So what is Camtasia Studio? It is the premiere screen recording system on the market today; and it has just gotten better with the release of Camtasia Studio 5. This is a complete software solution for creating high-quality training videos, presentations, and screencasts that can be shared on the web, CD-ROM, as well as on portable media players such as the iPod.

Camtasia Studio 5 runs on Microsoft Windows XP or Vista, requires DirectX 9 or later, 1.0 GHz Processor (2.5GHz is recommended and needed for PowerPoint and camera Recordings), 500 MB RAM (1 GB Recommended), 60 MB of Hard Drive space. There are other specialized requirements for specific needs.

Not to worry for you Mac users, the fine people at TechSmith are hard at work on versions for you as well. They have a mailing list set up, if you want to be notified of new developments.

TechSmith originally started out in 1987 as a custom software company who developed for the Windows platform. Responding to a demand for screen capture utilities, they created SnagIt in 1991. Over time SnagIt offered some video capture capabilities and these, in turn, became Camtasia in 1999. In 2002, it became Camtasia Studio which was enhanced with a suite of tools. In October 2007, the latest version, Camtasia Studio 5 was released.
What does Camtasia Studio actually do? It automatically records exactly what a user sees on the screen. It records what they say, and how they interact with any Windows-based application or internet based website. It can be used to record training videos, marketing information, or support instruction.

Once you have your video recorded, Camtasia Studio 5 has the tools that will allow you to edit your video and share it in a variety of formats. These include Flash (SWF, FLV) fixed media such as CD and DVD, as well as portable media such as the iPod. If you want, you can see a short overview of Camtasia and how it can be used.

So what is new with Camtasia Studio 5?

• Camtasia SmartFocus – This allows you to create smooth automatic zoom and pan action with the click of a mouse. This allows you to redirect the viewer's attention on important points of interest. It also allows you to provide clarity inside small play back windows such as on YouTube or Podcasts. You can also watch a demonstration of Smart Focus.