The change from photography into cinematography is natural. This is especially true for individuals with a passion for immortalizing moments, taking their creativity into a new realm, and telling stories.
This being said, the filmmaking world is decidedly complex. Although there is a steep investment, commitment curve, and learning, which everyone should go through so as to create good content, this doesn’t mean the genre cannot be impactful without high-end gear.
For people who are not looking to spend a lot of money on gears and essentials, which they might or might not use, the pros have suggested the following tools to get you started:
Camera
As far as filmmaking is concerned, you will require a quality camera. If you have researched before, you have probably come across many opinions out there.
While you may use a smartphone camera to make films, it cannot get the same quality film as the professional-level mirrorless cameras. Like Mark Murphy Director, most experts suggest that you use mirrorless cameras and DSLRs for quality films. Some of these cameras can shoot in 4K, while others may even record in 6K and 8K.
Lighting Equipment
Unless you are using NASA lenses, avoid shooting with natural lighting. Always use LED lights and consider mounting them on a stand so as to get quality and consistent lighting for all your shoots. Today, light stands have become more affordable. In case you don’t have time for 3 point lighting setups, use camera lighting accessories at the very least.
Sound Gears
Sound is as vital as pictures. You cannot get quality audio with a microphone on your camera. Using separate microphones can make a great difference.
Lav (lavalier) microphones that clip into clothes are an affordable way to get quality sound. Wireless lavs, in particular, are perfect if you are able to afford them.
Lenses
Cameras are useless without lenses. They are among the potent elements, making the imagery rich in colors and depth. Lenses are costly, but you should at least buy a zoom and a prime lens. A wide lens helps maintain a uniform focus and establish scenes throughout. On the other hand, long lenses usually add more characters to the screen and make visuals more cinematic. Plus, when an aperture is smaller, the lens becomes faster. Such lenses are perfect for available or low lights.
Computers
Similar to cameras, computers are among the things causing many gear disagreements between videographers and filmmakers.
If you are just starting out, MacBook Pro laptops are perfect tools. Trick it out with enough RAM and big screen size you may afford.
As you continue being a professional, you may look into investing in an iMac. This is a great tool for anyone looking to handle video editing projects.
In a Nutshell
Regardless of the scale or size of your filmmaking projects, the resources available shouldn’t inhibit you from creating good stories you want to narrate. Provided you use the right tricks and equip yourself with some of this equipment, you may save money in different ways that you didn’t expect.
