I want to start making Machinima for Halo 3. So what all do I need? Info on...

[Kori R]

...capture cards etc would be nice.? I know a bit about what I need but not the details or the prices.

First I know I need an external capture card, but I do not know how much they cost or were to find them. If you know of a decently cheap one please tell me.

Second I know I need some kind of mic. I dont know where to get one or of a good one that will eliminate background noice. Info on that would be nice too.

Third memory. I dont think my computer has enough memory for this kind of stuff. So if you know of any memory devices that are cheap that would be nice.

I do have movie maker which will be nice to begin with.
I have a budget of about 300 buck for right this second.
Also if you know of any other things I will need please tell me.
Even if its cords. If you do this I will be awesomly greatful.

 

[Tommy J]

Okay lets get started:

For capture card your going to need a Dazzle. You can get a Dazzle DVD Recorder for around 60 bucks and a Dazzle Platinum for around 100 bucks. The Platinum takes better quality and is more compatible. If you have Vista you need to get the Platinum. If you have XP you can get whatever you want. Also with the dazzle your going to need dual ended rca cables. These are cables with the default yellow, white, and red on both sides. Your also going to need 3 Y splitters. Y splitters will change 1 yellow, white, or red input into 2. If you have a tv with in and out plugs you wont need y splitters.
Here's a site that shows you how to set one up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwFFYTOdjIM

The link also shows where you can get dazzles.

2. For a mic I would use pretty much anything from Logitech as long as it's not a cheap 10 dollar mic. One around 30-50 should be perfect.

3. You will probably need to add 2 types of memory: RAM and hard drive memory. To see how much RAM you have in your computer search Crucial on google and hit scan my computer and it will let you know how much ram you have. it will also let you know what type of RAM you have, since all RAM isn't compatible. To add RAM, open up your computer (usually somewhere on the side to do it, make sure your computer is off and all the plugs are out) DON'T undo any screws that's the wrong spot. Look for slots on your mother board and you should see places with 2 white slots. Once you buy RAM undo the 2 white clips and snap your new RAM in. Make sure you put it in hard enough that the white clips snap back into place but dont break anything.

For hard drive I dont know much about installing internal memory but there is always external devices you could use. Staples, Future Shop, and Best Buy would carry these. You just plug them in like a usb flash drive add your stuff into them and there portable.

For editing software you don't need anything fancy if you just plan to add the clips together and do light editing. Windows movie maker should be fine. For more fancy editing you could use Adobe After Effects or Sony Vegas but both these are expensive alternatives.

After all this is done install the stuff and your ready to go.

If you are using Vista your are going to need to search for tutorials on the internet for installing dazzles, because Vista has had lots of trouble with them

Sorry I couldn't help much with memory but I wish you the best of luck.