How to Convert Video for Uploading

Objective:

Converting a video file of less than 500MB, to computer video format MOV, MP4, AVI, or WMV, that can be played back on Apple or Windows computers.

VERY IMPORTANT! Due to file size limit, BEFORE recording your video make sure your device is set to the lowest video recording quality. DO NOT RECORD IN 4K.

Always test in the classroom, make a small video and check that your sound and video quality are good.

Once you have recorded your movie, the next step is to transfer the file to the computer so you can trim and compress:

• Using a USB cable connect the phone to the computer. For Mac computers use Image Capture located in the Applications folder, browse for your movie and export to the Desktop. When connecting an Android device to a PC computer, the phone will show as a flash drive. Find your movie and drag it to the Desktop. For more tips click here.
• Or share your movie to Google Drive then you can download to any computer.

If you trim and compress using your iPhone, make sure you save it as a new file so you preserve the original video.

Always have your device on a horizontal position so you can capture a wider angle.

Please make sure you have authorization for all students appearing on the video. Blurring faces on a video requires editing software and a lot of time.

How?

You don't have to use a computer lab to convert the video.  Most of these software titles are available either free or come with your computer or camcorder. If you missed the orientation workshop we offered, synopsis is here.

• If you have a Canon FS200 camcorder, iPhone, iPad or Android device that records to a memory card or internal storage:

• For Windows Computer:  the EASIEST WAY is to use the free "Any Video Converter";  click here to download. Written instruction here.  Video demonstration here.
• You can also use the free "WindowsVideo Editor". For a video tutorial click here.

• For Macintosh Computer:  the EASIEST WAY is to use "Quicktime player" available on any Mac. Written instruction here. Video demonstration here.

• If you have a Canon Vixia HF 200 or HF R50: this camcorder records in High Def. to an SD memory card. 
• For Windows computer:  use Video Browser. This software is on a CD that comes with the camcorder; or you can download it here (you will need the serial number of the camcorder -shown on the bottom of your camcorder- to download). Written instruction here.  Video demonstration here. You can also try "Any Video Converter" mentioned above.

• If you have a newer model of camcorder with built-in hard drive or with SD memory card that can record in MP4 format: with proper settings (see your camcorder manual; use the LOW resolution settings for small file size) record the video; then check the file size; if smaller than 500MB, upload. If you must trim and/or convert then use "Quicktime player" (for Mac) or "Any Video Converter" (for Windows) mentioned above.
  
  
• Recently, we see more students successfully using iPad or Smartphones. Make sure you go to settings and change the video recording to lowest resolution to keep file size small. Ex: on iPhone, it is under Settings -> Camera -> Record video: change to lowest setting (720p ?) and test it out; pay attention to clear audio. You can trim the video within the iPad / iPhone; make sure to save as a new file to preserve the original just in case.