The Best In-Expensive Gear to Get Your Internal Video Team Up and Running Today...

Launching an internal video team (even if it just members of your existing communications or marketing team) can seem like a big ask...

Along with getting your approach to visual storytelling just right and trying to always think about your audience and what they want and need, you also want to get the right equipment that will enable you to produce the best video you can, but you don’t want to spend a large portion of your annual marketing and communications budget on new tech to achieve this...

I get it.

High end video equipment can be expensive, trust me I know.

Working for a visual content agency I have access to the best toys in town and they don't come cheap.

But don't worry.

In this very short and concise article I’ve created a rundown of the best-quality, most budget-friendly video equipment you can find online to get your team up and running, filming great quality content in no time at all!

Low Cost Camera Options for Video Marketing

As a former cinematographer of course I am going to tell you that a good camera is a must for capturing great images, but there are so many options.

Different cameras have different advantages and disadvantages, so the kind of video you want to shoot and where you want to post it should heavily influence what you should get.

DSLRs or Mirrorless Cameras are the most recommended camera for most forms of scalable video marketing, and Canon and Sony lead the pack.

Your camera will be one your most expensive acquisitions, but a good camera can last you for years.

The CANON EOS Rebel T6 DSLR is just $450 on B&H Photo and this comes in a package with different lenses.

The CANON EOS 80D DSLR is $1399 (USD) also on B&H Photo and again with a package with a lens (you can add a bag for an extra $150).

It has additional features like the 24-megapixel sensor that result in much crisper, pro-quality images.

If you are looking for a great low cost 4K camera then you should look no further than the SONY A6300 (I use this camera all the time for vlogging) you can find it on B&H photo for a very reasonable $1148 (USD) with a couple of lenses and other accessories but I would be fast as they are going to discontinue this amazing camera soon and replace it... Its a great camera.

If you’re going to shoot action shots that show experiences in the first person, GoPro HERO7 black is a great option. It’s waterproof, versatile, and only costs $329 (USD).

If you’re looking for just a good old fashioned straight up camcorder (like you had when you were a kid) maybe for vlogging or YouTube, the Sony HDRCX405 HD is about $200 (USD) and records in MP4, which means you can instantly upload your content.

Smart Phone Lens Kits

I am all for internal teams using their Smart Phones for filming as much as they can.

Why?

Because they already have them on them 24/7 and with a couple of simple hacks like using lenses and FiLMiC Pro you can get some really great shots out of them.

The top lens kit I recommend is the one I use (made in Hong Kong) which is the MOMAX X-Lens kit (these sell for about $35 (USD) so they are a great low cost investment and they act as a great case for your smart phone too.

The Xenvo Pro Lens Kit is $39.99 (USD) and has upwards of 2,000 favorable reviews.

It comes with a pixel, macro, and wide angle lens, an LED light, and a travel case.

The Mactrem phone camera lens with a telephoto lens, a fisheye lens, a wide angle lens, and a macro lens for $35.97 is also a pretty great bargain.

All of these can work well.

I just prefer the MOMAX system because it is the easiest and most accessible for what I want.

Tripods for Making Video with DLSR and Mirrorless Cameras

A tripod is essential for image stabilisation, panning, tilting and many other useful things.

You really can’t make quality video without one.

The Benro Aero 4 Travel Angel Video Tripod Kit may seem pricey at $279 (USD), but it has a lot of options and features that will truly enhance the video you produce.

What is more, it is perfect for video marketers who will be shooting on location.

The Manfrotto Lightweight Fluid Video System is top-rated and would by my number one recommendation.

At $307 (USD), it’s really not that much more than the Benro, but it is a far superior product.

A more economical tripod is the Ikan E-Image EG01A2 2 Stage Aluminum Tripod.

It has a fluid pan and tilt head and is only $149 and not a bad tripod for that price (I had one for a number of years and was well happy with it).

Lastly, the Mactrem PT55 Travel Camera Tripod is a solid option for beginners.

At $39.99, it will no doubt pay for itself in no time.

To stabilise your shots when you’re filming while in motion, the Zhiyun Crane 2 video camera stabiliser works on nearly every small camera (under 1.6 pounds in weight) and all smartphones.

