It is hard to deny that videos are very popular. In fact, the audience reach for online videos is 92% worldwide. Most of the global internet traffic either comes from video downloads or video streaming. Whether you are a brand marketer, podcaster, or content creator, videos are an important part of your success.
However, video production can be challenging, especially for beginners. It seems that the video production industry has greatly evolved. Most manufacturers claim that their product is extremely essential for your video production process.
So, what is the equipment that you need if you want to be a video content creator? Here, we are going to answer your questions regarding video production equipment.
Should You Use Special Equipment for Video Production?
During the early days, most people used a video recorder. But nowadays, people use their phones when creating videos for Instagram or TikTok. But should you purchase dedicated tools for your videos? Well, it all depends.
When you are still getting started in making video content, it’s fine to use the tools that you are currently having. On the other hand, if you are a hobbyist or are on a budget, who considers more about the video content rather than the quality of your videos, then perhaps all you need is your phone.
However, having the right videography tools can help in improving your production process. If your objective is to market your brand or create an audience, then you can’t simply depend on your phone alone. Having the ideal set of video production tools can really make a big difference when it comes to the video and audio quality of your videos.
What Equipment is Used in Video Production?
To know what equipment, you need for your video production, you can simply do a Google search. Most probably, the tools that you will see include cameras, microphones, boom poles, lights, audio cables, tripods, stabilization equipment, a tripod dolly, a digital audio recorder, headphones, light reflectors, extra batteries, a shoulder mount rig for your camera, camera bag, memory cards, and hard drives.
Most of these devices are very helpful when it comes to creating different types of videos. But the question is, what equipment do you require for the type of videos you’re creating?
Factors to Consider When Buying Video Production Equipment
Whether you want to create a YouTube short or a movie, the appropriate video production tools you will need will rely on your specific project. In order to know what the best gear for you is, try to ask yourself these questions:
How Much is Your Budget?
If you only have a limited budget, then try to focus on the essentials first. Don’t worry because you can always purchase more later.
What is Your Skill Level and Team Size?
The gear will differ depending on if you are a one-person operation or if you have an entire team of experienced video production managers, scriptwriters, directors, and designers. If you only have a small team or your team has just started, then you can purchase minimal equipment that is simple to use.
What Formats Do You Want to Use?
If you want to do a music video or a movie, then you might need to purchase advanced tools so you can add effects, shoot multiple scenes, and capture various angles. For this project, your equipment kit will be more complicated compared to the equipment that you will need for a video podcast or a webinar since the participant will just be sitting down during the entire video.
Essential Video Production Equipment
Here, we are going to explore some of the essential gear needed for most video production projects. However, bear in mind that each production team is unique, and the requirement for every project is different.
Before buying anything, it is important to do some research. You have to watch video demonstrations and read reviews, especially if you are making a huge investment. Since there are a lot of options out there, then there are great chances that you can find a better product on the market for your project.
Cameras
Since you will be recording a video, you will need a video camera. There are a lot of options out there for video creators, from high-speed video cameras to smartphones.
Most video creators use an external webcam or a smartphone, while there are also others who prefer to use still cameras such as point-and-shoot, mirrorless, or DSLR cameras. But if you really want to have the best video quality, then you can use dedicated video cameras or camcorders.
What is the Right Camera for Your Needs?
If you only have a small budget, then you might want to choose the more affordable ones such as an external webcam or a smartphone.
For the best video quality, you should use a still camera or a video camcorder that includes a capture card. If you want to record different angles or people, then you can use different cameras or combine your camcorder or camera with your smartphone.
On the other hand, if you are only recording a video podcast or a webinar, then you can simply use an external webcam, which is more affordable than using a camera.
Boom Poles and Microphones
Most video recorders and cameras include onboard microphones. Hence, there is no need to purchase an external device for capturing the sound. However, bear in mind that cameras and phones cannot capture high-quality audio.
With an external microphone, you can have a better quality of your recordings. This is especially true if you are trying to record a speech since you will be needing an excellent microphone that can pick up crystal-clear sound. The following are some of the common types of microphones.
- Handheld microphones – This type of microphone is the traditional one.
- Lavalier microphones – This type of microphone is very discreet since the speaker can simply clip them to their collar.
- Shotgun microphones – This type of microphone will be attached directly to the boom pole or the camera.
When choosing a microphone, be sure to consider your budget as well as how you are planning to use it. For instance, if you want to record interviews, then it is preferable to use a lavalier microphone or a handheld microphone.
On the other hand, if you want to install the microphone in your studio, then you can use a shotgun microphone and attach this to a boom pole or to your camera.
Gimbal and Tripod
If you are using a high-quality camera, such as a DSLR camera that includes a zoom lens, then no matter how small the shakes are it can still be very visible.
Regardless of if you are using a basic camera, you can still upgrade it by investing in stabilization tools such as gimbals and tripods. By using these video production tools, you can improve the quality of your picture by eliminating or minimizing the shakiness of your camera.
There are different types of tripods that are available in the market right now, and their price varies greatly, from basic to extremely high. Beginners usually prefer the simplest ones that can satisfy their needs.
Another stabilization device that is essential for your camera is the gimbal. These devices will utilize weights and pivots for stabilizing your shot, even when you are using the handheld mode.
Gimbals are available in various sizes that can fit just about anything from your professional camera to your smartphone. When selecting a gimbal, you should consider the weight of your camera and check if the gimbal is rated to support that weight.
You can find new and used video production equipment at Enhanced View Services, Inc. For more information, you may call us at 305-971-2916 or send us an email at [email protected]