The Best Video Equipment
As far as content goes, video still reigns supreme. If you're interested in making your own material, you'll need proper video equipment. This could range from lights, cameras, accessories, and much more. If you're a bit overwhelmed and don't know where to start, don't worry. Here, we've rounded up some of the top video equipment on the market. Keep reading and we'll go into further detail.
What to Look For
To find the best video equipment on the market, we looked at a broad range of devices. Of the equipment we looked at, we asked: What can this be used for? Is it hard to use? And how affordable is it? For example, you might want to get started with a good 4K camera that doesn’t cost too much. MIRWHAPNG’s model is the perfect starter camera, with an amazing array of features at such an affordable price. If you already have a camera but need better lighting, UBeesize makes a fantastic ring light that will illuminate your subjects with brilliant clarity. And if you’re looking for storage, microphones, or tripods, we have you covered there as well. Read below for more information.
Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone with Shock Mount
Coming in loud and clear
Without a good microphone, videos can still seem amateurish if the sound quality is bad. That’s why we’re recommending this affordable but high-quality microphone. It uses standard connectors, so it can work with almost any camera or smartphone. This is a directional microphone, so it’s perfect for picking up dialogue from a specific location.
Pros:
- It attaches easily to most cameras thanks to the cold shoe mount.
- The cardioid pattern of this microphone doesn’t pick up external noises like hums or traffic noises, for example.
Cons:
- There’s no Lightning or USB-C adapter, so you might need one of those to use with your smartphone.
Amazon Basics microSDXC Memory Card
So you’ve found the perfect camera and microphone for shooting films. Of course, they’ll be useless without a good SD card like this one. It’s high-speed and high-capacity, so there’s plenty of space for lots of videos or photos. Of course, this can work in a pinch as a memory card for gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch or as an external storage device on a laptop or PC. And while this is a budget SD card, it’s actually incredibly reliable and won’t destroy your data after a few months. Some cheaper SD cards can do this, so be careful out there.
Pros:
- Since this SD card is U3 class, it can record 4K video.
- This card can be splashed with water or even submerged for up to 30 minutes, and the data will likely be okay.
- As a microSD card, this can be used with more devices than a regular SD card. This one comes with a micro to full-size SD card adapter, so it can work with both types of devices.
Cons:
- There are only a few smaller sizes available, although the 64GB ones are highly affordable anyway.
UBeesize Camera Tripod with Travel Bag and Wireless Remote
Perfect steady shots
Shaky cam footage has its place, but most professional-grade videos are shot with a tripod. We recommend this one for its budget-friendly cost, ease of use, and range of motion. It reaches almost six feet tall, so you have plenty of options for different angles. The rubber feet are super sturdy and grippy, so this tripod doesn’t wobble or slide around. It’s a great entry point into filmmaking, which is why we can’t recommend it enough for your video equipment arsenal.
Pros:
- The rubber feet are on ball hinges, so this can be used on uneven surfaces.
- The hinges pivot smoothly, so you can get great tracking shots.
Cons:
- It is a bit lightweight, so really heavy cameras might not fare as well on this tripod.
Lipety Ring Light with Floor Tripod and Desk Stand
Lighting is key in capturing good footage. Whether you’re a streamer, content creator, or director, you’ll want a good light source such as this one. With the lighting from this ring light, your footage will be less grainy, and your subject will be much clearer. And since this comes with a tripod, desk stand, and phone holder, it works for almost any video setup.
Pros:
- You can change the color of this light slightly between warm and cool light.
- Since this uses a standard 5-volt USB power cable, you can use it with a portable power bank.
- Assembly is quick and painless.
Cons:
- The remote isn’t wireless, but at least the cable is long enough that it shouldn’t matter for most uses.
MIRWHAPNG 4K Video Camera
Ready for action
Today, cameras are better and more affordable than ever, as evidenced by this impressive unit. It shoots in full 4K resolution at up to 30 frames per second — and it shoots 1080p and lower at up to 120 to 240 frames per second. This is a great camera for getting into shooting videos, as it comes with everything you’ll need, including extra batteries, a remote, and an external directional microphone.
Pros:
- Although it seems like it might be heavy, this is quite lightweight and great for action shots.
- This camera has a very shallow learning curve and is easy to pick up and use.
- The anti-shake feature works great for sports like kayaking, biking, or skiing.
Cons:
- This bundle doesn’t come with an SD card, but those are relatively cheap nowadays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do U1, U2, and U3 mean on SD cards?
These refer to the read and write speeds of the card. U1 means it goes up to 10 megabytes a second, while U3 is a minimum of 30 megabytes a second. You’ll want at least a U3 card for shooting high-resolution video in 4k.
Do I need an external microphone?
To get professional videos with clear audio, you’ll want to supplement your camera with an external mic. These can be had relatively inexpensively and make a huge difference. Even smartphones can use mics, so we highly recommend getting one.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.