Video Production Equipment Checklist
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Video Production Equipment for All Budgets
Nowadays, you don’t need a huge budget to make a video. There is good quality video gear available to you at all levels. And while it’s important to spend some money for quality, prices have definitely come down over the years making a lot of important video production equipment available to you.
There is no one gear package that will be right for everyone. It depends on your needs, your budget, and your skillset.
Here are my recommendations for some of the basic video production equipment you might need.
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Video Camera
Obviously, the main piece of equipment will be your video camera. Practically all cameras today shoot HD video. You can use a camera with a built-in lens (like a mobile phone) which can be easier to start with or one that allows interchangeable lenses for more flexibility.
Mobile Phone
Today’s mobile phones shoot very high quality video. Whether you have an android like Samsung Galaxy or iPhone, you can get a decent image. You are limited when it comes to inputs and lenses.
DSLR Camera
A DSLR allows for high-quality interchangeable lenses so you can alter the focal length as well as depth of field. There are many to choose from.
Mirrorless Camera
Audio
You can’t have a video without sound (unless you want a silent film)! Sound is just as important as the image if not more so. We need to hear the interview, hear the moving music, and hear the atmosphere that we are seeing. To capture better-quality sound, you want to use an external microphone rather than the built-in mic on your phone or camera.
Senheisser Wireless Lavalier Mic
Audio-Technica Wireless Lavalier Mic
Rode Video Mic for Smartphones
Zoom H5 Portable Audio Recorder
Blue Yeti USB Tabletop Mic or Samson Go Mic (for podcasts, etc)
Tripod
One of the biggest giveways of amateur video is shaky, unsteady shots. Having rock solid, stable video allows the viewer to absorb your message and not be distracted by lower-quality production. When selecting a tripod you want to think about your budget, but also portability (if you will be traveling with it or only shooting in studio), and the size and weight of the camera you are using. If you are only using a phone or small camera, you don’t need a super strong, heavy (more expensive) tripod. There are also a few other ways you can create stable video. Here are my suggestions.
Lighting
Good lighting can make a big difference in making your video look professional. A poorly lit interview is really obvious when you do not have decent natural light. If you will be shooting indoors, it’s imperative to have a light or small light kit (with 2-3 lights).
Accessories
Don’t forget the small things that can make a big difference. Always bring extra memory cards and batteries with you. And don’t neglect the lens of your camera which can easily get smudged or dirty.
In addition to these suggestions, you may also want to have some carrying cases. Make sure you label your gear with your name and number and attach luggage-tags that hold your business card. Keep a running list of your gear.
Editing Software
Once you’ve shot your video, you will need to put it together. While editing software may seem daunting, you can edit a professional video with some basic cuts and free software. Learning the basics is fairly easy with just a few beginner tutorials allowing you to get started right away. Editing software can include a lot of bells and whistles that you may never need or you can slowly learn as you go.
Check out these posts if you want to add royalty-free music or stock video footage to your videos.
Easily transcribe your interviews or entire finished video (for a transcript on YouTube or your site) at Temi or Scribie for just .10 per minute.
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