Recording video with sound from a computer screen: an overview of the software. Recording video with sound from a computer screen: software overview Copying a computer screen program

Hello beginner youtubers. In the last article, we understood, and also slightly touched on this type of videos as screencasts. This is nothing more than capturing video from your monitor screen.

With the help of such screencasts, you can easily and clearly explain anything you want to your subscribers with the help of training videos, presentations and more. In this article, we have collected the best screen recording software for you.

Interface: Russian

In order to download it for free, you need to enter your email address on the website, to which you will receive a license key. The program writes to AVI.

Filming you on a webcam along with screen capture (picture in picture).
Sound recording.
Built-in internal editor.

Interface: english

Simple and easy to use, it saves in AVI, MP4 and SWF.

Insert effects (annotations, time, watermarks).
Records sound (programs on a computer or from a microphone).
Picture-in-picture.
On / off cursor and effects for it.

Interface: english

A program that writes to formats: AVI, WMV, FLV, MPG, MP4, MOV, etc. Versions for Windows and Mac OS X.

Filming from a computer screen, webcam or other device.
Highlighting the mouse cursor.
Writes audio.
Capturing from the screen and webcam.
Adding text, captions and more to the video.

Interface: Russian

Convenient minimalistic interface. Captures and saves to MP4.

Writes sound.
Display the mouse cursor.
Knows how to make screenshots.

Interface: Russian

The program has a nice intuitive interface and is very easy to use. The video recorded in it has no watermarks, it saves in the WMV format.

Voice recording from a microphone.
Mouse cursor highlight and click sound.
Built-in audio and video editor to help remove unwanted parts and remove background noise.
Save to your computer or immediately upload it to YouTube in one click.

Interface: Russian

Simple interface, screenshots and video capture. Supports various extensions: MP4, MKV, MOV, WMV, FLV, AVI, TS, etc.

Records sounds (system and microphone).
Suitable for games.
Display the mouse cursor.
Taking screenshots.
Simultaneous capture from two monitors.

Interface: Russian

Writes to FLV, MP4, MOV, MKV, TS. OS: Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.

Writes audio.
Filming from a webcam.
Streaming.
You can shoot the passage of games.

Paid

An unregistered person puts a watermark. Writes in AVI and MP4 formats.

Audio recording.
Suitable for gameplay.
Allows you to make streams (online broadcasts).
Picture-in-picture.
Automatic removal of the background in the picture from the webcam.
Takes screenshots.
Using or not using a cursor.
Visualization of mouse clicks.

In addition to recording video, he can take screenshots and recognize text from photos or from PDF files. Supports 4K resolution.

Picture-in-picture.
Writes audio.
Displaying mouse clicks.
Magnification to highlight details.
Screenshoter with a graphics editor.
Optical character recognition.

Interface: Russian; $ 39

The demo puts its logo on the captured videos and limits them to 10 minutes in length. Supports formats: AVI, MP4.

Suitable for capturing from games.
Creation of files of minimal weight without loss of quality.
Video has no limits (record until you run out of space on your laptop).
Taking screenshots.

Interface: English; 30 days trial, then $ 199

It is very popular and has a wide range of possibilities. The trial version puts its own watermarks. There is a version not only for Windows, but also for Mac OS X.

Simultaneous filming from webcam and screen.
Video editor.
Record sound from a computer, microphone or overlay any audio file.
Support for many formats: AVI, SWF, FLV, MOV, WMV, RM, GIF, CAMV.
Mouse cursor selection, visualization of clicks and callouts with keystrokes.

Interface: English; 30 days trial, then $ 19.95

This lightweight program can not only edit them, but also record the screen in WMV video.

Audio recording.
Highlighting cursor and mouse clicks.

Fraps

Interface: English; $ 37

The utility is designed for taking pictures from the screen and calculating the frame rate (FPS). It will not work to record your desktop, since Fraps is sharpened to capture from games. In the demo, the video is a maximum of 30 seconds long and is watermarked, so you need to purchase the full version. Writes to AVI.

Sound recording.
Selecting the number of frames.
Takes screenshots.
Sharpened for 3D applications.

An unregistered person puts a watermark. Writes in formats: AVI, WMV, ASF, MP4.
There is also portable version, - when the program is installed on a USB flash drive and can remove the screen on other PCs.

Built-in editor (cutting, gluing).
Sound recording.

Interface: Russian;594 r

The demo has a time limit of 10 minutes. and output video format WEBM. In paid, this limitation has been removed and MKV, MP4 have been added. Versions for Windows and Mac OS X.

Screenshoter.
Filming from webcam with screen capture.
Installation of your own watermark.
Painting.

In the trial, a watermark will be applied to the captured video, and its maximum length is limited to 2 minutes. Saves in many popular formats: AVI, MKV, MOV, FLV, WMV, MP3, MP4, etc. OS: Windows and Mac OS X.

