Shooting a computer tutorial for the web
 

I need to get more precise information from the people I’m doing this for but here’s what I know so far.

They want to include the person doing the tutorial in at least some of the shots so screen capture is not an option. Their site uses flash.

I’ve hunted around on the net for answers but most everything i find is about compression, not about how best to shoot it.

My questions.

1. In this context, what are the pros and cons of shooting hdv vs. sd. Which would you choose?

2. Regardless of the answer to the above should I shoot 30F?
I know the footage will end up progressive anyway. Any reason to avoid 24fps?

3. I don’t know yet if the computer we’ll be using is a PC or Mac. A Mac’s screen defaults to 6500K Is the same true for PC? Given my lack of a colour temp meter, I’m thinking about how to balance the screen’s temperature with any lights that I use. AWB?

If anyone can point me in the right direction that’d be great.

Thanks

do both, capture the screen and tape the instructor doing the tutorial simultaneously, that way you can cut back and forth in post.

I wasn't too clear in how I said that. It is what I'm planning on, assuming there is capture software on the computer in question. Just trying to cover my bases.

Seeing as the two would have to cut together I need to know what my best options for shooting would be. Experimented on my mac this morning using DV 30F. Will try HDV later.

As long as you're shooting an LCD (not a tube monitor) you shouldn't have problems with flickering or anything. However, Most LCD's are way too bright out of the box and people don't tend to adjust them. You might find that your exposure is a little tricky when focused on the monitor, it will make the room look dark. And vice versa. You might have to turn the monitor down a little to find the right balance.

JR

Snapz Pro - best screen capture utility for Mac.
http://www.ambrosiasw.com/utilities/snapzprox/