In 2021, 68% of consumers spent a quarter or more of their time on social media watching videos. Moreover, for 70% of marketers, videos showed a positive ROI.
Considering this, the importance of video in today’s marketing landscape is undeniable.
Now, if you want to create a long-lasting impact from your video, then you have to step up your video production game. One way to do it is to invest in some quality video production equipment.
Wondering what video equipment production companies are using? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a checklist of 10 video production equipment you’ve got to have!
1. 4K video cameras
Topping the video production equipment list is a good quality camera, preferably 4K video or higher. Here are some high-quality mirrorless cameras you can try:
Fujifilm X-T4
Price range: $1,699–$2,099
This camera comes with the price range of USD 1,699 to 2,099, and its camera provides Full HD 240P High-speed recording, which gives a maximum of 10x slow-motion effect.
It also features a digital image stabilizer (DIS). Additionally, its image stabilization (IS) boost mode allows the user to experience a new level of stabilized video shooting without the need for a gimbal or other third-party accessories.
Specs
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 26.1MP
Screen: 3in articulating touchscreen, 1,620k dots
Max continuous shooting speed: 30/15fps
Max video resolution: 4K
Canon EOS R5
Price range: $3,899–$4,999
This full-frame mirrorless camera has a price range of USD 3,899 to 4,999.
It features a newly developed 45MP CMOS sensor, which offers 8K raw video recording, 12 fps continuous shooting with a mechanical shutter, and 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization.
Connectivity features such as 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are also available.
Specs
Sensor: Full frame
Megapixels: 45
Monitor: 3.15-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 2,100k dots
Max continuous shooting speed: 12fps mechanical shutter, 20fps electronic
Max video resolution: 8K
Panasonic Lumix S5
Price range: $1,698–$2,398
Costing between USD 1,697.99 to 2,397.98, this camera features a full-frame 24.2MP CMOS sensor with UHD 4K60 10-bit internal recording.
It also has dual-native ISO and a range of over 14 stops. Its accurate 225-area DFD autofocus system, which refines subject tracking and 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization minimize the effect of camera shake.
Specs
Sensor: Full frame
Sensor resolution: 24.2MP
Lens mount: L-mount
4K frame rates: 60, 50, 30, 25, 24p
4K sensor crop factor: 1x
Sony A7C
Price: starting from $1,798
The black Sony Alpha a7C features a 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor.
These features offer up to a 15 stop dynamic range along with UHD 4K video recording, extended sensitivity from ISO 50-204800, and a top continuous shooting rate of 10 fps for working with moving subjects. The sensor also houses a fast hybrid AF system and 5-axis in-body image stabilization.
Specs
Sensor Full Frame
Megapixels: 24.2MP
LCD: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 921k dots
Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps, 115 raw, 223 JPEG
Max video resolution: 4K 30p
Nikon Z6 II
Price: starting from $1,999
This camera has a 24.5MP BSI sensor and high-speed shooting ability with the buffer capacity to match.
It can shoot 4K Ultra HD video at 60p with outstanding low-light capabilities and next-generation autofocus. With the power of dual processors, it can also support wireless connectivity with smartphones and laptops.
Specs
Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
Megapixels: 24.5MP
Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2100k dots
Continuous shooting speed: 14fps
Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p (60p via update)
Read more: Types of Camera Shots and Angles
2. Audio recording equipment
To capture high-quality sound for your video, you need some audio recording equipment, an external microphone primarily.
But the type of mic you choose would be based on the kind of video you’re recording. Here are some options:
Rode NTG3 (shotgun microphone)
Price: approx. $700
This condenser microphone is excellent if you don’t have to move so much. You can shoot interviews, record sound effects, create talking head videos.
Sennheiser G3 (lavalier Microphone)
Price: approx. $200
This tiny microphone is convenient if you have to move around. For around $200, this microphone clips to a collar or lapel and records clear voices while eliminating background noise.
Heil PR40 (studio microphone)
Price range: $248–$329
If you want to do voice-overs, record podcasts, screencast tutorials or do live streaming, this microphone is a great option and will cost you around USD 248 to 329.
Apart from microphones, you will need the following equipment for your audio:
- Boom mic pole
- Boom mic stand
- Wireless lav kit
- Headphones
- Multi-channel audio recorder
If you’re going to record yourself, here are some tips you may find useful.
3. Lighting
Perfect lighting is essential for a good video. Finding the right kind of lighting equipment can be tricky.
You have to think about the different types of light; foreground, and background lighting, shadows, etc. But worry not, we have compiled some lighting kits you can consider:
GVM 800LS LED studio video light with stand
Price: $199
This lighting kit comes with an LCD digital display, multiple control modes, a stability system, and a 360° rotating U-bracket to improve your lighting settings.