Audio recording.
Displays mouse and keyboard actions.
Takes screenshots.

Interface: English; 15 days trial, then $ 49.95

Creates screenshots and captures user actions on video. OS: Windows and Mac OS X.

Switch between webcam and screen while shooting.

Interface: English; $ 49.95

Saves to AVI. The free version puts its own watermark on the video and every time you click on the "Record" button, it offers to purchase the full one.

Creation of screenshots.
Writes with sound only from the microphone.

Interface: Russian; demo, PRO version RUB 950

Writes to UVF and EXE (AVI, SWF, FLV and GIF - in PRO version). Also knows how to make screenshots.

Overlay sound (from a microphone or from a file).
Display the mouse cursor and keystrokes.
Record 3D games.
Built-in video editor.
Screenshoter.
Drawing on the screen (PRO).
Add text, callouts, arrows, clickable button frames, and more (PRO).

Interface: Russian; $ 39

The free version is watermarked and limited to 10 minutes. Writes to AVI, MP4, FLV, MP3, WAV.

Writes audio.
Filming from the camera.
Suitable for games.
Display the mouse cursor.
Streaming.
Screenshots.

For ourselves from this list, we chose the free OBS program. It suits us. How to understand its settings has already been discussed. But all people are different and to some it may not seem so good or too complicated. So, nothing better than enumerating applications and trying them in action has not yet been invented. And you will definitely find your ideal program.

In the comments, additions are welcome, and also write which program you chose and why. I wish you all success. Don't forget to subscribe to blog news.

Programs for capturing area of the screen, editing and printing images

↓ New in the "Screen Capture" category:

Free of charge
ABBYY Screenshot Reader 9.0 is a handy and simple application for creating screenshots from any part of the screen. ABBYY Screenshot Reader will help you save an image from the entire screen, the window of a running application, or even a manually selected area.

Free of charge
SuperScreen 1.0 is a program designed to take screenshots from the monitor screen. The SuperScreen program allows you to take a screenshot: from the entire screen, from the active program window or a selected area on the screen.

Free of charge
SnagIt 10.0.2 is a program for easily taking screenshots from the screen. In addition, the SnagIt program has the ability to take not only ordinary screenshots, but also create video clips that reflect everything that happens on the monitor screen.

Free of charge
Screenshot Maker 7.12 beta is a powerful program that will take screenshots of the entire screen or its active window, and then save them in bmp, jpg or gif formats in the folder you specify. Screenshot Maker creates screenshots using hot keys.

Free of charge
Screenshot Creator 2.0 is a free screen capture program that is as powerful as many of its paid counterparts. Screenshot Creator allows you to create screenshots of the entire screen, or the active window, and the area of the screen specified manually.

Free of charge
I-Screenshot 3.0.0.3PR is a program that allows you to create a screenshot (screenshot, including using the Print Screen key) of a website or video device by simply pressing a key. The I-Screenshot program, if desired, can publish the captured images on an FTP server on the Internet or use services such as TestIP.RU and ImageShack.

Free of charge
HyperSnap 7.13.04 EN / 7.13.04 RU is a handy image capture tool that allows you to copy even games, videos and screensavers, and not just windows from standard programs. HyperSnap-DX has the ability to take screenshots of the entire screen, part of it, or a window of a specific program.

Free of charge
Fresh View 8.36 is a versatile multimedia viewer and converter. Fresh View will allow you to view graphic files or play audio and video files in various formats. This version supports about 90 different formats and the number of formats supported by the program is constantly increasing.

Free of charge
Free Screen Video Recorder 2.5.20 is a powerful program for capturing images and recording video from the monitor. The Free Screen Video Recorder program will allow you to easily record videos of various actions performed on your screen, as well as take screenshots from the full screen, individual objects, open windows, menus and more.

Free of charge
D3DGear 4.13 Build 1389 is a program that has the ability to change the number of frames per second (FPS) and display the indicator in game 3D applications on the monitor. D3DGear can be used as a capture tool, it allows you to take screenshots and save them in the most popular graphic formats (PPM, BMP, PNG, TGA, JPG or HDR).

Free of charge
ScreenShot 3.1 will help you to take a screenshot or record video directly from the monitor screen for free and quickly. ScreenShot can assign hotkeys for actions such as starting video recording, taking a snapshot, or ending recording.

Free of charge
Fraps 3.4.7 will help you calculate the number of FPS (frames per second) in applications that operate in OpenGL or Direct3D mode. Fraps can also take screenshots and record videos with images taken from the screen.

The easiest way to save information from the Desktop, from the application, is to take a screenshot. The scope of application of screenshots is much wider than it might seem at first glance: these are all kinds of instructions, documentation, notes on the site, operational assistance to colleagues and friends, reports.

