I confess to being older than YouTube – something my 5 and 8 year-old grandsons simply cannot comprehend (not that I’m extremely old, but that anyone, even I, could be older than YouTube).
So I admit to feeling slightly bewildered as I watch grandson senior introduce himself to his ipad camera and chat to his viewers about what entertainment is in store for them, followed by the two of them dancing an enthusiastic version of Gangnam Style. Afterwards they discuss how many ‘likes’ they will get (I strongly suspect ‘none’ could be a good estimate but I hold my thoughts).
So as the aging grandmother of two budding vloggers (meaning video bloggers for anyone else struggling to keep up), I simply had to try out Canal Toys’ Studio Creator 360 Video Maker,and I admit to being impressed.
The kit consists of a tripod attached to a ring-shaped bright photographer’s light, with a smartphone holder in the centre of the light ring. It really is that simple.
Just download the very-easy-to-use app (I say this with feeling) onto your smartphone, attach it in the centre of the light ring and start vlogging (did I really say that?).
The app really is super easy, even for me, and I know that my grandkids will be scrolling through the functions like experts. You can choose different video modes – face, body, cat or dog and the light ring has numerous colour modes. Then just press record and start dancing Gangnam style (listen I was merely testing it for the grandkids). The light ring and phone move in a circle to follow you, all by themselves, doing a full 360 degrees if needed. It’s just like having your own personal photographer. And if you want a ‘talk to camera’ video it has fun features including filters which can remove your wrinkles or change the shape of your chin. I liked these filters perhaps a little too much. You can adjust background intensity and light levels plus lots more.
Once you’ve created your own action movie/documentary/ piece to camera the fun isn’t over. A green screen is included to create a neutral background on which you can edit a backdrop of your choice – Niagara Falls? Jurassic Park? A Formula One racetrack? Whatever your wildest dreams. Then upload the video to your favourite social media platform and wait for the ‘likes’.
I can’t wait to see the camera and light following my grandkids around a football pitch, or them creating their own video diaries whilst improving their vlogging and editing skills. The kit is so user-friendly, they can learn through fun. And, yes maybe they will hit the million ‘likes’ barrier? I’m starting to believe it.
Canal Toys’ Studio Creator 360 Video Makeris available at Amazon, Smyths, Argos and Very. RRP £39.99 but follow these links for some great special offers.
Happy Vlogging.
By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.
