I want to do a Let's Play. What do I need?

[Necromancist]

I do know I need a functioning mic and such (I can take care of that on my own), but I'm wondering what kind of capturing and video editing software I should use. If you know of any good, free software to use for either purpose (no trial versions, please), I'd be grateful for suggestions. I'd also be willing to take a look at stuff I have to pay for, though I probably won't use that if I can find at least a nearly-as-good free alternative.

Also, if anyone of you have any general advice on LP's (microphone configuration/position, video length, places to post it other than Youtube, etc) that'd be great. Thanks in advance!

 

[Fawcks]

I'm assuming it's PC?

I've heard things about Frags that're good... It's not... Free, per se, outside of... Certain circles.

EDIT: lol, yes, FRAPS. My bad.

 

[Wolfram23]

If you're playing on a PC, FRAPS is a good program to record with. And for editing I've used the free Windows Movie Maker (or Windows Live Movie Maker if you have Win 7) and it's good although I haven't figured out how to record a voice over in it yet (wierd).

 

[LWS666]

you need to make sure your balls have dropped.

 

[Smooth Operator]

For video capture you got 2 choices, software or hardware, software such as FRAPS makes it extremely easy to record but you better have one beastly machine to keep up a good framerate, or hardware capture cards, a bit extra of cash and hassle but recording will go smooth because it's no pressure on your rig, and you can also use them for consoles.

For audio capture use any random open source audio editor, Audacity is a pretty nifty one, and yes you will also need to do audio editing.

For video editing sniff around and find something good(no shortage of choice out there), most of your time doing LP's will be editing so be sure to have good software before you end up in a padded cell, something like that god awful MS default sh*t is a one way ticket to looney town.

 

[Necromancist]

Allright people, thanks for all the help. I do use Procaster to put some Oblivion sessions on Livestream for some friends, without any kind of noticeable performance drop. Is FRAPS much harder on my computer? I'm assuming it is, but just wondering.

 

[moretimethansense]

I do know I need a functioning mic and such (I can take care of that on my own), but I'm wondering what kind of capturing and video editing software I should use. If you know of any good, free software to use for either purpose (no trial versions, please), I'd be grateful for suggestions. I'd also be willing to take a look at stuff I have to pay for, though I probably won't use that if I can find at least a nearly-as-good free alternative.

Also, if anyone of you have any general advice on LP's (microphone configuration/position, video length, places to post it other than Youtube, etc) that'd be great. Thanks in advance!

Technically you don't need a mike, there are quite a few really good let's plays that are text with screen shots, though tyhose tend to border on fanfic territory a bit.

But If you insist on a vid, you'll need a sharp wit, a good voice and possibly a script depending on how good you are at off the cuff responces, check out a few LPs to get a feel for what you'd like to do and what you'd like to avoid.