My Video Equipment

This looks terrible, there must be something wrong here!

That’s what I thought when I saw the footage I took with the PlayStation Eye camera on my computer. I knew it wasn’t the image quality I wanted for my videos, so I didn’t shoot any footage until I could get decent enough equipment to make my videos the best they could be. Of course I’d like to have different lenses, a better tripod, more lights, a slider, and other equipment, but this is what I have and I bet you could make kick-ass videos with it:

Camera

After some research, I knew I wanted a Canon DSLR camera to shoot video. I was fortunate enough to receive a Nikon D3100 as a present from my girlfriend. She already had the Nikon D3000, which is almost the same camera minus the video capabilities, so I was familiar with it. I knew I would regret not getting the camera I really wanted, so I spent a little more and exchanged it for the Canon EOS 60D with the Canon 50mm f/1.8 II lens. I still can’t believe the quality you can get out of this combo.

Lighting

When I shot my first videos I didn’t have any lights. I soon discovered they’re essential. I bought the only continuous light pack they had in the store, the Starblitz SDI-70. It consists of two stands with a 50 x 50cm lightbox and a 70W low power consumption fluorescent bulb for each. They’re not the brightest, but they make a world of difference.

Microphone

I use the Audio-Technica ATR3350. It’s a cheap lapel microphone, but it’s much better than using the camera’s built-in microphone. Still, the signal I get has considerable background noise, which I have to clean up in the computer.

Accessories

1. Tripod: I searched eBay and ordered a Manfrotto 055XPROB with a Manfrotto 501HDV fluid head. The fluid head arrived, but the tripod never did. Though I got my money refunded, I didn’t want to wait for shipping, so I bought a cheap Hama tripod at a local store to get me started. Months passed and I still need to buy a tripod to use my fluid head with.

2. Battery grip: I got a non-original one from China with two extra batteries. It works just fine. Having extra batteries is a plus, but they don’t hold much charge after some month’s use.

3. Bag: I didn’t want to damage my camera when carrying it around, so I bought a Kata DR 466i. backpack. I doesn’t have much room for lenses, but I only have one!

Editing

I’ve been using Apple computers since I spent my earnings on the white iMac G5. Now I use a Core 2 Duo 24-inch iMac with: Final Cut Pro for the video editing, Logic Pro and Soundtrack Pro for the music and sound cleaning, and Adobe Flash for the lettering and images.

What should I buy next?

I’m happy with what I have, but I could still benefit from new equipment in the future. My next purchase will have to be a video capture card to record footage from my PS3. Next I’d like a Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 lens to shoot wide angles. Also a slider like the Konova to get those awesome gliding shots would be great to have.

Am I missing any essential piece of equipment? What do you use to make your videos? I’ll be glad to read your comments.

Posts Camera Equipment