Video Production Equipment: See What’s Needed
Video production equipment can overwhelm us.
But with proper mindset and knowledge of essentials, our focus remains on what’s crucial—creating video content.
I know you
feel what I mean. You know, those moments when we cannot resist thinking so
much (and so long) about equipment...;-) But, at the expense of the more important process of making videos.
It’s not
surprising that we’re vulnerable to “obsess” like that, because...
- We easily notice gear than the process
of making good content for video: Video equipment is tangible. While,
creating video content is elusive.
- We hang out with
peers who are also preoccupied
with gear: And so, we are inclined to look at video equipment the same
way they do.
- We see many gear-oriented sites: Video production and filmmaking web sites that talk more about video gear than the practice of making videos.
But, still, at the back of our minds, we feel the need to...
- See things--including gear--from
the right perspective, and
- Understand what kinds of equipment are needed.
... Because we
want to focus more on the process of
making a good video presentation.
And this
article hopes to address these concerns. :-)
First, let's take a look at...
How to “look at” video production equipment for beginners
Here’s how I deal with my own tendency to preoccupy with gear. You can adopt the same mindset to keep you safe from “gear obsession”. ;-)
Some of the ideas here may only strengthen what you already believe in (subconsciously). And some might appear new to you.
1. Know that video content is the main character. And video gear is a supporting character.
In a movie, the focus of the story is
usually on the “main character”. And the presence of “supporting characters”
helps to tell the story of the main character.
In video production, the focus of
your efforts is on creating the content of your video. And gear only helps you make that video.
In other words,...
Video production equipment is secondary.
Your viewers care more about “what’s in your video”, than “what you use to make that video”. It is the content, or story, in your video that they connect with.
In my experience, it’s usually enough
for my clients to know that I use quality and reliable gear to produce their videos.
The shooters I know, who tend to be picky about gear, are “techy” guys and technicians.
2. Understand that video equipment is simply a tool.
A means to an end.
No more, no less!
The
end is self-expression and viewer connection through videos.
No matter how much you love cameras,
lenses, video support systems, editing and graphics design software... they are
only tools. Treat them as such.
The models and features of video production equipment, change over time. But, the fundamentals and principles of making a good video presentation remain.
3. Recognize that an artist dominates the tools, not the other way around.
If you’re someone who easily falls for the sexy, shimmering,
latest video gear and gizmos in the market, remember this fact...
You,
the creative person, call the shots. Not the tools of your craft.
Your choice of which gear to buy and
use, has to be inspired by your personal approach to making videos. You may end
up choosing the “not-so-sexy” gear, but you end up with one, that helps you
speak your character.
Hmmm, how is that possible?
The tools you choose become an
extension of you. YOU are about personal creative expression. You use video production equipment,
to communicate your ideas and attitude.
Unlike others who are "gear-possessed", you are the one who "possess" the gear... And, you are more excited about immersing yourself in the creative process, than looking at what’s new in the market.
4. Don’t impress your peers with your equipment.
Instead, impress them with your work--the
content of your video presentation.
And they become even more amazed, when
they see you come up with something unique in your video, using only “shitty”
tools, ;-) that others look down on.
So... let your work describe to your friends "who you are", more than the gear that you have.
5. Don’t feel bad working with shooters who own more expensive gear.
Because if you feel that way, you’re
starting to obsess with gear. (In this case, the gear of others.)
So, if you’re on a video shoot, focus instead on your subject. As long
as you have the tools that help you do your job, be happy with it.
The key here is contentment: accepting who you are... what you currently have... and making the most out of it.
6. Don’t fool yourself. What’s really your motive?
If making videos happens to be your main
business, or only a side line, don’t fool yourself saying,...
“I
need to buy that piece of gear to better serve my clients!”
... When, in fact, (and deep inside),
it is the gear that you really (and only) care about.
You’re not using technology for technology’s sake.
You’re using it to benefit your clients and your audience. On that note...
7. Develop more excitement about your audience than your gear.
It’s completely okay if you’re excited
about video production equipment. (Who isn’t? I, myself, am glad I have dependable tools to use.)
But, you’ll be a lot happier when you have
viewers who express their satisfaction with your work. And it starts to happen
when you really care about their
viewing experience.
Being viewer-oriented (instead of gear-oriented) is more than worth it. Emotional connection through videos!
8. Choose what you need.
Some people buy equipment they see from
others, without considering what kind of gear they really need.
What you need is what will serve your purpose for making a video.
So, instead of asking others, “What
gear do you use?”, you need to ask yourself...
- “How do I look at my subjects?”
- “How do I intend to present them on video?”
- “What will help me express my perspective, in ways that satisfy my viewer?”
Think about these questions, and you’ll
be on your way to buying what you really need.
But you also need to...
9. Buy what you can afford.
I know it’s obvious...
... But, I know some people who even sacrifice
their families’ needs, just to get expensive gear that they can’t afford enough.
They put themselves in deep debt, using credit cards, or by borrowing money
from others.
I think... we need to accept our
financial capabilities... and recognize our priorities. Because in that way, we
can make practical decisions in life.
You can certainly get a piece of gear that meets your purpose, at half the price of an expensive one, or even lower.
10. If you want to test expensive gear, borrow or rent it first.
Don’t buy it yet!
And yet... I see some guys who are dying
to buy it, only to “have a taste” of it...
Then, after a period of using that same gear, they sell it because they realize
that...
- They get the same results using less expensive equipment, or
- They need “funds” to sustain their basic needs in life.
Buy a piece of gear that you’re sure you can use, and keep for a long time.
Also, if video production, or doing video coverage, is your bread and butter (or only a side line), it’s also practical not to buy additional gear, unless... you get your “return of investment”, using only your initial video production equipment setup.
Equipment needed for video production
In a
nutshell, your viewers want “visual-auditory experience”, that is pleasing enough. And the kinds of
equipment needed for video production... are those that will help you provide
viewers with that experience.
However, contrary
to what others may think, “super-duper”, “ultra high” audio-video quality, is
not mandatory. Why?
Because we also need to see the context in which we
operate. And that includes...
- the big picture reason why we make videos (or, what we need to prioritize),
- the actual video project requirements (like 1080p, which is most common even in corporate videos) and
- our financial capabilities (or what essential video gear we can afford).
But, the
look and sound of our videos have to be decent and good enough. Otherwise, they
will take away from viewers’ involvement in our videos.
Here’s a basic video production equipment list—as to category or "function". (They
are video production essentials we need to consider first, before we immerse in the “specifics”
of gear.)
- Camera and Lenses: “The Eyes”
- Lighting: “The Enhancer” (helps the eyes to see)
- Sound Gear: “The Ears”
- Support System: “The Legs"
- Storage: “The Memory"
- Editing Equipment: “The Hands” (that assemble the pieces together)
Equipment needed for video production - the "specifics"
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What Do You Say about "Obsession with Video Production Equipment"?
How do you feel when you see someone who is so obsessed with video gear? What's your take on "Gear Acquisition Syndrome"? Express your views!
Or, do you also get preoccupied with video equipment? If so, how do you deal with it? Share your story!
(You can even submit your own images that illustrate your views, if you like.)
See Other People’s Views on Video Gear Obsession
Click on the links below, to see the attitude of others, for “Obsession with Video Production Equipment”.
They were all written by other visitors to this page… just like you. :-)
My Take on Video Production Equipment Obsession 
I want to say something about video production equipment obsession because I think it’s SO TRUE. I mean look at what’s really happening in this world. …
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