Freelance
What You’ll Need To Start A Video Production Company…
So you’ve fallen in love with the art of creating videos? Awesome, we have that in common. At different stages of our video production careers, we move through stages of scale. In a perfect world, we’d all have Daddy Warbucks funding our pursuits.
Alas, we’ve put together a list of equipment you’ll need to get started whether your operation is no budget, low budget or pro budget.
Cameras
Cameras kick off the list for a reason. All of the other equipment on this list will build off of what camera you decide to shoot with. Don’t fret. Even with these no budget options, you can shoot great video and build your portfolio.
No Budget: $10-$600
There’s a good chance you’re reading this on a smartphone right now. Good news, there’s been some amazing video shot on an iPhone and other high end Android and Samsung models. Video shot in 4K has become the standard for these devices so take advantage of the amazing technology you have in your hand.
If you’re using your phone, this smartphone lens kit and stabilizer are like steroids for your device.
Xenvo iPhone Camera Lens Pro: Macro Lens + Wide Angle Lens Kit (also compatible with Android/Samsung Devices)
Zhiyun Z1-Smooth-C Multi-Function 3 Axis Handheld Stabilizer for Smartphones
Low Budget: $600-$1500
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema
If you have a little green to invest, here is a great starter camera. You’ll need to purchase or rent lenses. If you rent your lenses, you can play around with a few and discover what you like. Eventually, you and your work will outgrow this camera but you’ll have built your preferences and practice.
Pro Budget: $1500-$∞
Canon C300 Mark II
This camera is a workhorse. Take our word for it, we use this to shoot everything here at 512 Media. It’s the camera we’ve been waiting for since we started shooting in college. If you’re shooting documentaries or feature films, take note. And nothing has made skin tones look so good. Plus, internal 4K, UHD, ND filters, EF lens mount? It just don’t quit.
Microphones
For each budget, we’ve included a shotgun and a lavalier mic option. Chances are, you’ll need both for your work.
No Budget: $10-$600
Rode VMGO Video Mic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone Super-Cardio
Pop Voice Upgrade Lavalier Lapel Microphone
Super affordable and reliable, this little guy gets the job done. It can plug into anything with a normal headphone jack, like iPhones and DSLRs. Even though wired mics can get a little tricky, your sounds will be close and clear with this one.
Low Budget: $600-$1500
Rode NTG3 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Rode has brought us a pro mic without the pro price. If your budget permits, this mic will work best with a boom pole, mic holder and windscreen. If not, you can attach it to your camera with a cold shoe mount mic holder.
Sennheiser EW 112P G3-A Omni-directional EW system
Low price, high value. Don’t worry about getting tangled up in wires, just put the XLR transmitter into your camera, the receiver on the speaker, the mic near a mouth and you’ve got clear sounds sans wires. We love this mic here at 512.
Pro Budget: $1500-$∞
Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 Super-Cardioid Shotgun Tube Condenser Microphone
Here is your in industry standard shotgun mic. Its directivity is mind-blowing, considering it’s compact design. Outdoor broadcasts will sound stellar with this mic. You will need a boom pole, a mic holder and windscreen.
Sennheiser EW112P G3 A-Band Dual Wireless Lav Mic Bundle with SKB Hard Case and Extra Batteries
So nice, they made the list twice. And what’s better than one G3 wireless lav mic? Two G3 wireless lavs with all the accessories. Interviewing two people at once? With this kit, you can rest assured you have everything you’ll possibly need for these awesome wireless lavs.
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On Board Monitors
No budget $10-$600
Feelworld FW759 7 inch Ultra HD 1280×800 IPS Screen Camera Field Monitor for BMPCC
For less than $150, you’re getting pro features without the pro price.
Low budget $600-$1500
SmallHD 502 On-Camera Monitor
This guy doesn’t add weight to your camera so it’s perfect for those “run and gun” shoots or days you’ll be holding it up all day.
Pro Budget: $1500-$∞
Atomos Ninja Assassin 4K HDMI Monitor/Recorder
Not only is the Ninja Assassin an awesome 1080p reference monitor it can also record 20+ hours of HD ProRes LT or 5 hours of 4K ProRes LT. It has an edit-friendly codex and will speed up your post-production exponentially. Also, it’s called the Ninja Assassin, so there’s that.
Tripods
When using tripods to shoot video, adequate support in the legs and extensive mobility in the head is essential. So we’ve chosen some options that do both.
No budget $10-$600
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AP Aluminum Tripod Kit
Great all-around kit. Before you purchase, make sure you get a model with a fluid head.
Low budget $600-$1500
Manfrotto MVK502AM-1 Professional Fluid Video System Aluminum Tripod
Unless we are shooting with a giant camera, we use this tripod most often here at 512 Media.
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Pro budget $1500-$
Manfrotto 526,545GBK Video Kit with 526 Video Head and 545GBK Tripod (Black)
Manfrotto is a brand we have trusted for a long time in video production. This particular model supports up to 20 pounds, so it should hold most camera and accessory setups.
LED Lights 1×1
No budget $10-$600
Neewer Dimmable Bi-color LED with U Bracket Professional Video Light
With this affordable price tag, you get a lot of light. Color is adjustable with a knob from daylight to tungsten.
Note: Power cord is short so consider getting an extension cord or a ton of sony batteries.
Low budget $600-$1500
Dracast DRP-LED1000-DV LED1000 Daylight with V-Mount Battery Plate (Blue)
The output is great and color temp is outstanding on this model. If you need tungsten you use a gel or get the custom made orange tungsten balance gel.
Pro budget $1500-$
Litepanels Astra 1×1 Bi-Color Next Generation LED Light Panel
We saw these being used on a stage to shoot Supergirl, so they are definitely professional and awesome. Switch from daylight to tungsten and from 0 to 100 with the turn of a knob.
Lighting Kits
No budget $10-$600
Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit by LimoStudio, LMS103
Although it’s labeled for photography, it’s great for video and doesn’t flicker.
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Low budget $600-$1500
Dracast S Series Bi-Color LED500 Video Panel 3-Light Kit, Blue (DRASP-LK-3X500BN)
Pro budget $1500-$
Arri 571985 300/650 Tungsten Fresnel Light Kit
If you’re serious about lighting, get serious about this industry standard. This kit was one of the first ones we had at 512 Media. It can light any interior or exterior scenario with its four-point lighting setup.
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Drones
No budget $10-$600
Syma X5C Quadcopter equipped with HD cameras, 2.4G 6 Axis Gyro
If you need some practice getting smooth and effective aerial shots, this is a great place to start.
Low budget $600-$1500
DJI Phantom 3 Professional Quadcopter 4K UHD Video Camera Drone
DJI is the king of drones. Here you have all the fixings without a crazy price tag.
Pro budget $1500-$
DJI Mavic Pro Bundle with Shoulder Bag, Props, Car Charger and 2 Extra Batteries
What can’t this guy do? Fast, nimble and a killer picture.
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