Understanding Your Goals
Before you even start looking at equipment, it's crucial to understand what you want to achieve. Are you planning to make short films, vlogs, documentaries, or something else? Your goals will significantly influence the type of equipment that suits you best.
Research
Researching equipment through avenues like YouTube is a great way to keep up to date with the latest equipment and a tool for specific learning filmmaking and videography techniques. However, they can also convince you you must have the latest, most significant, and most expensive equipment. This isn’t necessarily the case. Which leads us to..
Budgeting
Creating can be done at any budget, so it’s good to understand what price ranges you may need to look at. The best way to start is to set an arbitrary number as your price limit. From there, you can prioritise the most critical piece of equipment for your needs.
Lighting and sound are the unsung heroes of filmmaking. Your camera can be the best in the world, but if your lighting and sound are subpar, none of that will matter because your audience won’t be able to see or hear your project. A good rule of thumb is to start with the essentials based on your specific needs and gradually invest in additional equipment as you refine your skills and understand your requirements better.
Remember, it's not just about having the best equipment but using what you have effectively.
Cameras: Your Main Tool
Smartphones: Today's smartphones have cameras that can shoot high definition and even 4K. Starting with your smartphone might be a viable option if you're on a tight budget.
DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras: These are less quick to step up; however, they offer greater flexibility in lenses and manual settings, which can affect the depth of field and low-light performance. Brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony offer excellent entry-level options.
Camcorders: If you're focusing more on events like weddings or sports, a camcorder might be more suitable due to its extended recording capabilities and better stabilisation.
Lenses: The Eye of Your Camera
Kit Lenses: These are typically included with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. They are versatile but may not deliver the best performance in low light or provide that cinematic depth of field.
Prime Lenses: Known for their fixed focal length, prime lenses often offer wider apertures, which are great for low light and creating a blurred background or 'bokeh'.
Zoom Lenses: These provide flexible framing shots from a distance, making them ideal for event coverage and documentary work.
Stabilisation: Keeping It Smooth
Tripods: Essential for static shots and interviews. They ensure stability and can handle heavier camera setups.
Gimbals and Stabilisers: If you aim for movement in your shots, such as following action, consider investing in a gimbal to keep your footage smooth.
Audio: Hear the Difference
On-Camera Microphones: Most cameras have built-in microphones, but these are usually of moderate quality.
Shotgun Microphones: Excellent for capturing sound from the front while minimising ambient noise. Ideal for interviews and dialogue.
Lavalier Microphones: These clip-on mics are perfect for interviews, as they are discreet and capture clear sound from the speaker.
Lighting: Set the Mood
Lighting is another overlooked item that dramatically changes the quality of your production.
Natural Light: Using natural light is an affordable way to start. However, it's unpredictable.
Reflectors:
LED Panels are versatile and adjustable, making them a staple for studio setups or indoor shooting.
Monolights: These concentrate light and allow you to pump light into a space or scene. These were traditionally hot tungsten globe lights but are now typically all LED.
Softboxes: Used to soften and diffuse light, reducing harsh shadows. Great for portraits and close-ups.
Recording Media and Extra Batteries
Ensure you have enough memory cards with high write speeds to handle video data.
Extra batteries are a must to avoid running out of power during shoots.
Final Thoughts
Each piece of video equipment serves a purpose and enhances different aspects of your production. Start simple, learn your craft, and upgrade your gear as your skills and budget grow. Remember, the best filmmakers aren't made by their equipment but through their creativity and technique. The best thing you can do is get out there and create using whatever you’ve got and hone your skills from there.
Happy filming!