What do you do if you want to stay cutting-edge in video technology without sacrificing practicality?

1 Know your goals

Before you invest in any new video technology, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with it. Are you looking for better performance, more creative options, or easier workflows? Do you need to meet specific standards, formats, or requirements? How will the new technology fit into your existing setup and budget? By defining your goals, you can narrow down your choices and avoid unnecessary or incompatible purchases.

2 Do your research

Once you have your goals in mind, you need to do some research to find out what video technology is available and suitable for your needs. You can use various sources, such as online reviews, forums, blogs, podcasts, magazines, and newsletters, to learn about the latest developments, features, and benefits of different video products and services. You can also look for demos, tutorials, and case studies to see how others are using them and what results they are getting.

3 Test before you buy

One of the best ways to ensure that you are getting the most out of your video technology is to test it before you buy it. You can do this by taking advantage of free trials, rentals, or borrowings, or by visiting showrooms, workshops, or events where you can try out the equipment or software firsthand. This will help you to assess the quality, usability, and compatibility of the video technology, as well as to compare it with other options and alternatives.

4 Keep learning

Another key factor to stay cutting-edge in video technology is to keep learning and updating your skills and knowledge. You can do this by taking online courses, watching videos, reading books, or joining communities and networks related to video production and editing. You can also seek feedback, advice, and mentorship from more experienced or expert peers or professionals who can help you improve your techniques and practices.

5 Be selective

While it can be tempting to follow every new trend and innovation in video technology, you need to be selective and strategic about what you adopt and use. You don't want to waste time, money, or resources on something that doesn't suit your needs, goals, or style, or that becomes obsolete or irrelevant soon after. You also don't want to overload yourself with too many tools or options that can distract you from your core purpose and vision. Instead, you want to focus on the video technology that adds value, quality, and efficiency to your work.

6 Be flexible

Finally, you need to be flexible and adaptable to the changing landscape of video technology. You need to be open to new ideas, opportunities, and challenges that may arise from the introduction or advancement of video technology. You need to be willing to experiment, learn, and adjust your methods and processes accordingly. You also need to be prepared to switch or upgrade your video technology when necessary or beneficial, without being too attached or resistant to change.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?