More Video Equipment

(Top 10 List Continued)

If you want to get more video equipment beyond the Top 5, consider these:

6. Extra Batteries

Camcorders are most versatile if you're not tied to an electrical outlet. Since a camcorder battery may only last from 30 to 60 minutes, an extra charged batter (or two) is good insurance.

7. External Microphone

The built-in microphone of nearly every camcorder, from the cheap to the expensive, is not ideal. They pick up too much noise, including noise from the camcorder itself, and often don't produce good results. When considering more video equipment, you should look at camcorder external microphones.

Purists and professionals will tell you never to use the built-in microphone, although the convenience may be just what you need, and many good videos have been made with the built-in mic. Eventually, though, you'll probably want an external microphone.

To use it, your digital video camera must have an external microphone jack, and not all do. For consumer camcorders, they are usually mini-stereo jacks, so your microphone needs a mini-stereo plug.

I have a Sony ECM-MS908C camcorder microphone, and a 12-ft. mini-stereo plug extension cord. The mic requires a battery, and you have to remember to turn it off and on, but it's small and records decent sound.

8. Audio Mixing Software

Since good audio is so important to good video, it makes sense to get some specialized audio mixing software.

I'm a big fan of the freeware Audacity (from audacity.sourceforge.net). You can record from microphone, or the computer itself (mp3 or midi files, or anything that makes sound), mix it all together, edit it lots of different ways, and then create wav or mp3 files. I also use Sony Acid looping software from time to time.

9. Video Lights, including Stands and Reflectors

If all of your shooting is done outdoors in cooperative weather, or if you're just recording events, you may not need any extra lights. For studio work or other controlled content, though, good lighting really helps make good video.

The most convenient option is to get an external light that attaches to your camcorder. However, the camera needs a "hot shoe" to power the light.

Special stand-alone lights and stands are available from video supply stores and other internet sources. For a more do-it-yourself approach, and for less money, you can go to a home supply store and get halogen work lights (complete with stand), or daylight-balanced compact flourescent bulbs and make your own light holders and reflectors.

10. Extra Stuff

There are some extra things you may want, depending on the type of filming that you plan to do. These may include:

• UV lens filter (to protect the lens)
• Microphone stands
• Extension cords
• Wireless microphones
• A film crew, or helpful friends :)

All of this can lead up to some serious money, depending on your budget and your dreams. You can easily spend $800 just for a boom pole to hold a shotgun microphone. Just start with the basics, and see what more video equipment you need.

With this video equipment, you’re ready to get creative. Have fun!

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