Perhaps you want to get into vlogging or maybe you’re ready to elevate your hobby to a professional level. This post will help you get the most out of your video camera with these essential gadgets and accessories for filming.
Below, we’ve listed the absolutely essential items to accompany your video camera to bring your video recording skills up a notch. Whether you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera or a camcorder, this equipment will completely revolutionise your game.
A shotgun microphone for quality audio
The quality of your audio can make a huge impact on the quality of your overall content.
Yet DSLR and mirrorless cameras don’t record the highest quality sound. This is where a shotgun microphone comes in handy. Popular and portable, you can mount the shotgun mic to your camera’s hot shoe to capture clear sounds and vocals directly where you’re pointing the camera.
Check out our complete range of microphones today.
Headphones to monitor sound quality
Alongside your microphone, you’ll want some quality headphones to monitor the sound quality while you’re shooting. You’ll need to make sure your video camera has a headphone port.
Take a look at our collection of headphones at Camera House.
A tripod for stable footage
Important for those solo videographers and vloggers who need to record themselves in front of the camera. Tripods are also necessary if you want to record even footage from the same spot.
There are plenty of lightweight, portable tripods on the market but as your YouTube game improves, you may want to invest in a sturdier and more reliable tripod.
When buying a tripod, check that the tripod head moves fluidly to ensure smooth recording when you’re panning or tilting your camera. A tripod such as the Manfrotto MT190X3-3W1 will be a reliable choice.
Explore our entire selection of quality tripods today.
A gimbal for smooth handheld filming
Though handheld footage is a popular recording format, it can often distract and turn off viewers with the unsteady, shaky scenes.
A gimbal comprises in-built motors, pivots, and weights to eliminate the jolting and jarring and produce smooth videos, no matter how sudden your movements.
There are a variety of gimbals available for all manner of cameras, from smartphones to GoPros to professional video cameras. The higher quality (and more expensive) gimbals tend to be lighter and more stable than cheaper models.
Check out these quality gimbals online today.
Spare batteries for long days on the go
The success of a shoot all depends on how prepared you are. The absolute worst thing that could happen is having to cut the filming short because your camera’s battery has died.
DSLR and mirrorless cameras can have a relatively short battery life - especially when filming in 4K - and while camcorder last slightly longer, it’s still vital you bring spare batteries with you on any shoot. Just make sure you buy the right battery for your camera.
Camera House has a vast selection of batteries. Find your spare battery today.
Spare memory cards to film as much as you want
Video naturally demands greater storage space than stills - especially when it’s shot in 4K. So it’s important to carry spare memory cards.
A high-end video camera works best with high-quality memory cards from a trustworthy brand. Aim for at least 16-32GB storage - the more, the better.
Many professional photographers will also back up their memory cards onto a hard drive between shoots.
Be prepared with some spare memory cards today.
Get on top of your filmmaking game
With this equipment, you’ll be able to take your videography to the next level. Camera House has a range of articles to help you brush up on your recording skills and get the most out of your camera.
Improve your videos with these easy tips for recording with a DSLR. DSLR playing up while filming? Check out some of these common DSLR recording issues.
Or if you’re particularly interested in becoming a YouTube star, check out our recommendations for dedicated vlogging accessories.