Clip
Also known as: video clip, shot, take
A single piece of video, from one press of record to the stop, or a section of it placed on an editing timeline. Edits are built from many clips.
Updated
What it means
A clip is the basic unit of video. On the camera, each recording becomes a clip, sometimes split into several chapter files for long takes. In editing, a clip is any section of footage placed on the timeline, usually trimmed from a longer source recording.
Editors also speak of shots and takes. A shot is one continuous camera view, a take is one attempt at a shot, and a clip is the file or timeline piece that holds it. In action filming, one clip may contain many shots if the camera kept rolling all day.
Organizing clips well is half the work of editing, especially after a multi-day trip.
How it works in practice
Record shorter clips when possible. Starting and stopping for each run or attempt leaves you with a manageable library where each clip has a clear purpose. Name or tag clips by location or day, or let date metadata keep them in order.
In the edit, use only the best seconds of each clip. Action highlights often use clips of one to four seconds, cut at the moment of action, so long clips become many small pieces.
Keep the original clips as masters and edit copies or references, so you can always go back to the full recording.
What to watch out for
Hour-long clips are hard to scrub through and slow down editing apps. Splitting them, or using a tool that finds the action automatically, saves time and keeps the editing app responsive.
Deleting clips from the card before backing up loses footage permanently. Copy everything first, then sort, and keep a second backup on another drive until the edit is finished.
Clips from different cameras may have different frame rates, color and audio levels, which makes them look mismatched when cut together. Plan settings before shooting, and match them in the edit.
How RawClip handles it
Upload all your clips, long or short, from every camera in one order. RawClip analyzes each one, keeps the moments with real action, trims away the rest and builds them into one highlight.