Don’t immediately assume you’ll need the highest-quality equipment you can afford. It’s better to have a cheap camera that you know how to operate than to have a $1000 DSLR that you can’t make the most of. Prioritize your equipment in this order: audio (microphone), video (camera), lighting. [1] X Research source It’s okay to improvise. For example, refrain from spending $80 on a tripod when a stack of books might better suit your videos instead.
Smartphone - If you have a smartphone, you’ll be able to record fairly high-quality videos with the touch of a button. Smartphones are also easier to transport than larger, bulkier cameras, meaning you can record on-the-go if you like. You can also purchase a smartphone-specific tripod for under $30 if you plan on filming vlogs or the like. The largest drawback to using a smartphone is the lack of available audio input–you’ll either need to record audio separately on another device and then synchronize your video and audio later, or you’ll need to settle for the in-camera microphone. Camcorder - A camcorder is a perfect balance between a smartphone’s portability and a DSLR’s high-quality shooting capabilities. You can purchase a camcorder that shoots in high-definition (720p or higher) for relatively cheap–around $120–but keep in mind that you may also need to buy an additional memory card to accompany it. DSLR Camera - Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras include a wide array of devices, but generally entail a high standard of quality. You’ll want to tend toward high-profile brands like Canon or Nikon if purchasing a DSLR, but remember to ensure that your selected camera includes video recording as an option. Also keep in mind that DSLR cameras require a higher level of skill and patience to operate effectively. If you aren’t already well-versed in DSLR camera operation, consider using a cheaper alternative.
“Audio-Technica” and “Blue Microphones” are both reputable companies with a wide variety of stock from cheap, accessible microphones to studio-grade ones. [2] X Research source Spending around $100 will net you a professional-sounding microphone. If you’re working with a limited budget, consider opting for a cheaper microphone. Using a dedicated microphone can also minimize the amount of echoing and background noise in your video since your microphone usually sits much closer to your mouth than your camera. Consider purchasing a pop filter to place over your microphone in order to reduce audio feedback during the editing process.
When setting up your lighting for a room shot, you should have three separate sources: one behind the camera (facing you), one placed 45 degrees to your left or right (facing you and the wall behind you), and one on the opposite side of the second source strictly facing the wall. [3] X Research source You can also use natural light (e. g. , a window) to illuminate your face from behind the camera, though you’ll need to shoot consistently during the daytime.
Wondershare Filmora is an excellent free option for beginners on both Mac and PC, while Lightworks caters to a more intermediate film editing audience (PC only). If you’re willing to spend some money, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere are great options. [5] X Expert Source Travis PageBrand & Product Specialist Expert Interview. 27 June 2019.
The subject of the video The purpose of the video Your target audience Your script
Your background will eventually become a key aspect of your videos if you use the same one enough. Keep this in mind when choosing your background.
If you’re using a tripod, this is a relatively easy step. Otherwise, set up a pile of books or a small shelf for your camera to rest on. You’ll also want to situate your microphone during this time. You may have to play around with your camera’s zoom level and your microphone’s location in order to keep the microphone out of your shot. If you’re filming with a smartphone, camcorder, or webcam, refrain from zooming in. Doing so constitutes using a “digital zoom” (as opposed to the optical zoom used by DSLR cameras) that distorts the video quality.
While this is a good guideline, every room is going to mandate different lighting. You’ll need to experiment a bit before you find the sweet spot.
If you have a picture or something similar on the wall behind you, try sitting opposite of and below it for your shot. Most smartphones have a camera-related option that displays a three-by-three grid of lines on the screen while filming.
If you’re trying to produce dynamic (e. g. , quick and engaging) content, consider cutting out any awkward silences or pauses in conversation. Most video-editing programs come with a “noise-cancelling” feature included. You can use this to lower the overall background noise in your video. This is also a good point for you to add music or other effects.
