Overview

At the heart of every videography kit is the camera. Here are features that an aspiring videographer should look for.

Full Manual Control (Aperture, Shutter, ISO, Focus, White Balance)

Interchangeable Lenses

1080p24 for that “Film Look”

Here are three popular and relatively inexpensive camera choices that have those features.

Good audio separates the professionals from the amateurs. A common workflow for videographers is to capture audio from an external audio recorder with a video mic or lav mic. Then, sync the audio from the external recorder with the internal camera audio in post.

Capturing light is the essence of videography. You can achieve nice three point lighting with just the sun and a reflector.

For the love of all that is good in this world, please use a tripod unless your scene calls for handheld or shaky movement.

Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Fluid Head (Quick Release) Vello Triple Shoe Mount V Bracket for Lights, Mics, and Audio Recorders General Brand Gaffer Tape $35 $30 $6

Starting for around $1,000, you can get a decent kit and enter the wonderful world of videography.

If that’s out of your budget, consider buying a used previous model of one of the cameras suggested from sites like KEH or Amazon. A Canon T2i, Panasonic GH1, and Sony 5N may be discontinued, but they still offer full manual control, interchangeable lenses, and 1080p24 for a great price. For example, the T2i can be bought used for about $450.

If that’s still out of your range, you can rent from places like LensRentals.com, BorrowLenses.com, or ATS Rentals. For example, the T3i and a lens can be rented for a weekend for about $90. That’s enough time to shoot a couple of short video projects to start your portfolio. Then when you’re more confident, you can charge your first paid gig to cover your next rental plus a little extra to go towards purchasing.

However you decide to finance it, do what you have to do to start shooting!

To the extent possible under law, Phloating Man has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to the article “Budget Friendly Videography Kit for Beginners“ which means you are free to share, remix, and use this work commercially without attribution or permission.

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