Recommended Video Production Gear
Cameras
Cameras play a vital role in your production since they are the lens through which your audience will see your final video. There are a wide variety of cameras to choose from, so it can be a daunting task to determine which is the best for your production. Below, you will find our recommendations for well built cameras in 3 categories of quality and performance.
|
Recommended Gear |
PROFESSIONAL |
ADVANCED |
BEGINNER |
|
Cameras |
JVC GY-HM620U
|
JVGYHM170UA
OR Lumix G4
|
Canon T5i
|
Camera Tripods
Camera Tripods are another important element in any video production. If you are mostly using stationary shots, you can get away with a less expensive tripod. If you are using your tripod for pan or tilt shots, you will want to invest in a decent tripod that will allow you to smoothly start and stop your camera movement. Check out our recommendations below:
|
Recommended Gear |
PROFESSIONAL |
ADVANCED |
BEGINNER |
| Camera Tripods |
Manfrotto Pro Video Tripod Mid Level Spreader with 504HD Pro Fluid Video Head 75 + MB MBAG100PN Padded Case and 2 Free Ivation Video Quick Release Plates
|
Manfrotto MT190XPRO4
|
Ravelli AVTP Professional 75mm Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Head
|
Lights & Lighting Kits
If you are filming on a green screen, there is nothing more important than lighting. You will want to purchase the best light kit your budget will allow. Also, you will want to position the lights so that your subject is fully lit and your chroma backdrop is as evenly lit as possible. This will make it easier when you go to key out your subject in your video editor to place your talent in a virtual set.
|
Recommended Gear |
PROFESSIONAL |
ADVANCED |
BEGINNER |
|
Light Kits |
Ikan CHRBF3521 Featherweight Bi-Color Chromakey Kit
|
StudioPRO (Set of 2) S-600BN Dimmable 600 Bright LED
|
ePhoto H9004S4 3200 Watt
|
Audio / Microphones
One thing that can be a dead giveaway for a low quality production is poor audio. You will want to use a good quality microphone which will allow your presenter to be clearly heard. Here are a few we've used that we recommend:
|
Recommended Gear |
PROFESSIONAL |
ADVANCED |
BEGINNER |
|
Audio / Microphones |
Sennheiser EW 112P G3-A omni-directional EW system
|
Shure VP83F LensHopper
|
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier
|
Green Screen Backdrops and Screens
If you are working with a virtual set, you are going to need a green screen to shoot on. These come in a variety of styles, but ideally, you want the most smooth, consistent background you can achieve with your lighting and space. We have even had good results working with a portable green screen outdoors since you can easily achieve a consistent light across the backdrop. Here are a few that we have seen and tested that will work for most video productions:
|
Recommended Gear |
PROFESSIONAL |
ADVANCED |
BEGINNER |
|
Green Screen Backdrops |
Impact Super Collapsible Background - 8 x 16
|
ePhoto 901 10x20 ft
|
CowboyStudio Photography Photo Reversible
|
Teleprompters
Teleprompters allow your talent to feel more at ease when delivering extended dialogue and information. Rather than needing to memorize lines or talk from memory, the presenter can simply read the words on the screen. This can increase the speed of the production process and give the presenter a confidence boost. Most teleprompters are hooked up to either a computer or an ipad which allows a script to be loaded and controlled via remote or automatically.
|
Recommended Gear |
PROFESSIONAL |
ADVANCED |
BEGINNER |
| Teleprompters |
T2-15 Teleprompter
|
Ikan PT-ELITE-U-RC Elite Universal Tablet Teleprompter Kit with Elite Remote
|
iPad Mini Teleprompter R810-10
|
Video Editing Software
This is where it all comes together! The video editor allows you to piece together footage and combine your talent with virtual sets. From over 12 years of experience, we highly recommend Adobe software for it's ease of use, capability, price and compatibility.
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Recommended Gear |
PROFESSIONAL |
ADVANCED |
BEGINNER |
|
Software |
Adobe Creative
|
Adobe Premiere Pro CC
|
Adobe Premiere Elements
|
Video Editing Computers
At VirtualSetLab, we run both Mac and Windows based computers. However, we highly recommend Macs because of their reliability, build quality and longevity. They may cost a bit more to start with, but they are generally a solid platform from which to edit, create and share video production.
|
Recommended Gear |
PROFESSIONAL |
ADVANCED |
BEGINNER |
|
Computers |
Apple Mac Pro ME253LL/A
|
Apple iMac MK462LL/A 27-Inch Retina 5K
|
Macbook Pro
|
Computer Monitors
An often overlooked piece of hardware is the computer monitor. If you can afford it, we recommend having at least 2 monitor on any workstation. This will give the editor more room to work and will speed up the efficiency of the editor. Below are a few we have used and recommend:
|
Recommended Gear |
PROFESSIONAL |
ADVANCED |
BEGINNER |
|
Computer Monitors |
Dell Ultra HD 5K Monitor
|
Dell Ultra HD 4K Monitor P2415Q
|
LG 34" Class UltraWide IPS Gaming Monitor 34UM57-P
|
Live Video Production Software
If you are running a live production, you already know that the logistics are several times the production levels needed for post produced video content. You need a solid platform that won't fail on you during a live production. Below, you will find some very capable platforms for live video production delivery. If they seem expensive, consider the fact that 20 years ago, live production of this quality would have cost several hundred thousand dollars and take a full time crew of professionals to pull off. Nowadays, a similar look can be achieved for merely a few thousand dollars and a relatively small crew of operators!
Recommended Gear: (click gear name for more info and pricing)
|
Recommended Gear |
PROFESSIONAL |
ADVANCED |
BEGINNER |
|
Real Time Software / Hardware |
vMix Portable Live Production Package
or Live Stream All in One
|
Wirecast by Telestream
|
Livestream Broadcaster Pro
|
