Are you confused and overwhelmed with the amount of equipment you need to produce content?
Many years ago, video production was available to studios, production companies, and people who had the money to purchase high-end cinema equipment. Most people, especially young filmmakers, had to either make films in school, raise financing, max out credit cards, or look for grants to pay for productions. It seems impossible to make a film, let alone a video for yourself.
Then came DSLR cameras which revolutionised video production. These cameras were cheap and captured 1080p footage. Fast-forward to now, and our smartphones have more power and capabilities than video cameras did 15 years ago - all in your pocket! Now videographers, creators, and enthusiasts can pick up their phone or buy an affordable mirrorless camera to create video content that’s high-quality, professional, and can reach billions of people around the world. Pretty neat, huh?
Here are some tips and a list of the essentials that I believe will help you create videos without having to spend a lot of money.
1. Power of Your Smartphone:
Believe it or not, your trusty smartphone is an incredible tool for creating great videos. Any iPhone over 8 or newer models released within the last 3 years with 4k capabilities can easily outperform cameras from a decade ago. The iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, or Google Pixel 7 are particularly remarkable in terms of video quality. Don't underestimate the power of your phone's camera; it can rival many low-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras!
2. Getting Lit with Ring Lights:
Lighting is a crucial factor in producing professional-looking videos. Enter the affordable Ring Light, which you can find for under $50. Look for one with a phone stand to place your phone in the middle of the ring, providing even lighting on your face. This cost-effective solution works wonders for vloggers and beauty YouTubers, adding a pleasing glow to your videos. If you're capturing tutorials, webinars, or talking head videos, a Ring Light is a must-have to save you time and money.
3. Crystal Clear Sound with Lavalier Mics:
Next up is audio quality, often overlooked but just as essential as visuals. Lavalier or lapel mics, priced under $50, are the go-to option for clear sound on a budget. You can plug them into your phone and clip them on your chest or collar, giving you the freedom to move without compromising audio quality. Say goodbye to the constraints of staying near a stationary microphone, and embrace the flexibility that lavalier mics offer, which prevents capturing background noise.
4. Let There Be Light with LED’s:
Want to upgrade from the Ring Light? LED lights with softboxes are a game-changer when shooting products, objects, and settings outside of filming yourself. You can snag a fantastic 3-light LED kit for under $250 with Neewer and GVM lights on Amazon, and they even offer cool stylistic presets with their color-changing capabilities. Mastering 3-point lighting, as shown in my tutorial on my channel, will ensure your subjects and objects are perfectly lit, adding a professional touch to your videos.
5. Affordable Cameras for the Next Level:
If you're ready to take the leap from smartphone videography to a dedicated camera, then you’re ready for the big leagues! There's a range of fantastic options available under $1000 that shoot in 4k and deliver outstanding footage. Consider models like Nikon Z 50, Canon EOS R50, Fujifilm X-S10, Sony ZV-E10, and Panasonic FZ1000 G85.. These mirrorless and DSLR cameras offer superior video capabilities without breaking the bank.
6. Capture Depth with Versatile Lenses:
Lenses play a vital role in achieving cinematic effects like the bokeh effect (out of focus background with an in-focus foreground). For beginners, using the stock lens that comes with your camera is a good starting point. Later on, you can upgrade to a better quality Zoom lens with an f/1.8 or f/2.8 aperture for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field. Zoom lenses ranging from 18-35mm, 24-70mm, and 50-100mm offer versatility and creative potential. Personally, I'm a fan of Sigma Lenses for their exceptional performance and affordable pricing.
7. Keep It Steady with a Solid Tripod:
To ensure your shots are stable and smooth, a reliable tripod is essential. For vlogs and tutorial videos, a basic and affordable tripod from Amazon will suffice. The Magnus VT-3000 is a favorite budget option if you want to add pans and tilts to your shots. For those looking for a more professional feel, investing in a Manfrotto or Benro tripod within your budget range will do the trick.
At Creative Haven, we’re a video production company that began shooting videos on a Canon t3i and now film commercials on Arri Alexas and RED cameras. It was a long journey, but it all started with a beginner camera kit that taught us how to capture videos with what we had at the highest quality.
Use your smartphone, get some LED lights, and buy a decent mic so you can start making amazing videos today!