To obtain a full-screen screenshot (that is, to place it on the clipboard), use the Print Screen key, the Alt + Print Screen combination is used to capture the window of the active application. In the future, the intermediate image can be easily transferred to a graphics editor and saved in one of the available formats.

For all the seemingly convenience of such a step-by-step method, its drawbacks are obvious - especially if the user needs not only to fix the screen, but also to arrange the file properly: add annotations, cut out a fragment, change the scale.

Screen capture programs are used to solve such problems. Two of their main advantages can be distinguished: speed and ease of use. Programs usually combine screen capture tools and a graphics editor for processing screenshots.

The first part of the guide will cover the following applications:

FastStone Capture
HyperSnap
Snagit
LightShot
Screen Capture
Greenshot

It is worth noting that some of the reviewers optionally allow recording audio and video, but this topic will be covered in the second part of the guide. Here, attention will be focused on the specified components of each of the programs:

Screen Capture: Region Selection, Screenshot Modes
Interface: ease of access to functions, customization of the manager to the needs of the user
Editor: basic features, available tools, file saving formats, export
Integration with programs and services.

Scissors program

Getting started with the overview, you need to briefly list the features of the "Scissors" program included in Windows Vista and the latest versions of Microsoft OS.

Screen capture is possible in one of the modes: "freeform", "rectangle", "window" and "full screen". It is convenient to use the Ctrl + PrtScrn key combination to select a region. The image is passed to the markup window, and tools such as the pen, marker and eraser are available here - similar to the Paint editor. It is easy to add (more precisely, to draw) a note to the image, and in the case of HTML, specify the URL of the saved page. At the final stage, the screenshot can be saved in one of the formats (PNG, GIF or JPEG) and sent by e-mail.

Thus, Windows has some basic set for taking screenshots. Unfortunately, batch processing and even simple editing is almost impossible. At least in "Scissors" you cannot crop the image or enter a comment. All these are additional arguments in the direction of alternative solutions.

FastStone Capture

FastStone Capture is a program for creating screenshots of individual applications, regions, objects, pages. Built-in tools allow you to add effects, annotations, change image parameters. Files can be saved in BMP, GIF, JPEG, PCX, PNG, TGA, TIFF and PDF. Video recording in WMV format is also supported.

Basic tools related to shooting are available in the Farstone Capture Panel. Here you can choose from the following modes: active window, window or object, region, free region, full screen, fixed or scrolling region. The Autocaption option allows you to automatically add system information, date to the image. In the next group of Destination settings, you can specify where the image will be sent: to the editor, clipboard, to email, to office applications, etc.

The main settings are located in the Settings section. It is useful to familiarize yourself with them before taking pictures. Additional buttons can be added through the Toolbar section, capture settings are concentrated in Capture. Hotkeys are defined in the Hotkeys tab. The file name is compiled using a mask that can be specified in the File Name section.

By default, the screenshot is passed to the editor window. Using the available tools, you can add a signature, a watermark, crop, rotate a screenshot, apply anti-aliasing or sharpening effects to an image. For drawing, the built-in FastStone Draw editor is used, which opens in a new window. Such an organization in FastStone Capture cannot be called a convenient solution: when working with several images, you have to constantly switch between windows.

The File menu contains commands for saving and sending images directly to Word, Excel, PowerPoint applications, via FTP. There are settings for each of the graphic formats.

The second important component of FastStone Capture, which goes "in the appendage" - video capture. However, in the role of a video camera, the program is not so remarkable, offering a modest set of options and the only possible save format - WMV. The general settings of the program are not relevant to video recording, the Miscellaneous tab is reserved for them, plus the Options section, available through the Screen Recorder window. There are four recording modes: window or object, area, full-screen format and full-screen without the taskbar.

Summary

FastStone Capture is handy for screen capturing, not least because of the capture modes. The editing possibilities are also pleasing - the graphical editor contains the necessary tools. There are many settings that allow you to flexibly customize FastStone Capture for your own tasks.

[+] Save and export functions
[+] Wide range of shooting modes
[+] Additional tools
[-] Inconvenient window organization

HyperSnap

HyperSnap - a program with more than ten years of experience - is used for broad purposes: to capture screenshots (windows, individual regions), text (dialog boxes, pages), video recording. Allows you to annotate, edit images using the editor, save them in one of the many available formats.

Unlike FarStone, all HyperSnap modules are collected in a single window, and the tools are divided into tabs and are available through the ribbon-ribbon. An additional "plus" of this solution is that you can work with multiple images at the same time, switching between windows or thumbnails. On the whole, thanks to the View menu section, the interface lends itself to careful customization, and this compensates for some "archaism" of the program.

