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If you want to get into the wonderful world of videography, or simply want to boost your film-making skills, it’s key to make sure you’ve got the right videography equipment. There is a huge range of gadgets and gizmos available, so it can be daunting knowing where to start.
Luckily, we’ve put together our top tips for the ultimate DSLR film-making kit, so you’ll be prepared for any situation. Check out our videography equipment must-haves below!
A tripod should be at the top of every video production equipment list. These affordable and portable pieces of kit will help you to take perfectly steady shots, and also allow you to direct without worrying about having enough hands to hold your camera too. You can purchase specialist tripods for as little as £20 at photography stores online, so it’s a cheap way to boost the quality of your videos.
If you’re travelling between locations, or are filming in harsh conditions, you’ll want to have a hard camera case that will protect your kit from knocks, splashes and dust. In addition to this, if you have delicate sensors or other equipment, it’s worth investing in a lightweight but rugged plastic protective case to keep these safe from damage too.
A gimbal is an essential piece of kit if you’re looking to capture action shots or sweeping panoramas. By attaching your camera or camera phone to a gimbal, moving shots are stabilised, so you can give a really high quality feel to your films.
Some gimbals will have built in cameras, whereas others will require you to attach your DSLR to it. Take a look at a few different options to see what will suit your needs best.
When filming video, it’s not just the video quality you need to think about - sound quality is very important too. A beautiful film can be ruined by crackly or muffled sound, so it’s important to get it right.
The type of microphone you need will depend on what you’re filming. Wireless microphones are great for voice over or interviews, whereas for dialogue, you may need to invest in a professional boom instead,
Have a good lighting kit with you when capturing videos to add a professional and cinematic feel for your work. You are likely to need a number of different lighting options for your different shots, so try to consider your environment and shoot list so you can have the appropriate tools to hand. Don’t forget light reflectors too when buying your lighting.
It’s likely that you’ll want to capture a range of different shots and scenery whilst filming, which will require a range of lenses. Consider lenses that can handle multiple types of shot, or specific lenses such as fish eye if you’re looking for a particular effect. Having a number of lenses to hand will mean you’re prepared for any shot you might need.
When heading out to film, make sure you have a stock of fully charged spare batteries with you. This means you’ll be able to film for a long time, rather than being limited by your battery life, and will be able to capture all of those perfect shots you’ve been looking for.
Although this isn’t an exhaustive list of videography equipment, it’s a great all-round beginner kit that will help you to capture great footage and develop your skills.