For $269 (USD), it’s a great tool to have for any video marketer who’s going to be on the go.

Tripods for Making Video with Smart phones

I’d be remiss not to note two of the top-rated tripods for shooting with your smartphone.

The Fugetek selfie stick and tripod with Bluetooth remote is an all-in-one tool that extends to 51 inches for $24 (USD).

Similarly, the UBeesize Tripod S for $18 (USD) also includes a wireless remote shutter and features flexible legs ideal for mounting your tripod in unique locations.

If you’re going to be shooting a lot of video using your smart phone, or if your video is going to include a lot of action, then a gimbal stabiliser could be a useful investment.

Outfitted with technology that allows you to make pro-quality video with your smart phone, a gimbal is worth looking into.

The only smart phone stabilisers I recommend come from DJI and you can get started with the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 for $119 (USD) . The DJI Osmo is great for video marketers who want to shoot, edit, and publish via their smart phone.

Other Must-Have Accessories

The camera and the tripod are the two most essential tools, but there are a few others that you need to add to your internal video teams arsenal.

It is time to accessorise!

Microphones

A microphone is a must-have for quality sound.

One recommended by several video marketers is the Rode VideoMicPro Compact Directional On-Camera Microphone for $180 (USD).

My non-on-camera recommendation is the Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone for $169 (USD) - this is useful for doing small voice over recordings back at the office (somewhere quiet and out of the way).

Even more versatile; though, more costly is the Rode RodeLink FM Digital Wireless Filmmaker System for $320 (USD).

It’s super versatile and can be clipped to your camera, your tripod, or even your clothing.

It also works at great distances.

Smartphone mics, which clip to your shirt, are the Rode smartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier microphone for $80 (USD) and the TONOR Dual Lavalier Microphone Lapel Interview Mini Omnidirectional Condenser Shirt mic for $9.99 (USD) but my recommendation is don't be cheap and go for the Rode!

Audio Recorder

Audio recorders are great for recording audio.

Not everyone will need one—for most, a microphone plugged into their smart phone or camera will do, but if you’re going to try to capture audio that’s away from where you’re filming, the Tascam DR-05 Stereo Portable Digital Audio Recorder for $89 (USD) is highly recommended.

You can also use this recorder to go out and record atmospheric and background sounds (like streets, parks, offices etc) to layer into the background of your videos so they have a richer soundscape.

Lighting and Backgrounds

Lighting is as important as location when shooting video and capturing stills.

You can’t always guarantee your outdoor lighting is going to do what you want, which is why a great set of reflectors like the Selens 5-in-1 portable handle round reflectors for $20 (USD) is pretty much a no-brainer (actually it is a no-brainer).

If you’re going to be shooting indoors, then the Fancierstudio Lighting Kit for $110 (USD) will give your video some quality lighting on a budget.

The Neewer Background Support System comes in three sizes.

The medium kit is $166 (USD) and includes a backdrop.

You can also get more simple Neewer 700W professional softbox lighting for $70.

Purchased separately, you can get Neewer backgrounds in green, white, and black with the support system for $90.

The location for your shooting will be a deciding factor in which of the lighting and background accessories that you need but plan for a rainy day and have options for your team to use no matter the circumstances!

Memory Cards

I know I don't need to remind you to buy memory cards right?

Well...

Just in case...

The SanDisk 256GB Extreme card for $60 (USD) is worth the $$$.

Meanwhile, you can stock up on SanDisk 64GB Ultra memory card for $12 (USD).

A good blend of sizes is beneficial depending on how long you’ll be shooting.

Trust me, you cannot be prepared enough when it comes to memory cards...

I have had to send people back to the office or rental house in at least five or six different countries because memory cards were forgotten during a gear check.

STILL NEED MORE HELP?

Reach out to me and the team at APV! 

We’d love to talk to you about how you can find the right gear and the right processes for your brand, business, organisation or institution to create and share effective visual content with your audience that moves them to action!

Thomas J Elliott is the Creative Director for APV an advertising agency specialising in video and animation with offices in Wong Chuk Hang Hong Kong. 

He is a winner of numerous international awards for video and animation and the author of five books on visual content.

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