Best Beginner’s Videography Equipment for Small Business Interviews.
If you are tight on the budget as a start-up (which is absolutely normal), we recommend you DIY with the following videography equipments for your corporate interview style video.
-
Beginner Videographer Lighting Kit (lighting with two stands)
Be prepared to spend about $600 on a good lighting kit. A good stand will be more solid to save you trouble in the future. If you are not sure what to get, just go to a local camera store in Vancouver BC. I especially like the Broadway Camera guys on Broadway and Cambie area. These guys will be able to help you out with selecting the best one for your budget. Just tell them you are looking to spend roughly $600.00. Please don’t cheap out! These will last you a long time!
-
Microphone (tethered or wireless)
This is highly recommended to make your video appear professional. Even if your video quality is mediocre, having a proper audio on the film will make the audience appreciate the video more. If the volume is too low, it creates too much noise when you boost. If your camera is too far away, it tends to receive too much noise. Therefore, please DO invest in a microphone receiver. It costs around $200.00 for a good one. I recommend SONY brand, and it is what we reguarly use.
-
DSLR camera + Kit Lens
Camera is the center piece of the quality. It is important, but you do not have to go all out. At the beginning stage, I believe that a DSLR with recording capability, preferably with a rotatable screen, plus the kit lens would work fine, until you can hire a professional to do it. If possible, have two cameras, so you can edit and cut your scenes seamlessly. A small trick is to cut your scene as you change your angles or zooms. We use Nikon cameras, but Canon, Sony, or Panasonic would both work great – whatever fits your bill!
-
Sliders for Videos (optional)
A slider is optional for an interview style video. However, to make your video look more interesting, it would be worth it for you to shoot outside or inside your office, while you are talking, so that the audience is not staring at the screen all the time. For this reason, a slider will help with stabilizing and really take your video to the next level. B&H Videos and Photos would be a great place to get these equipments. They run sales regularly, so take advantage of it!
-
Extra Batteries for DSLR and Microphones
This is a just in case item, and having extra battery seems to be self-explanatory. What you don’t know about is how fast these videoshoot drain your battery if it is your first time. To be safe, carry extra battery! It will be worth it. I always go with original manufacturer batteries because of the quality. You can try ebay or amazon batteries, but more often than not, the quality is disappointing.
