DIOCCUSA: Overgrown GMC - with video!

"Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available" (whoistheleader2)
05/18/2020 at 20:16 • Filed to: DIOCCUSA

First off, this is somewhat of an experimental format. I chose probably the least interesting vehicle I videoed !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! to test out my video editing abilities. I managed to figure out Shotcut pretty easily by watching a tutorial or two; really, the results speak for themselves.

I think this format will be a good way to present my photos and videos from my latest visit to the tourist attraction.

This particular vehicle was a 1950s GMC heavy duty chassis cab with some sort of hoist or tow mechanism on it. I’m not entirely sure what it is supposed to do but it appears to operate a big winch or crane or something. I presume it helps with loading and unloading large items, but there wasn’t a floor to put them on.

At any rate, just watch the video. It’s 50 seconds and I’m quite proud of it.

I know plenty of you have lots of video editing experience, so let me know if you have any suggestions. Perhaps I should have made it widescreen? The original video quality was much worse than I had thought.

I wanted to add some music on top of it, but I couldn’t find any free stuff I liked. Any suggestions there? I’m looking for something instrumental and low key, like L ow-F i. Thanks.

DISCUSSION (10)

Just Jeepin' > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
05/18/2020 at 21:00

I like the approach, but I’d enjoy it more with a steadier video. I think there are some fairly affordable gimbals for smartphones.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Just Jeepin'
05/18/2020 at 21:56

Yeah I agree that I didn’t have the equipment for it. My phone camera is straight garbage, though it is at least widescreen. I was just trying to learn the editing process with what I’ve got, which turned out to be worse than I thought. That last shot was especially rough. I tried to hold the camera real steady but my darn shaky hands ruined it again.

I really did most of the work with the audio, splicing in sound from several other clips to make a smooth track that didn’t have hard cuts.

I appreciate the advice.

Just Jeepin' > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
05/18/2020 at 22:00

Video is way too hard for me; I like static photos.

But, if you’re going to do it, there’s no substitute for doing it. Crank out as much as you can.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Just Jeepin'
05/18/2020 at 22:06

Exactly my approach. I find it fun at least and it motivated me to finally set up a leisure oriented email and YouTube channel . I used my worst footage first on purpose so that the later stuff could be a bit better edited. I think what it really needs is a smooth soundtrack and slightly longer length.

This was the first time I have ever actually done any sort of complex editing, so I think it turned out pretty decent. Static photos are fun and “easy” but I want a challenge to keep me entertained.

John Norris (AngryDrifter) > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
05/19/2020 at 00:19

Nice.

Best thing with that approach you can make another 3999 videos there.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > John Norris (AngryDrifter)
05/19/2020 at 00:49

Thank you. Yes , for a first attempt at editing ever, I think it turned out half decent. I saved all the good footage for when I have figured it out.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
05/19/2020 at 12:58

Like it! I feel bad for that truck, there are never many old large commercial vehicles left as most were worked to death....definitely a weird hoist or tow mechanism...whatever it was.

Was only filmed in 480p, which is fairly low in todays standards. Can your phone do at least 720p?

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
05/19/2020 at 13:07

I’m trying to work out the technical details. I used an older independent camera that I thought had better video, but it sadly didn’t. I’m going to try to see if I can at least upload them in 1080p to get ma ximum resolution. My phone camera is also crap. I’ve got to do some re evaluating.

An tique commercial trucks really are a rare sight, though there is a similar (Chevy I think) truck that is still used for work in my town. Finally got a picture of it yesterday.

Kinja'd!!!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
05/19/2020 at 15:18

If it’s a relatively recent Android phone it should be able to at least record in 720p....my old (now spare) Galaxy S3 could do 720p and it’s running And roid 4.4.3, so not new. :)

Could just be that the settings got altered on your independent camera?

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
05/19/2020 at 15:24

I think so. If you look at that bridge driving video I posted recently you can see even with a slight digital zoom it had a high quality. I haven't had a chance to check the camera. It was free after all so I can't complain. Still takes great pictures and has a great soon lens.