So You Want To Podcast…
Podcasting is a great way to share your passion for a subject with a potentially huge world-wide audience. The barriers to entry are low, but like anything else there are things you should know going in.
Choosing a Topic
The topic has to come first, as it will determine a lot about how you produce your show. Choose a topic you’re passionate about, one that will keep you and your audience interested for years.
Cameras
You can shoot a good quality podcast on a fairly inexpensive camera like the Kodak Zi8. If you are ready to move up, consider something like the Canon Vixia HFS20. Whatever you choose, make sure it has an external mic jack!
Mics and Lights
You definitely want to use an external mic. Depending on your topic and style you’ll have to choose between wired and wireless mics. If you go wireless, go with a Sennheiser. If your budget is tight, you can make cheap work lights function as studio lights. Shooting outside might be an option for you, too!
QNAP has donated a 
Belkin has donated a new WiFi router for every participant! You can use it to get your QNAP NAS online!
ProPrompter is donating an 
Cali,
Love the show and your infectious enthusiasm!
Quick question if you’ve a moment – for someone planning to start a regular video blog, have you any advice / or a view on how ‘professional’ it needs to be? i.e. home based flip camera verses a more studio like style approach that’s properly branded. I know it depends on the target audience and subject, but just weary that more and more video casts are becoming much more slick. Any thoughts welcomed,
Sital
I am a telecom systems designer/installer & get calls all the time on how to make the best out of their small business phone, voice mail, & data network systems. A podcast show may be the best way to covey *simple* tips & tricks to solve basic problems which arise in day to day operations. First getting requests via e-mail, twitter & facebook pages, as well as show notes. I would not be able to divulge manufacturer’s programming procedures, but tweaking already installed & programmed equipment, as well as simple processes like speed dials, time settings, voice mail box additions & changes would be fully addressed. The question I have Cali, is there a way to perform a test or pilot show before diving into a plethora of studio equipment purchases? “B”
Hi Cali,
Thanks for your great podcast. You might also want to mention the panasonic HDC-TM700 series. It is true 1080 60P, slightly cheaper than the Canon and in many specs, outperforms the Canon that you mentioned. I just started my TrainTalk.TV podcast a couple of months ago and use it for all my current footage. I am a total novice, but love the Panasonic, and my partner who owns the Canon, seem to like the Panasonic better as well. Keep up the great work!
Thanks,
Neil
Hi Cali,
yeah, we are just at the beginning with our episode #17 of http://www.JazzrockTV.de . But we trust in future, like you did years ago ….
Kind regards
Georg