Digital Video Essentials
for the Documentary Filmmaker

Video Essentials Check List

• Digital Video Camcorder - The first and most basic item you’ll need is a video camcorder. So literally, for a few hundred bucks (or FREE if you can borrow a camera), you’re already in the game and ready to start shooting!


• Video Editing Computer – A video editing computer is the same as any other computer except that it has the capacity (enough memory, processing power and hard drive space) to hold and manage video footage.


• Digital Video Editing Software – This is where it gets fun. There are so many cool options right now, from simple video editing software, such as Apple’s iMovie, to the more complex professional programs such as Premiere, Avid or Final Cut Pro. Great options exist for every skill level.


• Blu-ray and DVD Authoring Software - Making professional looking DVD’s has never been easier. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to make Hollywood style DVDs and Blu-Rays.


• DVD or Blu-Ray Burner – Most computers today come with a DVD burner already built in. If not, you’ll need to buy one, especially if you want to burn to Blu-ray discs.


• External Hard Drive – Unless you’re only uploading a few minutes of footage to your computer, you’ll need additional hard drive space to hold and manage all your video clips (13 GB holds about 1 hour of DV footage). You’ll need 2 to 4 times as much space if you're working with HD (high definition) video.


• Camcorder Microphone – Of course all camcorders come equipped with an internal microphone, however, if you want to boost the professional level of your project (Get it? Boost the level? ☺), it is highly recommended that you have an external microphone such as a boom, lavaliere and/or wireless mic, depending on the project.


• Firewire Cable – This is a simple little “must have” item, a digital video essential, that allows you to transfer high quality footage from your camcorder or video player to your computer. (Make sure your computer has a firewire port)

Documentary Filmmaking Gear Check List

• Video Apps for Filmmaking
• 2011 Holiday Gift Guide for Documentary Filmmakers
• Easy Video Editing
• Everything you need to know about making documentaries

Return to Desktop Documentaries from Digital Video Essentials

New! Comments