. Motorhomes crowd the single track roads at the best of times and can be a PIA to deal with. There's already quite a lot of hostility to things opening up in some highland communities, ours included. If you make money from tourism you want the visitors - if you don't, you don't. I'm not trying to put you off, just put it into context a little.
A lot of work!
What is the teleprompter app you use ?
I have two but mainly use the iPhone app called Teleprompter- at least I think that’s the name not what I’ve renamed it. It has an orange/red icon. That said I only use it when I’m sat at the table and feel I have to stick to a script. On something like this I just talk to camera.
Great video, thanks for sharing. I am just returning to cycling and hope to use my GoPro 5 on the handlebars but it’s been 20 years so no rides outside village yet.
It's a start and that's the main thing. I certainly wouldn't recommend riding one-handed, chatting away to camera, on a busy road - ever!
Thanks Simon another excellent informative video. That Insta 360 F is amazing - better start saving the pennies!!!!! A lot of work clearly goes into each video so good to see subscribers increasing. Would you mind telling me which software you edit videos on. Cheers Graham
Thanks Graham. All of these are cut on FCP-X. I learnt to edit on Avid (the main BBC system) and found it easy to switch to FCP-7 when I went freelance. I stuck with that for years because it was what my main client used and I could trade Log Files with them. I even kept an old Mac so it could run FCP-7.
That's all gone now and I'm using FCP-X which has nice features but I still don't find as intuitive as 7. perhaps it's just an old dog struggling to learn new tricks 😀.
Oh, and it's the Insta 360 ONE R - www.insta360.com/product/insta360-oner_twin-edition I bought the twin edition and I like the modularity, but have yet to use the normal lens.
Always Another Adventure Thanks as always 👍
Hi Simon, Thank you for your informative and polished video. I learned a lot, and look forward to putting it into practice. Question: How is the selfie stick mounted to the bike frame? Is there a bracket that comes with it? If so, what model of selfie stick do you use? Best wishes on your project. It is very well done. Jeff
Hi Jeff - for some reason RUclips just showed me this comment, one month after you made it. The selfi-stick has a 1/4inch tripod mount in its end, so I attach it to either the bars or more usually the head tube with a SmallRig Super Clamp: amzn.to/2Gdqvkq (Amazon.co.uk)
@@alwaysanotheradventure That has happened to me, too. Thanks for the informative reply. keep up the great work!
@@alwaysanotheradventure Hi Simon, great video! I purchased the mount you linked, however I am finding that road vibrations and the weight of the lever arm are moving the position of the selfie stick and making it "sag" rather than stay straight out. This seems to be related to the failure of the ball and socket joint to stay locked in place. Did you experience this problem, and if so, how did you find your way around it?
@@Lifebehindbars45 That can be an issue Derrick and I don’t leave it in place for a while ride, just short filming sections.
To hold it in place I clamp the mount to the headset spacers under the stem then add a cable tie around it to hold it next to the stem. This works for slightly longer sections but I don’t feel it’s safe to leave in place for a full ride.
Great video. Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks 👍👍
Thanks for this one - very interesting. Although now I may have to make a visit to Amazon!
Don't get too much at first - I'd start with a GoPro and Windslayer foam shield.
One other question please, Simon: how are you mounting the camera pole to your bike? Thanks.
Great video, Simon. Thanks.I didn’t realise Insta 360 did all sorts of jiggery-pokery that eliminates the mount from the short. Very curious to see how GoPro respond with the 9th iteration
Thanks Del. I'm starting to play with the 360 in a waterproof housing. Initially the stitch lines were obvious, but the desktop App makes removing them easier. When you look close, the quality isn't as good as the GoPro, but still, GoPro have quite an act to follow for 9
I knew when you said “back board “ that you were a pro. I’m a old pro too but I didn’t know that word. Your shows look great But I’d add some modern transitions. I’m starting my own channel soon!
Ha! Yes, that goes back to the days of film where, when cameraman had to turn over quickly, the sound recordist would add a clapperboard at the end so the two could be syncd in the edit. I appreciate the feedback on the transitions - I tend to think they can look a bit naff and disguise dodgy filming, but I certainly will explore a few more. I'll look out for your videos.
Great video, how have you attached the GoPro extension to the front of the bike?
The camera out front is the Insta 360 with the invisible selfie stick they make. They're attached to the bike with a SmallRig Super Clamp amzn.to/2Gdqvkq
@@alwaysanotheradventure that's great thanks!!! I've been wanting to rig my 360 to the bike but couldn't find the best place for it. Always feel it's bit too heavy for the helmet too.