The step-less adjustment controls the brightness/color temperature, which is great for video shooting.
Neewer 3-Pack 2.4G LED Softbox Lighting Kit
Price: approx. $200
For just over $200, this package includes three softboxes, three 48W dimmable LED light head with their respective aluminum alloy light stands and three power adapters along with other equipment.
It’s more suitable for a live show, YouTube video shooting, or outdoor shooting, etc.
Aputure Light Dome SE
Price: $99
The Light Dome SE from Aputure is a 16-sided modifier with a 35.5″ diameter.
It gives a soft wraparound quality light, especially when placed close to the subject, symbolizing its dome shape. It also offers several contrast options.
4. Video editing hardware
Although video editing can be done from your smartphones. It’s still more convenient if you have a good computer.
You can consider buying Apple hardware or even a Windows PC with powerful graphic processing power and make sure that you have external hard drives for your footage/image library.
If you’re looking for budget laptops for video editing, check out our previous post.
5. Tripod
For camera stabilization and better video production, you’ll need a tripod. This will prevent the visibility of small shakes in your video and significantly improve the quality. Here are some options:
GorillaPod 3K PRO Kit
Price: $100
The GorillaPod™ 3K PRO is a great choice for Mirrorless/CSC camera users. It can hold up to 3 kg of camera or accessories and can be used for videography, vlogging, or live streaming in the 3 classic modes: Grip It. Wrap It. Stand It.
SwitchPod
Price: $99.99
SwitchPod is a good option for vloggers and creators who shoot video on the go as it can turn from being handheld to a tripod in seconds.
For $99.99, it can save you a lot of time between shots, as you can focus more on shooting and less on the gear.
MeFoto BackPacker Classic
Price: approx. $129.95
MeFoto BackPacker can be used as a tripod or a monopod and can be quite portable if you’re traveling. Its rubberized locking grips combined with anti-rotation legs also make it weather and dust-resistance.
6. Gimbal
A gimbal will stabilize your video with the help of pivots and weights, especially when you’re moving a lot during the shoot.
Here are some of the best gimbals to add to your list of video production equipment.
DJI RSC 2
Price: $499
Available for $499, the DJI RSC 2 is a compact stabilizer that works well with more than 50 mirrorless and DSLR cameras and can carry 6.6 pounds.
Apart from having many amazing features, it has a foldable design that makes it easier to transport and store.
Moza Air 2
Price: approx. $400
MOZA Air 2 is capable of handling most mirrorless and pocket cinema cameras weighing up to 9 lbs. With Four high-rate Li-ion 18650 replaceable batteries, it has a maximum runtime of 16 hours.
7. Memory cards
High-quality SD cards can make a big difference when shooting videos. You want high-capacity cards (64GB or more) with high read and write speeds.
SanDisk 512GB Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC Memory Card
Price: $134.44
This memory card by SanDisk features a speed class rating of V30, guaranteeing minimum write speeds of 30 MB/s.
It is specifically designed for SD devices that can capture Full HD, 3D, and 4K video. It is listed for $134.44 on Amazon.
8. Capture cards
If you want to do a live stream or host a virtual event online, you’ll be needing a capture card to process the data from your computer.
Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card
Price: $187.99
HD60 S+ gets you live on any platform in record time, streaming in superb 1080p resolution at a fluid 60 fps.
It also has 4K60 HDR10 Zero-Lag Passthrough and Ultra-Low Latency. It’s currently priced for $187.99 on Amazon.
9. Video editing software
To give your video a polished touch, you need video editing software to add special effects, apply filters and edit complex scenes.
Below is a list of the three best video editing software costing less than $100 and are easy to use and accessible.
Adobe Premiere Elements 2021
This editor works both with Macs and PCs. It uses the Adobe Sensei AI technology and has features, such as 4K resolutions, video stabilization, upgrades to make selective edits, double-exposure video, real-time effects, and much more.
You can buy it from here.
CyberLink PowerDirector 365
This editor is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Its 1:1 aspect ratio is great for social media and also includes built-in motion graphics, royalty-free music, audio scrubbing, 4K preview, and much more. Install it from here.
DaVinci Resolve 17
You can use this editor on Windows, Mac, or Linux. It brings four high-end video-production modules for editing, color correction, audio production, video effects, and motion graphics. Download from here!
10. Apps and resources
If you want, you can upgrade or add on other video editing resources depending on the needs of your project.
For example, if you have to work with VFX or motion graphics, you can use resources such as Cinema 4D, Adobe After Effects, or additional plugins like Mocha AE, etc.
That’s all
After reading this blog, hopefully, you’re now aware of what equipment you need for video production.
But what’s also important to remember is that it’s not only the equipment that makes a great video but also good content. So, if you want ideas to build your video content strategy, then feel free to hit us up.