Rating:

In a hurry?  Recommendation   

MORE OPTIONS
If you have SnagIt and you want more creative editing options, click the SnagIT button to have the image open in the editor automatically. When I export a still capture to SnagIt and make some editing changes, there's no output in SnagIt to send the edited image back to Jing (and there is no Jing output download on SnagIt's website).

However, if you're so inclined, you can download a Screencast.com output from SnagIt's site, install it, and send your Jing capture to Screencast via SnagIt. Though this can be done and it works, the whole point of Jing--instant sharing--is lost. I'd like to see TechSmith offer an output from SnagIt to Jing. I'd have the ability to edit in SnagIt, but all my Jing captures would be housed in my Jing history.

If you choose to create a video, you're limited to five minutes. After you set your capture area, click the film strip icon from the menu bar. If you want to narrate the video, ensure that the microphone icon is active (if inactive there's an X through it). Jing only allows input from a microphone; it will not record sound from a computer's speakers natively (there is a workaround posted on Jing's site).

I used a USB headset and the narration sounded clear on playback. Jing does not include any video editing tools so be aware of the mic's position, which affects vocal intensity and clarity. And unless you're comfortable chatting into a microphone it may be wise to jot down some talking notes. Since the videos must be short, pauses and vocal flubs can't be edited out of the recording.

Jing offers a menu of simple video control: play, pause, mic (on or off), restart, and delete. When you stop the video, Jing produces it as a SWF file. You have immediate access to the same sharing menu as when you take a still capture. As stated earlier, you can produce a video in MPEG-4 format for high definition with Jing Pro.

If you want fuller, richer sound quality and the ability correct any sound flaws, you can export your Jing video into Camtasia Studio. Export your Jing clips to the Camtasia clip bin, drag them to the timeline, stitch the clips together, add narration or background sound, edit for polish, and produce your video.

The obvious question begs to be asked. Why use Jing if you're invested in Camtasia and you're exporting video to it?

Use your Jing captures to spark ideas, encourage creativity and visual brainstorming. If working on a product design, for example, integrate Jing captures into a more formal Camtasia presentation that shows ideas at different points in the development cycle. But keep in mind, Jing is meant to augment online communication on-the-fly. Camtasia is a full-featured screen recording and editing application that can handle fairly complex projects.

Since Jing is a work-in-progress, spend some time on the Jing Project site. In the Help center there are many videos that show you how to use Jing, customer success stories, downloadable tutorials in PDF format, and even some tricks.

Recommendation
I recommend the Jing application because it uses very few system resources, works as advertised, and is easy to configure. It should be a welcomed addition to your online conversations.

Navigate to the Jing blog to find out what's on the development horizon, learn about a workaround for a pesky problem, and offer your own tips and success stories. The Jing team reads everything!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

JING, PART 3 Rating