Video Production Equipment

Low-Budget Documentary Filmmaking Gear Check-List

Documentary Filmmaking Gear Check-List


One of the most exciting aspects of filmmaking is putting together your video production equipment package.

Keep in mind, there is no "one size fits all" equipment package for everyone since there are so many variables (budget, type of project, locations, pro vs amateur, etc), so what we have tried to do on this page is cover some basic gear you may want to consider.


Documentary Video Production Equipment Package and Gear List:

video production equipmentPhoto courtesy: Stephan Müller


Below is a video production equipment list for the beginner filmmaker.

This is simply a starter guide in your search for some basic filmmaking gear.

A great place to start is with a video camera and build from there.

Disclosure: As an Amazon partner, Desktop Documentaries may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases through links on this page at no extra cost to you. Thank you.



Video Camera


ORDRO Livestream Video Camera 4K

A video camera is the centerpiece of your filmmaking gear package.

What camera you choose depends on your budget, the type of shooting you're doing (static, stealth, run-and-gun, etc.) and where you plan to showcase your film (web-only, theater, broadcast, etc).

You can shoot a documentary on anything from your iPhone to a DSLR to a top of line digital cinema camera such as the RED. Whatever camera you choose, make sure you capture excellent audio. 



Tripod

Ravelli AVT Professional 67 inch Video Camera Tripod

A necessary piece of equipment to keep your footage looking steady and professional.

Get a tripod with a fluid head for smoother looking pans.   


Camera Light

Neewer on Camera Video Light Photo Dimmable

Sometimes a nice pop of light from the camera can help fill in ugly shadows.

A camera light is a nice accessory to have especially in a documentary/news style shoot where you might not have time for a full 3-point lighting set-up.



Three-Point Lighting Kit

GVM RGB LED Video Light


You only really need a lighting kit if you're planning to do a lot of shooting inside. Creating a well lit scene usually involves a 3-way lighting set-up. 




Shotgun Microphone


Audio-Technica AT897


Great audio often separates the pros from the amateurs. Having a shotgun mic prepares you for almost every situation. It's perfect for setting on top of your camera or a boom pole.

Learn about different types of microphones.

Left: Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone


Boom Pole

A boom mic set-up comes in handy to capture audio from a group interview, crowd scenes or any situation where you need to gather professional audio quickly. In addition to the boom pole (right), you'll need a shockmount and a shotgun mic.


NEEWER NW 7000 Microphone Boom Arm

Shock Mount

Neewer Universal 45MM Microphone Shock Mount


Here's the simple gadget needed to turn your shotgun mic into a boom pole mic. A shock mount keeps the mic steady on top of the pole and prevents the mic from picking up "bumping" sounds when the pole is moving around. 



Audio (XLR) Cables

GLS Audio 25 foot Mic Cable Patch Cords - XLR Male to XLR Female

If you plan to use a professional audio set-up with your camcorder, you'll need XLR cables to go from your camera to the mic.  


Wireless Microphone

Rode Wireless System

Sure, you can use a "wired mic" which is a bit less expensive, but I wouldn't go on a documentary shoot without my wireless microphone.

Unless you have an audio person who can hold a boom mic, this is the next best thing providing tons of flexibility for walk-and-talk interviews with your subjects. 

Recommended budget wireless mic system: Rode Wireless




Portable Digital Audio Recorder

Zoom H5 4-Track Portable Recorder


If you decide to shoot your documentary with a DSLR or smartphone, it's highly recommended that you either get an external mic or portable audio recorder such as the Zoom H5 (left).


Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Getting great audio means monitoring the sound at all times while shooting.

Find a good quality, comfortable set of headphones to make sure you avoid any nasty audio surprises when you get back from the shoot.



Light Reflector




This is a must-have item for your documentary filmmaking kit.

A light reflector can turn an ugly amateur-looking shot into a golden and gorgeously lit scene. 


Lenses: Wide Angle, Clear "Protective" Lens, Polarizer, Zoom Lens, Macros, etc.

KEYWING Phone Lens Kit 9 in 1 Phone Camera Lens


Have you ever seen those cool fish-eye scenes? That's from using a special wide angle lens.

If you're shooting in super sunny situations, an ND filter or circular polarizer can dramatically improve the image. Or what about super close-ups of a bug or flower, that's when you need a macro lens.



3-4 Extra Batteries

ENEGON LP-E10 Replacement Battery (2-Pack)

You never want to get caught without enough batteries out on a shoot. Unless you're heading out into the Amazon, 3-4 extra batteries should be enough for most shooting situations.


Video Tapes or Flash Memory Cards (depending on your camera)

Transcend Flash Card



You'll need somewhere to record all that footage you'll be shooting.


External Hard Drive

Lacie Rugged Mini External Hard Drive

A portable hard drive comes in handy if you plan to do a lot of shooting in the field and need to offload your footage from your camera's memory cards.  

We love the rugged lacies (left).


Video/Photo Camera Bag


Camera Backpack, Evecase Canvas DSLR Camera Travel Backpack



Of course, now that you have all your gear, you need something sturdy and weatherproof to put it in. Lots of great choices here. Just pick something you like that fits the type of shooting you plan to do.


Shoulder Mount Rig


DSLR Shoulder Mount Rig

Putting your camera on a shoulder mount can add a nice professional touch. It's especially helpful if you don't want to use a tripod and a rig creates smoother-looking footage in a "run-and-gun" shooting situation.


Specialty Gear for the "Cool" Shots:

Earth BBC Documentary


If you're ready to take your filmmaking up a notch, try some of these specialty video production equipment items to get those cool Hollywood-looking shots.







video production equipment


Need Personalized Help Choosing Your Gear?

We HIGHLY recommend the staff at B&H Photo Video. Just give them a call at 800.952.1815 / 212.444.6708 and they'll walk you through your options based on your particular situation. 


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