7 Essential Home Video Equipment Checklist
Video recorder
Although the video recorder in your phone or PDA could work well for this, image quality is definitely going to improve if you use the typical (heavy) camcorder that still uses tapes for burning or a digital camera. Make sure that your video recorder has all the important features for home video making like zoom and image adjustments. And most important of all, The more comfortable you are with your video recorder, the better the video quality!
Audio recorder and player
This is for recording sound effects that can’t be obtained from the Internet or your audio database. It can also be used to play background music while you’re filming your movie instead of adding background music after completing the movie.
Microphone
Microphones help your actors with voice projection. This is especially important when you’re shooting on location. Hanging a microphone over your actors with a rope works just as well as any other professional microphone setup. You can also use your microphone to record voice-overs and narration on your computer later.
Computer
Without a PC, you won’t be able to perform either linear or non-linear editing on your home videos. It’s better, however, to use NLE because NLE software programs are more affordable and easier to operate. NLE software will let you add subtitles, text overlays, graphics and special effects to your video. NLE software can also help you add or remove scenes as well as background music and other audio files.
Your computer can also be used for storing soft copies of your home videos if it has adequate hard disk space. If it has a DVD writer, it can be used to create hard copies of your home video, with the appropriate software of course. Find the Barebone PC that suit your needs!
Headset and audio system
These are generally used after shooting your home video and during editing. An audio system is preferred if there is more than one person simultaneously editing the video but a headset is better if you’re editing the whole thing by yourself. Sound-surround headsets allow you to hear even the tiniest imperfections and distractions in the movie and eliminate it accordingly.
Printer
This is for creating labels for DVD copies of your home made videos and other necessary print materials. Find Great Deals on Inkjet Printers, Laser Printers, WI-FI Printers & All-In-One Printers. Upgrade Today!
TV set
You need a TV set or any other screen monitor so you can see how your home video plays.
Although it might seem like there’s a lot of hardware you need in order to make your home video, most of these you probably already have and what you don’t have can be purchased used. This allows you to still save money while you continue working on your video making dreams!