Actually, to capture the screen, you need to go to the Capture tab. More options than FastStone Capture or any of the other programs below (except Snagit). In addition to the most obvious options, there is the possibility of shooting a virtual desktop, multiple monitors, region and full scrolling window, buttons, cursor, etc.

The editor tools are split into two tabs - Edit and Image. In Edit, you can find drawing tools, including drawing shapes, adding notes. The Image section is intended for image processing: cropping, rotating, applying effects.

Capturing plain and formatted text (TextSnap tab) is curious, but you need to keep in mind the limited use of the function. Developers are no longer involved in its development - as a result, in Java, .NET, "native" (native) Windows 8 applications, text capture is not possible.

The final image is easy to send via email, FTP or ImageShack. Screenshot transfer to applications is not available. Saving files is possible both in individual and batch mode. With all the variety of formats (there are more than a dozen of them), I would like to see a more convenient save dialog, at the moment it is by no means intuitive.

Summary

Hypersnap will meet the increased requirements for specialized functions and will be the best option for users who are interested in maximum automation of actions, batch work. Suitable solution for testing, software debugging.

[+] Convenient customizable shell
[+] Variety of shooting modes
[+] Capturing text
[-] Outdated interface

Snagit

Snagit is TechSmith's application for capturing images, text and video from the screen. These functions in combination are more than enough for using Snagit at work, at home, as well as for educational purposes.

To capture an image, Snagit uses a handy hiding widget that can be easily dragged to any area of the screen. First, you should select a shooting profile (image, text or video), optionally - a "time-saving" profile and assign hot keys. By the way, profiles can be created independently, management is available in "File - Organize Profiles ...". Setting up a profile or current shooting mode is done in the capture window.

The available modes are collected in the Capture Type menu, among them - region, window, screen area, several areas at the same time, scanner, camera, and other options.

After receiving the screenshot, the user goes to the editor. Note the library at the bottom of the editor window, where all images are available. It is convenient for its organization: data can be sorted not only by directories, but also by tags, and search by files is also implemented.

In the Draw section, you can add shapes, there are tools for drawing, filling, marking. In the adjacent Image tab, various image operations (cropping, rotating, resizing, filling, etc.), as well as the application of effects.

One of the unique features of Snagit is the creation of "hotspots" - interactive images containing links, pop-ups. There are more than enough options: creating objects, links, choosing highlighting on hover, color schemes.

In the Share section, you can transfer images to programs or services, and it is easy to increase functionality by downloading the missing integration widgets for Snagit.

Summary

A functional and convenient program with wide export capabilities. It is in this winning combination that Snagit is the leader among paid products.

[+] User-friendly interface
[+] Creating interactive images
[+] Variety of capture methods
[+] Possibilities of organizing the library

LightShot

Of course, not every user will find it necessary to pay for the functionality of a screenshot manager, so free solutions are worth considering. Among them, a small program LightShot is worthy of mention, which contains basic functions that, at least, surpass the standard "Scissors".

The application is, as they say, "easy to use" - simple, intuitive. It is enough to press the PrtScr key, select an area for capturing (only manual mode is available) - and the screenshot is available for editing and saving or uploading images to the hosting. Thus, the time between intermediate stages of taking a picture is reduced.

The functionality of the LightShot editor is perhaps too simple for the widespread use of the program. There are drawing tools and the ability to add text comments. However, when it comes to working with an image, the lack of commands for changing the proportions, effects affects. It may also seem inconvenient that each picture needs to be processed and saved without delay. However, LightShot provides an alternative editing - Pixlr online editor integrated with prntscr.com. On Prntscr, an image can be published in a couple of clicks. The set of formats for saving is limited to PNG, JPEG, BMP, and there are no quality settings. Pixlr, however, provides options for JPEG, there is also a PXD storage format, which is practically useless outside the service.

Summary

In many respects, LightShot cannot compete with its paid reviewers, but it has two notable advantages - speed and free. To paraphrase the adage "a bird is better in hand than a pie in the sky" - a free application with no restrictions is better than a paid one with many restrictions.

[+] Good functionality for the free version
[+] Integration with online services
[-] Lack of save options
[-] Limited editor functionality

Screen Capture

Home page: http://www.screencapture.ru/

Another free screenshot manager in Russian. Screen Capture is interesting for some online functions: in particular, you can save a screenshot with one click on the Internet. Other possibilities include capturing an arbitrary area of the screen, editing images and adding comments.

In short, working with Screen Capture is as follows. By pressing PrtScrn or by using the "Take Screenshot" command, the area for capturing is determined. Then the screenshot is uploaded to the Internet (by default), saved on the Desktop or in the specified folder.

The main functions of the application are available through the context menu in the Notification area. This option is not very convenient: for example, the JPG quality must be selected from the drop-down list, and some options would be optimal in the form of radio buttons.

