- Adobe Spark - Free (Web, Android, iOS)
- Quik - Free (Android, iOS)
- Horizon - Free (Android, iOS)
- Magisto - Free (Android, iOS)
Best audio & lighting equipment for beginners
Although it’s optional camera equipment, a simple smartphone tripod can make the stark difference between an amateurish video versus a professional one. The same goes for other types of equipment that enhance footage quality.
Clamp lamps: These are inexpensive and can be placed around the subject to provide 2 to 3 light sources for clear video capture. Flexible arms make for a wide range of possible lighting angles.
- Briloner Leuchten 2790-015
- STEINHAUER 1320ZW
- Domybest
Microphones: An essential for interview-style videos and vlogs. The lapel microphone, also known as a "lavalier mic", is a common affordable solution for subtly capturing high quality sound directly from the subject in the video.
- The Rode smart lav +
- The Shure MVL
- Boya BY-M1
Intermediate video equipment for medium budgets
This range of equipment is ideal for those looking for the next level of quality or accessing more features and creativity. Investing in these professional tools comes with a heftier price tag, but opens a wider range of possibilities for both practical and creative aspects of video making.
Best intermediate cameras
Camcorders are compact and easy to handle, yet create professional-level full HD or 4K video with a very high maximum frame rate, coupled with excellent stability (many have their own stabilizer). Along with a built-in microphone and camera sensors, it’s an upgrade to the smartphone, while boasting additional features.
- Sony FDR AX700
- Camescope Canon Vixia HF G50
Best intermediate video editing software
If you already have a vision of how you want your video to look and are ready to manually post-process footage to get the results you want, video editing software is your next step.
For medium budget productions, freemium softwares with optional paid features or free open source tools are good options that won’t break the bank.
Setting up open source softwares requires some technical knowledge, and since it isn’t guaranteed to include predesigned video templates/filters/transitions, it’s helpful to have an experienced video editor to reduce the learning curve. The good news is, there are many resources online for learning how to navigate these tools.
5 great free or freemium editing softwares
- Blender - Open Source (compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Lightworks - Freemium (compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Shotcut - Open Source (compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux)
- DaVinci Resolve - Freemium (compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux)
- HitFilm Express - Freemium (compatible with Windows, Mac)
Best intermediate audio & lighting equipment
Studio light kits: These give you greater control over the quality and degree of lighting in your videos. To diffuse your light source and create different effects, choose kits depending on what ambiance you’re looking for. Umbrellas are perfect for softer natural lighting, while softboxes shine a balanced directional light onto your subjects. You can purchase this gear individually, or as complete sets that include green screen backdrops and supporting gadgets for more creative possibilities. Planning an interview and need specific interview lighting tips?
- Neewer Kit - includes umbrella and softbox lighting devices
- Amzdeal Softbox - ideal for harder light shoots
Studio microphone or voice-over microphone: Choosing the right microphone depends heavily on your filming conditions. Studio microphones are designed for controlled sound environments and can pick up even the smallest audio variations from all directions. Its high sensitivity makes it perfect for recording podcasts, tutorials, small group interviews on set, and the ever-popular ASMR type content.
- Rode NT-USB
- Audio-Technica AT2035
- Blue Yet
Advanced video equipment for high budgets
For expert level teams with non-restrictive budgets, there is a much wider range of advanced gear at your disposal. When the following equipment is handled skillfully, it’s possible to create epic cinematic shots and dynamic B-roll for all kinds of videos. These are the best tools to invest in for video production agencies or companies that want to create the ultimate professional video content in-house.
Best advanced cameras
DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer the best possible video quality and the highest flexibility of manual and automatic settings on the market. They’re versatile tools with interchangeable lenses that are perfect for taking beautiful high-res photos and professional grade video footage, even in low light conditions.
Although these cameras include automatic settings, their true potential comes through experienced manual shooting. One thing to note is that some DSLR cameras do not have a built-in microphone input, although most mirrorless cameras now integrate this.
- Panasonic Lumix G9 (Mirrorless)
- Sony Alpha A7 III (Mirrorless)
- Nikon D850 (DSLR)
- Canon EOS 90D (DSLR)
Best advanced video editing software
As expected, paid video editing tools provide much more advanced and flexible features compared to editing apps and free software. They often include high quality video templates, advanced filters and effects, design automations, and drag-and-drop customizations with a few clicks.
The price range can seem steep, especially if you have multiple subscriptions–but investing in premium video editing software is an undeniably powerful tool to take the final video rendering to the next level.
- Adobe Premiere Pro CC 14 - Paid (compatible with Windows, Mac)
- Apple Final Cut Pro X 10 - Paid (compatible with Mac)
Best advanced audio & lighting equipment
LED light panels: Advanced video productions can demand more technical shots, which makes it essential to use high-performance equipment. These devices allow you to not only change the orientation and angle of lighting, but also the intensity and color. The more elements that can be adjusted, the better the quality of the lighting for your video.
- Falcon Eyes Sophiez
- Neewer LED Panel 160
- Aputure Light Storm LS C120D
Shotgun microphones: If you need to shoot video outdoors with professional sound rendering, look no further. Shotgun mics are designed to capture the subtlest of sounds impeccably from the direction it's facing. The long reach makes them the ideal device for recording sound effects, vocals, and instruments from a distance.
Since shotgun mics are so sensitive, it’s imperative to use a boom or pistol grip with shock mount to reduce unwanted noise from handling the device. Be aware that these additional pieces are usually sold separately.
- Rode NTG4
- Audio-Technica Micro Canon AT8015