@@ktluv769 The little 360 works on a helmet but I wouldn't fancy this out in front. I clamp it on the head tub below the handlebars. It can stick out the front or off to one side. Also looks pretty good out the back off the seatpost. This video shows it in all sorts of places but I made sure I was on a road with no people or cars about, because it really does stick out! Have fun experimenting. ruclips.net/video/hvYElFI-ySc/видео.html
Great. Thanks Simon. I've been considering the GoPro 8 for a camera upgrade but also being swayed by the new Sony ZV1 .... Would be interested in your thoughts ?
I haven't used it but it looks a great little camera, the sort of thing I might take on holiday with me, although I'd look closely at the Canon powershot G7 2 too. It would need to have a good zoom and that's not always possible in a small body.
I might use it in place of the A6400, except the interchangeable lenses on the Alpah make it more versatile. Plus that glass also fits my pro video camera, the Sony FS5 (which I didn't mention).
I expect the quality would be better than the GoPro, but it's not in the action cam market. At £700 I might hesitate about popping it in my back pocket on a bouncy ride but I'd love to try one if I could. If you go that way be sure to let me know how it works for you.
@@alwaysanotheradventure sound is my biggest issue so far ....wind noise in particular so I think I might well look at your solution to that too ...... It's reasonably economical and your sound quality is always good 😁. Thanks for your advice
Nice video and very good explained all the things. I have a question about your audio setup: How is the Sony recorder dealing with sweat? Have you clipped it to your bibs? I just think about my phone in the trikot bags, it is most of the time wet because of sweating... Thanks! :)
Thanks Nick. Sweat has never been an issue I've had to consider - I didn't think about it until you mentioned it. The recorder usually sits in my rear cycling pocket, so there's usually a base layer and a jersey between it and sweaty old me. Once or twice I've tucked it in my bibs but again, no sweat issues. In fact, rain would more of an issue but then I'd put a rain jacket on.
The same recorder has been used in very challenging conditions for pro work. On those occasions I put it in a ziplock bag - not waterproof where the wire exits but usually good enough.
When I REALLY need it waterproof I have some phone dry-pouches into which I've permanently mounted an old (but good) microphone which I cover with clingfilm, held in place with black tape. The recorder fits in the bag, the mic plugs in, then the package is sealed. It can still be turned on through the plastic of the case.
Like all your videos Simon, fascinating! Would love to see your editing suite. I'm sure it'll be professional and expensive - are there any cheap alternatives?
I suspect 'suite' might be more fancy a name than it deserves. It's a MacBook Pro 2018 plugged into an old monitor, one of the first HD ones around, plus two small speakers from goodness knows where. It's really not very fancy...
@@alwaysanotheradventure What software do you use? It looks fairly fancy from the glimpses we get!
The insta cam on a stick is a good idea but how do you attach the stick to the bike?
That’s in there Joe and linked in the description. It’s a Small Rig clamp that can clamp onto the bars or head-tube spacers.
Great video! Could you tell me which category you select to put a RUclips Cycle vlog under? The closest I see is Autos & vehicles or Sports, but nothing that really fits the cycling category.
They're all under People & Blogs, but I've no idea if that's correct!
@@alwaysanotheradventure Ok, thanks!
Hi Simon, another quick question. Do you prepare a script and shooting plan beforehand or wing it on the go?
It massively varies.
On the adventure videos I don’t write a script because I have no idea what’s going to happen to me. However, I try to establish a “why” I’m doing that video - that gives me the basis of a narrative. I’ll do quite a lot of research (often the story comes from that) so I have stuff to talk about along the way - it’s irritating to me when people point the camera and go “wow I wonder that that is?” I just think “find out and tell me”!
The more structured videos, like many in the Older Athlete Series are scripted, but even then, I don’t learn the words. I take in the sense of what I’ve written then say it - sounds more natural.
Third - with guests you never know what they’re going to say, even if you’ve spoken on the phone first. So I go in with a plan, sometimes a scripted outline, to guide me through the interview. When I get back I often have to rewrite and re-structure because the guest came out with unexpected stuff, hopefully better.
Finally, when things get really technical (like some of the VO2max and one I’m working on about zones and lactate threshold testing) I run the videos past one of my channel members who has a PhD in this and literally wrote the text-book. On that type of video- so very different to the adventure ones - it’s absolutely essential to be right. If there’s disagreement (there often is) I need to explain that.