Replacing the library in Screen Capture is the "Image History" section, from where you can access to edit each of the files in the list. The online editor has a standard set of tools and is easy to use. In theory, it would be convenient on mobile devices - for now, however, Screen Capture is only available for Windows.

Summary

Screen Capture is a nice free product to consider alongside LightShot. Editing is available only as part of online functions, but there are more save settings, there is a history of images.

[+] There are save settings
[-] Inconvenient interface
[-] Editing screenshots is only possible online

Greenshot

Greenshot is a free application for creating screenshots of regions, windows, web pages. It is possible to process images (including adding highlighting, comments), export to various formats, publish on the Internet.

The already familiar shooting modes are supported: capturing area, window, full screen. However, it is not this that is remarkable in Greenshot, but the visibility of the process itself: together with the highlighting of the selected region, you can familiarize yourself with its dimensions.

The graphic editor is simple and at the same time does not contain anything superfluous. Thanks to the available tools, you can add comments, shapes, lines, highlight or blur a specific area of the image, rotate or crop it. However, when editing several screenshots in different windows, it is inconvenient to switch between them. In other words, there are not enough tabs for batch work.

Image formats for saving - PNG, GIF, BMP, JPG, TIFF, Greenshot. Quality settings only apply to JPEG. Additionally, the name template is configured in the program settings, where the file storage location is also indicated.

Along with saving, screenshots can be sent by e-mail, to the mail client, to the MSPaint editor; exporting screenshots to office applications is not supported. It is also possible to upload screenshots to Imgur hosting. The resulting link leads directly to the image, unlike prntscr.com, where you have to view ads from the service page.

Summary

Among the free members mentioned, Greenshot is the most feature-rich product. User-friendly interface, localization, wide range of formats for saving and shooting modes.

[+] Functionality
[+] Image editor
[+] Fast Web Publishing
[-] Inconvenient implementation of multi-window mode

Pivot table

Program	FastStone Capture	HyperSnap	Snagit	LightShot	Screen Capture	Greenshot
Developer	FastStone Soft	Hyperionics Technology, LLC	TechSmith	Skillbrains	Andryushchenko Artem	Thomas Braun, Jens Klingen, Robin Krom
License	Shareware ($ 19.95 +)	Shareware ($ 39.95 +)	Shareware ($ 49.95 +)	Freeware	Freeware	Freeware
Localization in Russian	−	−	−	+	+	+
Image saving formats	BMP, GIF, JPEG, PCX, PNG, TGA, TIFF, PDF	BMP, GIF, JPEG, TIFF, CMP, CALS, FAX, EPS, GEM, IMG, RAW, PIC, MAC, MSP, BMP, RAS, TGA, WFX, WFM, WPG, PNG, PSD, etc.	SNAG, PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, TIF, PDF, SWF	PNG, JPEG, BMP	PNG, JPEG, BMP	PNG, GIF, BMP, JPG, TIFF, Greenshot
Image editor	+	+	+	+	+	+
Export to third party applications	+	−	+	−	−	+
Capture modes	Active window, window or object, region, free region, full screen, fixed, scrolling region	Window, Region, Full Screen, Video, Virtual Desktop, Multiple Monitors, Region, Scrolling Window, Buttons, Cursor, etc.	Region, window, screen area, multiple regions at the same time, scanner, camera, etc.	Screen area	Screen area	Capture area, window, full screen
Publish online	FTP	FTP, ImageShack.us	Screencast.com, FTP	Prntscr.com	Screencapture.ru	Imgur.com
Additional functions	Video recording (WMV)	Firefox extension, text capture	Create interactive images	Extension for browsers Chrome, Firefox, IE and Opera	−	−

In the second part of the review, 6 programs are considered that allow you to capture an image from the screen in the form of a video clip.

Any information that appears on your monitor screen can be recorded. Many people use this opportunity to create some kind of training videos, acquainting users, for example, with the Windows operating system, and some post the passage of games on YouTube. There are many areas of application for such functionality, as well as tools for its implementation.

So, let's try to identify the best programs for capturing video from a computer screen, distinguished by their accessibility to the average user and the efficiency of their work. All the software described below has received good marks from experts and has many positive reviews from users.

Movavi Video Suite

This utility is not just a screen capture program, but a multifunctional solution that works with any source and captures video sequences in one click. The software easily cuts the stream, processes it, can impose some effects, and also adapt it for, for example, YouTube or a social network.

Another program, Sharex Movavi Screen Capture, is responsible for taking a photo image, which is supplied separately. If you compare the prices of this utility and the Video Suite, it becomes clear that it is better to take the complete set, because the difference in price is practically not felt.

