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FAQ: Well-equipped
Ring lights, boom mics, DSLR… what kind of setup do you really need to produce great video?
What kind of equipment should you have in order to create great video?
Well… something that can create videos, for one. But that something can be your phone. My entire FAQ video series was filmed on my iPhone, as are most of my videos.
Good lighting can be provided by a window, a lamp… or, yes, a specialized ring light. Quality sound can come from a dedicated USB microphone (I like the Blue Yeti), a lavalier microphone that plugs into your phone (here’s a cheap one that I like)… or just the regular microphone on your phone, computer, or camera. You don’t need a fancy backdrop. You don’t need expensive equipment. In fact, apps like Wave.video, Ripl, and Camtasia don’t require you to film any video footage at all; you can utilize their libraries to create your own video from pre-made content.
So… what’s the one true must-have for your video setup?
A great idea, clearly executed, preferably entertaining and educational.
That’s truly it.
Social: How To Make Great Videos!
My friends The Nerdy Duo Productions - aka Melissa & Erin - know how to make great videos.
They also know why other people keep making crappy videos.
In this weeks episode of Social they share some basic tips on making your social media videos better.
My friends The Nerdy Duo Productions - aka Melissa & Erin - know how to make great videos.
They also know why other people keep making crappy videos. They gave us some of their best tips on today's #cgsocial.
PLANNING
Whether you're using professional equipment or doing a basic Facebook Live with your iPhone, know where your video's going (and the best aspect ratio for it) and what you're using to film it. You can also manually adjust the settings on your phone or computer camera in advance of your broadcast.
If you can't plan beforehand, plan afterwards: take stock of what you did, what worked, and what you can improve for next time.
LIGHTING
From cheap clamp lights from Home Depot bounced off a dollar store car windshield shade, to a full lighting setup, remember: in video, if they can't see you, what's the point?
SOUND
Don't trust the microphone on your phone or computer. Better microphones are cheap and easy.
SUPPORT
Don't hold your camera; your hands aren't as steady as you think they are. Tripods are inexpensive, and some can even fit in your purse!
I put together a whole wonderful, juicy set of equipment links - and then Squarespace decided to delete it. So... that sounds like a new post for Monday! I will post about it, I promise!