Quite a full reply there - sorry!
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thank you. Appreciated.
Great video as always and I was particularly interested in this because I film the odd documentary here and there. Although at present I’m laying in a hospital bed with a broken ankle after falling with my gear at a place called “Snake Pass” near a place called Glossop. So I’m. Out of action for a few months I’m afraid.
So like I said great video and keep them coming 👍
The "odd documentary". Just quickly looked through your 'Human Garbage' and will go back for a longer watch because it's excellent, first person stuff. For that kind of work, and I emphasise I haven't used it as such, but the 360 offers the option of capturing everything in a 'bubble' of action, allowing you to choose your framing afterwards. So you don't need to set the camera down and hope what's going to happen will be in shot, you can make sure it is afterwards. There's an Insta 360 App that has lots of demos built in, so while you're recovering you might want to take a look. It shows lots of silly trick shots for the Insta crowd, but might offer real potential for serious work too. Sorry to hear about the ankle - I don't miss rock climbing one bit!
Thank you for the feed back on Human Garbage. I took cheap cameras because I was on my own and as you know the public are very unpredictable. Which you’ll see in the film when I got attacked.
I did buy the LG 360 when it first came out, but the insta looks more workable so it is defo something I am looking at.
Like I said keep the videos coming, because it helps me get through this. 👍👍
Really thanks for this! Did you have any formal cinematography training? Maybe in the past? You have a very professional looking eye
Thanks Kilroy. I worked for the BBC for 25 years alongside some great camera operators and picture editors which certainly helped. I also did a directors course, so I've been making videos and TV programmes of up to an hour's duration, for all my working life. Kinda hard to squeeze all that knowledge into a RUclips video 😀
@@alwaysanotheradventure Ahh so that explains it! Very professionally done and it shows. Really like the style.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Also to add. Maybe this might be a series in and of itself for you; shooting and filiming cycling stories and what not. Not many are talking about that and I think people would def be interested.
Simon you can set the Gopro to 15sec so saves on wasting film and having to edit more ...
Hi Wayne - you mean use the self timer? I'll look into that, but it's just card space. I chop them down before the edit now and that saves time.
@@alwaysanotheradventure yeah 15sec
Please, please link the device your using that connects the insta 360R pole to the bike.
In the links above SmallRig Super Clamp: @t (Amazon.co.uk)
beat me to it 😁 SmallRig Super Clamp: amzn.to/2Gdqvkq (Amazon.co.uk)
Wow, this is very complex though in terms of all the gear. I run @CambridgeBikeParty and I'm going to try to improve my video captures of our rides this year, but I'm not really a video editing person or even that good with certain tech. Hmm, i might just try to do more with my phone before I really upgrade to the next level. 🤔
I don't mean it to be complicated, and remember, it's just my way of doing things after 40 years. It doesn't mean I'm right! Finding your own path is often more satisfying.
@@alwaysanotheradventure it's fantastic to see what it takes to get certain shots, and what specs to consider when picking gear. I'm just new to the video world thanks for all your insights.
Hi cheers. Maybe I read it wrong thought this was part two.
No worries- part two is structuring the video. ruclips.net/video/sXG4Hwcdyeo/видео.html Part 3 on editing coming very soon (it's a bit harder to explain!)
@@alwaysanotheradventure yes I watched that which was very good.
@@alwaysanotheradventure actually while I've got your attention would you mine posting a link to the camping lite video you mentioned in the new forest. Cheers Gavin.
@@gavincrillyfilmandphotography Yes of course - it was my first go at Bikepacking and making films like this, so it's just shot on my iPhone. I didn't realise I wasn't allowed to camp in the New Forrest (oops!) ruclips.net/video/mYj_0vTXRlQ/видео.html
It's also quite obvious that you're a professional. If I tried it I'd come nowhere near
That experience does help Paul.
Very interesting Simon, thanks for sharing your tips. I've been wondering about that Insta 360R to replace my old Hero 4 that I'm still using (on the basis I could use it as a 360 of action camera two for one).
When you look closely Chris, the image quality on the 360 is not as good. That said, I've yet to really use it with the standard lens attached, and I know that's what you're talking about. I'll take it out with me today when walking the dog and see how it works - I really must get around to doing this. But the GoPro 8 is down to £279 right now, hinting that the 9 is coming soon.
Wonderful Knowledge…subscribed…..#wanderercyclist13 👍
Please don't lay roadbikes or streebikes on their sides like a dead horse. Great video otherwise :-)