Benefits of the software:

screen capture and other digital receivers, including VHS;
video creation from scratch;
full access to audio channels and input devices;
the ability to process photo and video sequences with subsequent conversion;
there is an interface for non-linear editing;
real-time adjustment of the screen layout and picture quality;
availability of competent tools for exporting to the network, to mobile gadgets and to DVD formats;
intuitive screen capture program interface and sensible localization;
a huge amount of educational photo and video materials.

Screen camera

Another powerful utility for working with video streams. Compared to other analogs, this program for capturing video from a computer screen demonstrates a number of advantages. The software is perfect for those who need to record online broadcasts, some videos from games and programs, as well as individual video frames.

The utility comes with a paid license, but it costs its money. In two clicks, the user can start capturing the stream and apply different effects in real time. In addition, it can and should be used as a program for capturing text from the screen, because the quality of the output image will suit any, even the most fastidious user.

Distinctive features

It is also noteworthy that the utility has proven itself as a video editor. In the arsenal of the program there is an impressive arsenal of tools capable of unrecognizing your video sequence with the help of various effects, screensavers, sound recording over clips, titles and other entourage.

With the adaptation of formats, this program for screen capture also has no problems. Converting to AVI, MKV, MOV and MP4 is at your service. Add sensible Russian localization here - and we get an excellent product for working with video, photos and text streams. On the official developer's resource, you can download a shareware screen capture program with a trial period. Its cost is not that great in comparison with other similar utilities, so the software is enviable popularity among domestic users.

Pros of the utility:

capture of any absolute stream from the monitor screen;
has the most convenient and intuitive interface among other analogues;
extremely high-quality localization into Russian;
ideal tool for creating training videos and presentations;
export to popular video formats;
there is no time limit for recording a stream;
it is possible to trim ad units during online capture;
output content is of high quality (HD);
availability of its own editor;
function - "sound over video";
O a wide arsenal of effects for imposing on content.

AVS Video Editor

The utility is positioned as a complex for working with a video stream, that is, as an editor. Nevertheless, its image capturing capabilities deserve special attention. The implementation of this solution is so simple and straightforward that even a child from elementary grades can handle the process.

But despite the seeming simplicity, the utility has a whole list of professional tools: scaling, selection, mounting, changing the layout in real time, drawing, etc.

Distinctive features of the utility

All parameters necessary to get the stream from the screen are finely tuned, and after receiving the source material, you can use the available powerful editor. The user can make a video clip, letsplay or guide from the received content, as well as adapt the video sequence for mobile gadgets.

Features of the software:

versatility of the product (in addition to the capture functions, you get a powerful program for processing video content);
availability of functionality that allows you to edit audio and video tracks taken from different sources;
the capture utility itself is perfectly implemented and has a large number of settings;
huge database of effects, transitions, filters, etc .;
FPS stabilization due to competent automatic adjustment;
adaptation of content for all relevant formats;
simple and understandable functionality for a beginner, as well as a variety of training materials.

Summarizing

Many sensible utilities, including free ones, were not included in the review. If you are going to seriously engage in streaming, letsplay or posting some kind of tutorials on YouTube, then it is better not to stint and buy a license for one of the programs described above. They will become indispensable helpers in your business and will not create problems from scratch, as is the case with free software. Support for these products is carried out in full, so you will receive answers to questions that arise during operation relatively quickly. In addition, the developers are constantly updating their products, adding some new features, plugins, filters and other entourage for even greater efficiency.

If you rarely use such software and the quality of the output is not so critical for you, then there are always free applications, as they say, for trying out the pen: Debut Video Capture, Fraps, Free Screen Video Recorder and others.

Good day everyone!

- Yesterday I passed the level in 1 minute. 30 sec.!

- Yes, it cannot be, Mikola, you are confusing something ...

- I say exactly, I even recorded a video and can show it!

It would seem a simple dialogue between two comrades, but how accurately does it reflect a simple truth: " Than to hear a hundred times, it is better to see once! ". To record video from the monitor screen, it is not necessary to stand in front of it with a camera (as in the preview picture on the left), now there are hundreds of programs that will not only shoot the entire video (what is displayed on the screen), but also record the sound output to the speakers and headphones.

Actually, I wanted to touch on the best of them in this article (especially since, judging by the questions, the topic is really popular) ...

A very powerful program that can not only record high-quality video from the screen, but also take screenshots, edit and view them. Supported formats: BMP, GIF, JPEG, PCX, PNG, TGA, TIFF and PDF.

You can record video and create screenshots of the entire screen or a separate part of it. The program is made in the style of minimalism, and its menu is quite compact and conveniently presented (example in the screenshot below).

