What Video Equipment Should Your Videographer Be Using

With online video continuing to gain momentum, it comes as no surprise that everyone wants a slice of the action.

But first things first. Do you know what gear your videographer will need to shoot a great video?

We’ve opened up our videographer’s toolkit to let you know what gear we regularly use and why these items are vital for your next video project.

Camera and lenses

It goes without saying, but the most important item of any video shoot is the camera. There is a wealth of options available and the ideal kind of camera will best be determined by the style of footage you are aiming for.

If you want to get creative with your shots, or you are filming in glary and bright light you will also need a few different lenses to accommodate this and improve the image.

Tripod and dolly

Next up is the tripod and dolly. A tripods main function is to keep the camera steady so your footage doesn’t end up with a Blair Witch Project shaky cam feel - unless this is the style you’re aiming for.

Use a tripod with a fluid head to create smooth looking panning shots.

You can also enhance your camera movement by using a dolly when filming. A dolly is a wheeled cart or similar piece of equipment that allows you to create smooth horizontal camera movements. Videographers often use dollies to shoot footage that involves moving the camera towards or away from a subject whilst the camera is moving.

Sound gear and microphones

The biggest make or break factor of video is audio - good footage will not do the trick alone. The sound gear you require will depend on the style of video being shot, but as a base guide, a short shotgun microphone or wireless microphone will suffice.

A shot gun microphone can be attached to the top of your camera or a boom pole and hung just above the subject’s head to capture natural-sounding audio. Whereas a wireless microphone can be great for walk and talk style videos.

Don’t forget a pair of headphones to monitor the sound whilst shooting. You don’t want to get back to the studio to find you were picking up ambient sounds all day.

Teleprompter

Are you filming a video with a direct to camera direct sell or monologue? Have you ever wondered how TV presenters are able to speak so clearly and accurately to the camera without turning away? If so, the teleprompter will be your talents new best friend.

A teleprompter is a display device that prompts the presenter with an electronic visual text of their script. This allows them to focus on the camera and read the script aloud. Simple, hey?

Lights

Lights have the potential to turn an amateur video into a high-quality piece of business material. They can be used in low light situations or on bright shoots to reduce shadows and make the subject of the video stand out from the background.

Spare batteries and SD cards

You can never be too prepared on a video shoot and this means keeping a stash of spare batteries and SD cards on hand. Even if they’re just for emergencies, our videographers never attend a shoot without a back-up plan.