iPhone Video for Song Ideas

[Twanginator]

A friend of mine played me a song idea today he recorded using the video cam on his iPhone. I don't have an iPhone and I don't really see the need for one, but it made me think about keeping a cheap video device handy for recording those moments of inspiration.

I've been thinking about buying a looper pedal for this purpose (capturing song ideas). A looper is good for this as well as many other things, so I'll probably get one anyway. But the cheapo video cam idea is great because you can see what you are playing while you're hearing it. You could also you use it to document your amp/pedal settings for songs. Ever dial in a great sound and then forgot how you did it?

Anyone doing this already or have some suggestions for quick video recordings?

I know this may be an obvious solution for those of you who have video capable phones, but it was an eye opener for me--one of those moments where you think, "Why didn't I think of this?"

[jjh37854]

been considering one of these

http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/q3hd/

[Twanginator]

Wow, that is amazing! Looks like it has about everything you could want. I was thinking more along the lines of the $50 flip cams (for my noodling ideas) but this Zoom has a lot of nice features. Thanks.

[FirstBassman]

Well, it all depends on what you want.

If you just want to audio record song ideas, there are a bunch of digital audio recorders.
I, and many others here, have and love the Zoom H2.

I use it for song ideas, to record lessons, etc.

If you want to video record a song idea (not really sure why one needs to do that) then sure a Flip (while Cisco is still selling them) or the linked Zoom would be fine.

[Twanginator]

Thanks. I think you're right, the Flip is a good suggestion. I see refurbished ones going very cheap. They are simple and more than adequate for this task.

The reason I like the video idea is sometimes I stumble upon unusual chords or combinations of chords along with odd rhythm patterns and I have no easy way of documenting what I am doing. I agree that an audio recording is good enough most of the time, but since video cams are so cheap and many people have them built into their cell phones anyway, why not grab a video instead? I think it's a great tool for writing.

[woodman]

Originally Posted by Twanginator

Thanks. I think you're right, the Flip is a good suggestion. I see refurbished ones going very cheap. They are simple and more than adequate for this task.

The reason I like the video idea is sometimes I stumble upon unusual chords or combinations of chords along with odd rhythm patterns and I have no easy way of documenting what I am doing. I agree that an audio recording is good enough most of the time, but since video cams are so cheap and many people have them built into their cell phones anyway, why not grab a video instead? I think it's a great tool for writing.

Not to mention the odd YouTube when you get yer mojo workin'.

[Geoff738]

Originally Posted by Twanginator

Thanks. I think you're right, the Flip is a good suggestion. I see refurbished ones going very cheap. They are simple and more than adequate for this task.

The reason I like the video idea is sometimes I stumble upon unusual chords or combinations of chords along with odd rhythm patterns and I have no easy way of documenting what I am doing. I agree that an audio recording is good enough most of the time, but since video cams are so cheap and many people have them built into their cell phones anyway, why not grab a video instead? I think it's a great tool for writing.

The video sounds like a great idea.

Whenever I use a "weird" chord, I always play it, then either say the notes (or frets) and play the chord really slowly. Cuz, like, I'm gonna remember.

Cheers,
Geoff