Main advantages:

video recording is very compact, the video is small (compression is in Wmv format);
high quality video support - 1440p;
there is a mini-editor that will help you rotate the picture, add arrows, description, and other moments;
if you take a screenshot, you can rotate the entire web page, even if it does not fit the entire screen;
the captured video can be automatically sent to your own website, to a presentation, by e-mail, or simply save the video to a file;
support for recording sound from a microphone or Windows system sound - or from both sources at once (convenient, for example, to comment on everything that happens on the screen);
the video will not contain any logos, blurring and other "priblud", which are inserted by other similar programs;
idle and quick start shooting function (in addition, you can configure hot keys);
during recording does not exert a strong load on the processor or hard disk of the PC;
support for all Windows versions: XP, 7, 8, 10 (32/64 bits).

Cons: in some cases, the program is "naughty" and the video is not saved (instead, a black screen). Most often this is due to the fact that you are trying to record video from the game (for this it is better to use Fraps, about this utility later in the article) , or you have no codecs in the system (I gave a link to the codecs above, at the beginning of the article) .

Screen Camera

This program is striking in its simplicity and unpretentiousness. Even if you have never recorded anything in your life - with her (ie with a "screen camera") you will definitely figure it out!

First, it is completely in Russian. Secondly, all actions are done in steps (which is good news). Thirdly, after recording a video, the editor opens, in which you can view your recording, cut out all unnecessary from it, select the compression quality for the video and save the final result!

An ideal simple and convenient tool for everyone who wants to record their screen video!

Pros:

step by step actions (a big plus for all beginners, those who are poorly versed with all these codecs, renders, etc., and want to record a video ...) ;
recording a whole screen, a separate window or a manually defined area;
the ability to record all system sounds (for example, mouse clicks), sound from a microphone, etc.;
you can capture videos from programs, games and online broadcasts (but generally just for games - it's probably better still Fraps, because it doesn't load the processor so much) ;
after recording, it is possible to edit the video: cut out unnecessary, add music, make a splash screen, etc. (the editor is very simple for beginners);
after the editing step (you can skip it), you can save the video. Here you will find a whole range of options: you can burn the video directly to DVD, or save it to your hard drive. The video format and quality are configured in detail: you can select the codec (MP4, Divx, Xvid, etc.), resolution, sound quality, specify the desired final video size (ie manually set that the video should be 100 MB - and the program will set the desired bitrate by itself. Convenient!) .

Minuses:

Note: for the video to be recorded normally, stop it with the F10 button, as the program itself recommends (if you stop recording in another way, the video may not be saved!).

UVScreenCamera

An excellent program for recording training videos, presentations, and just video in various formats: SWF, AVI, UVF (its native format for the super-minimal size of the resulting video), EXE, FLV, GIF-animation (you can record with sound!).

You can record almost everything that happens on your screen (including all movements and mouse clicks).

Main advantages:

the ability to select a recording area (for example, you can record the entire screen or a separate area of it);
the ability to select a recording source: microphone, speakers;
you can record keystrokes (including system keys, for example Ctrl + Alt + Del );
the ability to record 3D games (although the program consumes more resources than Fraps );
while recording the screen, you can draw with the cursor: for example, highlight the desired areas or show some area (focus attention for those who will watch the video);
the ability to edit the video: cut out unnecessary frames, add arrows, captions, etc.;
the ability to save video in different formats (the formats indicated above): both the quality of the video and its final size depend on this;
there is an opportunity to create screenshots (like in the previous program).

Disadvantages:

when recording large clips, sometimes the sound disappears;
video recording in the most compact size is carried out in "own" video format (there may be some problems with converting another format).

Fraps

One of the best screen recorder for games! The program has its own built-in codec, which has minimum system requirements, so you can record full-screen video from games even on weak computers.

Main advantages:

low processor load allows recording on weak machines;
the ability to hide the mouse cursor when recording;
the ability to select FPS for video recording (60, 50, 30);
resolution selection: full, half (when recording, try first complete if the PC will slow down - select half of);
the ability to select a sound source;
you can save screenshots in addition to videos;
real FPS will be shown in games (see yellow numbers in the corner of the screen);
full support for the Russian language, work in Windows: XP, 7, 8, 10.

Minuses:

the program can only be used for games;
the resulting video is large enough (requires a lot of free disk space). Subsequently, the video must be edited and compressed with another codec.

CamStudio

A free computer program designed to record everything that happens on the PC screen. Allows you to record in several formats: AVI, MP4 and SWF. In principle, not a bad choice for those who prepare training video courses, presentations, game videos (recording is not available for all games) .

Advantages:

the ability to apply effects when moving and clicking the cursor;
the ability to select a sound source: microphone, speakers, Windows system sounds;
you can record both the entire screen and a separate part of it;
open source software;
codec support: MPEG-4, FFDshow, Intel IYUV, Microsoft Video 1, Radius Cinepak, Lagarith, H.264, Xvid;
support for all new Windows operating systems, including Windows 10.

