Overall Rating: SWEET

SUMMARY: Game changing screen and video recording software for MAC OS 10.5 and above. ScreenFlow lets you create polished screencasts for most training and product demos, without ever leaving the application.

TARGET APPS
Product demos, hardware and software training, video podcasts

WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$99.99 MSRP (electronic download from varasoftware.com)

WHAT’S COOL
Video recording capabilities and built-in editor let you create complete training and product demos using one application

WHAT’S MISSING
Basic titling, beginning and end-of-clip transitions; an option for separate video and audio tracks when recording from a video source; ability to pan mono audio recordings to center; option to highlight any window from Callout Actions; additional camera support (HDV, DVCPRO HD, XDCAM EX & AVCHD codecs)

Specs

Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 or greater
G4 or Intel-based CPU (Core 2 Duo recommended)
Quartz Extreme capable graphics card
A supported, programmable GPU required for certain effects and functionality.

Smart Advice

• Remember, you can also capture video using ScreenFlow. Consider using a DV camera (which will give you much more control over your idea), a simple backdrop and a light or two to up the overall production value.
• Use a USB microphone with your computer or a boom or lavalier mic through your DV camera. This will result in much better audio in your screencasts.

Jem Schofield is a producer, creative director and author who consults on and teaches production and post-production solutions throughout the United States. His company, Buttons Productions, produces commercial video, print, motion graphics and DVD projects. Jem is an Apple Master Trainer and co-author of the Apple Pro Training Series books: Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Pro and QuickTime Pro Quick-Reference Guide and a contributing writer of the the Apple Pro Training Series book: DVD Studio Pro 4, 2nd Edition.