Have you finally made the jump to purchasing the camera you’ve been eyeing for some time? Here’s the gear that you should get next.
Now, obviously once you’ve purchased a camera, you already know the vital things you need like batteries, a lens, and a memory card. However, once you’ve gotten the basic body build and recording capability you need, the next step can be tricky. First things first: you should consider the type of shooting you’ll be doing with the camera. Don’t think about your skill set or budget just yet. Let’s look at a few pieces of gear to consider.
Nifty Fifty
A tried-and-true staple of low-budget filmmaking is the 50mm lens. There’s something comforting and practical about being able to throw a cheap, light, and visually friendly lens on in no time. The benefit of shooting with a cheap f/1.8 50mm is the shallow depth of field you can get. This is will give you that warm, cinematic look that is so popular — as well as allowing you to shoot in less exposed environments.
- The Best Set of Go-To Lenses
- The Best EF Lenses for Filmmaking Under $1000
- How to Choose the Best Lenses for Your DSLR Camera
Tripod
The next most logical step for production is a durable tripod that fits the parameters of your camera. If you own a small DSLR or mirrorless camera, it makes sense to buy a tripod that’s sized accordingly. As the Film Look states, consider splurging a little bit and purchasing some hefty tripod legs, then you can always upgrade the head on your tripod as you upgrade camera size.
- 5 Amazing Tripod Camera Moves
- Filmmaking Hack: Create a Handheld Camera Rig for Less than $5
Slider
Once you’ve mastered the art of panning and tilting with your tripod, the next step will be actual dynamic camera movement. Purchasing a slider is something of a contentious point for filmmakers. Either you want to take the full DIY approach and build one yourself, or you could save some time and frustration and go for the name brand that you know and love. Either way, if you’re looking to improve the look and feel of your work, having a slider on deck will guarantee some solid B-roll and micro-tracking shots that will boost the overall value of your production.
- DSLR Slider Guide For Solo Shooters
- Lone Operator? Make Your Next Purchase a Motorized Slider
- DIY Hacks: 10 Cheap Tripod Dolly Options to Try at Home
Microphone
Anybody who has ever worked with any camera knows the in-camera microphone is complete garbage. But that’s okay because finding cheap, good-quality audio recording solutions is easier than ever. RODE currently runs the show with their on-camera Video Mic Pro, which attaches directly to the camera. This spares you from relying on a boom or finding another crew member. However, to capture even better audio, if your subject is stationary, you can attach your microphone to a stand (that could be part of your microphone purchase). Like the tripod and lens, just consider the type of video work you’ll be doing.
- The Best Microphones for Sit-Down Interviews
- Rode Announces the VideoMic Pro Plus Shotgun Microphone
Lighting
Lighting can be a difficult area to break into right away. Learning the various color temperatures and types of light and their particular settings can take some time and experience. But, for starting out, it can’t hurt to snag a few cheap LED lights and stands. The Film Look recommends also purchasing a cheap reflector if you’ll be consistently shooting interviews or in static locations.
- LED Lights Under $500 Every Filmmaker Needs On Set
- Go Remote with Compact LED Lights
- 4 Cheap Practical Lights That Can Work Wonders On Set
Buy Used
It never hurts to buy used equipment. Almost every camera I’ve ever owned I’ve purchased used, and there’s never been anything wrong with them other than a few nicks and dings (which did not affect the overall performance of the camera). Buying used is a great way to save money, and it will allow you to accrue more gear more quickly.
- What You Need To Know When Buying a Used DSLR