Remove audio or not?

What do you generally (or strictly) do? Most of my videos are of emergency workers, fire trucks, highways, etc. I've noticed most people (per what I've seen) remove the audio from their clips. Why is this?


For example, I'd think the natural sound with the roar of a fire truck could be useful, and if not, it would simply be removed when the buyer does their editing.


Thoughts? Do you remove audio or not, and why?

I think you give an answer to your own question. If you believe that the sound of the footage is unique or adds some extra value overall, leave it there. Maybe the designer can enhance it, otherwise he can remove it.


Some people remove, some people submit with sound. In case you submit with sound, just make sure you fulfill the technical requirements.

Fair enough, but I'm looking for more of a friendly debate on the choice. I've read that have audio (particularly loud engine/highway natural sound) is thought to turn away people when previewing a clip.


What are everyones thoughts and personal opinions in their own circumstances?

Yeah it's a tricky one!


I think it looks better (more professional) without sound and I'm guessing most of our clips will be used for cutaways anyway so no audio will be needed! I always take my audio off as it's one less thing to worry about when shooting!I suppose for people shooting slowmo stuff you can't really add any audio! Outside shots cause wind problems etc, so I guess for most people they exclude audio as it's easier, don't have to buy expensive mics and pop shields and smaller file sizes for uploading?

In one example my Photo-JPEG video was 855 MB with sound, and 850 MB without. So file size difference is neglible at best, and processing doesn't seem to take any longer. But I can understand how removing audio looks more professional. I shoot news video and have a pretty good mic. I just can't help but think whomever is buying my clips, might want the audio. Foley work for emergency scenes would probably be difficult. But then again I really don't know what kind of people buy clips and how they use them.

I'm still undecided. In some ways I like dropping the audio, but it drives me nuts watching my footage with zero sound.

(Edited on 2013-01-16 20:13:38 by Stringer619)