Help me get started on Let's Play videos

[TurboJ]

I want to start recording my first Let's Play videos for YouTube today if possible, and
I'm wondering which recording software I should use.

I need a recording software that is free to use, that has no video lenght or file size limit, and that will allow me to record audio from both the game and my mic simultaneously.

I already have FRAPS which supposedly fulfills those requirements, but can be bad on frame rates. I'm going to do XCom:Enemy Within and have a pretty good rig so frame rate issues shouldn't be too bad in this case, but they may be on another games. So maybe I should start with Fraps, or already start with some software that is better for more graphically demanding games?

I also could use Nvidia Shadowplay, but there is a limit for file sizes I understand. I need to be able to record at least 45 minutes at a time.

Also, if I use the program you recommend, will I be able to edit the sound channels separately so that I can set the video sound volume separately for mic and in-game audio afterwards when the video is already recorded?

One more question regarding mics; I'm not after studio quality sound, I just want something cheap and easy, and I tend to move around a bit when I play, so a headset mic or one that can be attached to my current headset would be nice. But how does the mic connect to the PC on a headset combo unit? I have never had a headset that has an in-built mic so I don't know.

Also, are there any other special considerations on how to record the video/audio when releasing them on Youtube?

 

[pigpottomus]

You can use Shadowplay for Nvidia cards? I've used it, and it isn't that bad compared to Fraps, i personally prefer shadowplay over fraps.. Takes less space for videos and also doesn't really affect performance that much either.

 

[Jart]

You should really consider to start saving up for audio. If you want viewers no one wants to tolerate poor audio for 30 minutes. At a very very minimum you would want a decent sounding headset like the turtle beach PX21. That headset can get you through gaming and it is OK audio for play-throughs but if you want to sound good and not pop every p and t get up to about a $100 dollar range. Look at something like the blue yeti microphone.

You are also going to want some editing software both for audio and video. "Live" does not make great viewing unless you are sitting in the room with friends.

 

[pigpottomus]

You should really consider to start saving up for audio. If you want viewers no one wants to tolerate poor audio for 30 minutes. At a very very minimum you would want a decent sounding headset like the turtle beach PX21. That headset can get you through gaming and it is OK audio for play-throughs but if you want to sound good and not pop every p and t get up to about a $100 dollar range. Look at something like the blue yeti microphone.

You are also going to want some editing software both for audio and video. "Live" does not make great viewing unless you are sitting in the room with friends.

+1 Agreed, you would want your audio to be good. The Blue Yeti is also very good, If you look around on the web, you can find one for around 50 bucks.