Disadvantages:

there are problems when recording sound from a microphone (apparently, not all equipment is supported);
there is no official support for the Russian language (although there are Russifiers on the network);
some antiviruses consider the native codec for this program to be a suspicious file.

Bandicam

A very high-quality program for capturing video and creating screenshots of both the whole screen and a separate part of it. Allows you to record video in almost any games: Minecraft, WOW, Tanks, etc. It can record in a variety of applications: Skype, Web cameras, Video chats, just from the desktop (both a separate area and the whole screen), etc. ...

Main advantages:

the ability to show FPS while recording;
support for high quality video recording (resolution up to 3840x2160);
support for 720p / 1080p video format (popular on many video hosting);
you can record applications (games) using DirectX, OpenGL (AVI, MP4);
the ability to create screenshots (formats: BMP, PNG, JPG);
unlimited maximum file size (you can record the whole day!).

Disadvantages:

paid program;
lags are possible when recording "heavy" games and applications.

HyperCam

Not a bad program for recording all actions on the computer screen. In addition to video, it allows you to capture cursor movements, record audio (sound in speakers, microphone).

By the way, one more advantage: the program can be installed on a USB flash drive and used on almost any computer (where there is a free USB port).

Pros:

selection of the capture area;
the ability to compress both video and audio on the fly (the video is quite small in size);
support for "hot" keys;
you can record video and audio in a variety of formats: AVI, WMV, ASF;
there is a pause: i.e. you can stop recording and then resume it from where you stopped;
the ability to make text notes.

Minuses:

the program is shareware;
a problem with some types of microphones;
inserts a caption into the video when using the demo version of the program.

iSpring Free Cam

A free program for recording everything that happens on the screen to a video file. Allows you to quickly and easily create educational video tutorials, presentations, guides, etc.

The program is distinguished by its minimalism and rather modest system requirements (at least in comparison with analogues).

ISpring Free Cam main window

Pros:

there is a choice of capture area;
you can record both system sounds and voice from a microphone (you can record all this at the same time!);
the movement of the mouse cursor can be highlighted (for clarity);
the program has its own editor, it will help you make simple adjustments: remove unnecessary fragments, eliminate background noise, edit audio data;
the program allows you to save video in high quality: .wmv without loss of quality (HD 720p).

Minuses:

to download the program, you need to specify an e-mail (however, there was no spam ...);
not suitable for recording game video;
few formats for saving the finished video.

oCam Screen Recorder

A free program for recording all actions on the screen to a video file. In addition to video capture, the program allows you to create ordinary screenshots, both of the full screen, and of a separate part of it.

I also want to note the presence of ready-made frames (video sizes) for a quick start of shooting, which can be started, by the way, with 1-2 clicks of the mouse!

Pros:

a wide variety of formats for saving the final video: avi, mp4, flv, mov, ts, vob;
screenshots can also be saved in several formats: jpg, png, bmp, gif;
you can overlay a graphic watermark on videos and screenshots;
easy and quick setup of the program: everything is done in a few mouse clicks;
support for "hot" keys;
the ability to enable / disable the mouse cursor;
support for all popular versions of Windows: Xp, 7, 8, 10.

Minuses:

4 GB limit on the recorded file (in principle, it is enough for most tasks, but suddenly ...);
in the installer (at one time) there were additional. programs that the user did not ask for (browser, toolbars). When installing - just uncheck everything unnecessary.

Movavi Screen Capture

A universal program for recording video from the screen with sound. With it, you can record webinars in Skype, record audio and video from various sites, create your own video tutorials.

The program has a built-in video editor, thanks to which, before saving the video, it can be processed: apply the necessary filters, cut out unnecessary ones, make inscriptions, etc. In general, it is very convenient, a kind of harvester ...

Movavi Screen Capture main window

Pros:

you can capture the screen both in full screen mode and in the selected area;
has its own built-in video editor: it will help you process the resulting video;
video can be recorded at up to 60 frames per second!;
setting up sound recording (you can conduct it from almost any device): speakers, headphones. speakers, microphones, Skype calls, etc .;
you can record and show all keyboard and mouse actions;
setting up "hot" keys;
you can take screenshots, including while recording a video;
you can set the start and stop time for recording, and then go about your business;
a bunch of supported video formats: 3gp, avi, mp4, mkv, mov, wmv, etc.;
a wide variety of supported audio formats: aac, flac, mp3, wma, ogg, wav, etc.

Minuses:

the program is paid, in the free video there will be a watermark;
when recording large videos (more than an hour) - the program starts to behave unstably: freezes, lags;
incorrectly responds to the "pause" button;
small trial period.

Come, choose, and go rest! Good Luck!