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Common Video Editing Accessories

For Editing Your Microscope Surgical, Clinical or Research Video

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External Hard Drives

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External Hard Drive with USB connection

4K & HD video files are LARGE. External hard drives give you more storage space in addition to your computer's storage to keep copies of your high-res videos and projects.

​What to look for?

• HDD vs SSD?
  • HDD have moving parts, but are cheaper and may not last as long
  • ​SSD have no moving parts, so are faster and more durable - though they typically are more expensive. SSD are worth the investment.
• Storage: Get at least 1TB of storage space
• Speeds: Data has to travel back and forth from your external hard drive to your computer so choose the fastest transfer speeds - USB 3.0 or higher
• Portable or Desktop? Portable drives are usually powered by your computer and easily carried around. Desktop drives typically plugin to an external power source and stay on your desk. Both are great, choose what fits your lifestyle best

Learn More:
​SSD vs HDD What's the Difference? »

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​​✔ Good

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Type: Solid State Drive (SSD)
Storage:  1TB
Speed: USB 3.0 @5Gbit/sec

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✔✔ Better

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Type: ​​Solid State Drive (SSD)
Storage: 2TB to 4TB
Speed: USB 3.1+ @​10-20Gbit/sec

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SSD vs HDD. What's the difference?

External Monitors & Displays

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Whether you have a desktop or laptop, you'll want a 4K monitor to playback and edit your 4K microscope video. With the right cable connections these monitors can help you see all the important details of your surgical or research procedure video.

What to look for?
Consider the max resolution your computer or monitor can output and make sure you have cables that can transfer it. Also consider your screen size and distance from your monitor. Check out the formula in the article below:

Learn More:
​Consider Resolution vs. Screen Size vs. Viewing Distance »

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​✔ Good

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Screen: 
25 inch, 2560 x 1440px (QHD) resolution
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​Cable:
​​​HDMI 2.0 or Displayport

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✔✔ Better

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Screen:
27+ inch, 3840 x 2160 (4K) resolution

Cable:
HDMI 2.0+ or USB-C

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How much resolution can I even see?

Cables & Adapters

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USB 3 connectors are signified by BLUE plugs & ports

Wireless connections are popular and very convenient, but a wired connection is still the best and most reliable connection you can have.

What to look for?

• Will the plugs fit in your computer/monitor? Or will you need an adapter? USB & HDMI are two of most common types.
  • USB being commonly used with external hard drives
  • HDMI used with external monitors (it can also transmit audio).​
• How fast will data transfer? With 4K & HD video, you want fast speeds. USB 3 & HDMI interfaces will give you fast transfer rates, see the chart below.

Learn More: 

• USB 2.0 vs 3.0 what's the difference? »​
• HDMI Explained »

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✔ Good

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For Ext. Hard Drives: USB 3.0 plug with transfer rates @5Gbit/s
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​​For Ext. Monitors: HDMI 2.0 or USB-C

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✔✔ Better

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For Ext. Hard Drives: USB 3.1/3.2 plug with transfer rates @10-20Gbit/s

For Ext. Monitors: HDMI 2.1 or USB-C

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USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0, what's the difference?

How much resolution can HDMI handle?

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Audio Recording | Microphones

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Condenser microphone

Lavalier Microphone

Narration or audio notes add tremendous teaching benefits to your video presentations. Record and narrate your surgical or research procedures and take teaching to the next level with some of the following ways to record audio:

• Use your smartphone audio recording app.
  • TIP: Many headphones have a built in mic which you may be able to use to record your voice
• Condenser microphone that plugs into your phone or computer
• Lavalier Microphone that plugs into your phone or computer

What to look for?
Look for a mic that fits your goals. You probably don't need a professional podcasting microphone... unless your goals say you do :)

​Learn More:

• What is a Condenser Mic? »
• What is a Lavalier Mic? »

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​​✔ Good

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Recorder: Use a recording app on your smartphone or computer to capture audio

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✔✔ Better

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Recorder: ​USB Condenser Mics or Lavalier Mics plug into your computer or phone for higher quality audio

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What is a condenser mic?

What is a lavalier mic?

Learn Video Editing from a PRO with ​MICROCAST PRODUCER

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Related Multimedia Resources

• ​5 Specs for a Video Editing Computer »
• 6 Questions for Choosing Video Editing Software »
• Microscopy Video Editing Terms Glossary »

Learn Video Editing with PRODUCER

*This page is for informational purposes only, it is not an endorsement of any specific company, product, or service.