Video Equipment

Basics of HD and 3D Filmmaking

When it comes to video equipment, there is no such thing as one-size, fits-all. What you use will depend on a wide range of factors, such as the level of filmmaking skills (pro or amateur), location, budget, type of project, and more.

The basics, however, are somewhat similar.  

Video Recording Equipment Essential for Basic Video Production

Filmmaking gear varies between a starter kit and an advanced equipment kit. If you’re just starting out, the essentials that you need include the following:

• Cameras and camcorders
• Lenses

The type of lenses you’ll need depends on the film that you’re making.

• Walk-around – suitable for a majority of shooting situations.
• Close-up shots – great close-ups minus the blown-out depth of field look.
• Long-range shots – choose a lens with image stabilization.
• Stabilization equipment

A tripod provides the stability that you need to get the best shot and gives you a break from hand-held shooting. Choose one with a solid fluid head and can be used with other accessories, such as a slider and a monopod.

• Sound

Choose the best mic to record sound and an audio system that can pick up background sound while filming. Sound equipment is often overlooked, but its role in video production spells the difference between hearing high-quality audio and hearing fingernails against a blackboard.

• Lighting

Beginners can create a decent video recording with a basic LED light attached to a camera. But for a professional output, a lighting kit that comes complete with lighting stands, soft-box, and other equipment is highly recommended.

Video Production Equipment for a Documentary

• Video camera
• Tripod
• Camera light
• Three-point lighting kit
• Light reflector
• Shotgun microphone and boom pole
• Shock mount
• Wireless microphone
• Audio (XLR) cables
• Headphones
• Lenses (wide angle, polarized, macros, zoom lens, etc.)

In addition, you’ll need extra batteries for video equipment, memory cards, external hard drive, and specialty gear like a quadcopter and a gimbal stabilizer.

Basics of 3D Video Creation

How to make 3D videos

There are two primary methods used in creating 3D videos—stereoscopic filming and 2D-to-3D conversion. Between the two, the latter is easier to accomplish but also more inferior.

Either way, 3D filming requires more planning, more gear, and more work involved to complete a single project.

Video Production Equipment Used for 3D Video Creation

HD cameras

Direct stereoscopic filming requires two separate cameras set side by side. Ideally, both cameras must have the same brand and a genlock feature for easy synchronization. If genlock is not available, an audio slate or a hand-clap can be used as an alternative.

Slide mount

This is needed to position the cameras as close as possible. If the camcorders are too large to get close, shooting with a mirror will do.

Zoom controller

This allows the two camera zooms to sync.

Monitor

Use it to view the two video streams while filming.

Other video equipment and accessories needed are LANC controller, a set of VGA video glasses, and a tripod for stability. When time comes to edit your video, a computer with stereoscopic viewing and editing software is essential.

The equipment you use will depend on which type of 3D filming you want to do.