To bring your movies to the next level, start investing in quality equipment that will help you execute creative—and tricky—shots. Here’s a handy shopping list of key camera equipment for budding filmmakers; practice and invest in your craft now for cinematic success later.
The Camera Itself
Let’s look at the core of your equipment arsenal. What’s shooting your movies? DSLR and mirrorless cameras are both popular options for filmmakers. They’ve got motion detectors to reduce shake, customizable lenses, and produce high-definition footage for a reasonable price. As you shop, compare and contrast your options and choose the right fit for you. And that right fit could be neither! If you’re shooting a nature documentary, a classic camcorder may be your best option.
Camera Support
While many modern cameras have built-in stabilizing options, you should still have a tripod or monopod on hand, if only to give your body a break. To execute shake-free shots, attach your camera to a tripod or stabilizer arm. A slider will help you execute smooth gliding and tracking shots. If you pull your camera back a lot, invest in a dolly. Attach your camera, and it’ll help you get perfect tracking shots at different speeds.
Lighting
If you’re a film student on a budget, you may not have the resources or space for bulky lights. While tungsten lights are the gold standard in the film industry, they can also get very, very hot. As you hone your filmmaking skills, start off with a compact LED lighting kit. LED lights are bright, affordable, and run on batteries. Once your film career gains traction, branch out into larger lights and experiment with putting filters and gels (colored sheets) over your light sources to change the ambience.
Audio Equipment
Sure, your camera has a built-in microphone, in the same way that your smartphone has a built-in camera. It’ll get the job done, but more specialized equipment will add finesse to your finished piece. Invest in separate microphones like lavaliers, which are clipped to the speaker’s clothing, and directional mics that attach easily to a boom pole. You’ll get much crisper audio working with mics that are separate from your camera.
Practice your filmmaking skills with some of this basic equipment; quality microphones and top-tier support will help you hone your craft with minimal interference. Pick up some of this key camera equipment for budding filmmakers and start brainstorming your next movie!
