Caleb Wojcik, video business expert, joins the host to discuss topics like financial planning for creative careers, the evolution of stock photography, building video production kits, investing in professional audio and lighting gear, selecting lenses for video production, and the importance of camera stabilization equipment.
Invest around $1,500 to $2,000 for a good quality camera and audio equipment when starting a video production business.
As your business grows, focus on improving your audio and lighting gear by investing around $5,000 to $7,500.
Once your business is established, consider investing around $10,000 to $15,000 in a higher-end prosumer video kit, upgrading your camera and investing in quality lenses.
Prioritize audio and lighting in your video productions by allocating a significant portion of your budget to these aspects for enhanced quality and client experience.
Deep dives
Starting Out: Building a Budget Video Kit
For those just starting out in video production, it is recommended to invest around $1,500 to $2,000. You can find a good quality camera on the used market, such as a previous generation Canon 5D Mark II or III. Consider getting the Deity V-Mic D3 Pro for audio, which has a great internal preamp and rechargeable batteries. As for lenses, a versatile option is the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8, offering a wide range of focal lengths and fast aperture for creative flexibility.
Growing Your Business: Upgrading Your Video Kit
As your business starts to gain momentum, you may want to consider investing around $5,000 to $7,500 in a more advanced video kit. Focus on improving your audio and lighting gear. Look for high-quality microphones like the Deity V-Mic D3 Pro or Saramonic shotgun mics. For lighting, Aperture offers excellent options such as handheld LEDs or the 120D single light source, which can be paired with softboxes for more control. These investments will ensure professional audio and lighting quality in your productions.
Professional Level: Prosumer Video Kit
Once you've established and grown your business, it may be time to invest in a higher-end prosumer video kit. Budget around $10,000 to $15,000 for this level. Consider upgrading your camera to a more advanced model like the Canon C100 Mark II or Sony FS5. Alongside your camera, invest in a range of quality lenses to broaden your creative options. When it comes to audio, look for professional-grade shotgun microphones like the Sennheiser MKH-416. Lighting-wise, continue investing in versatile and powerful options from companies like Aperture, ensuring your productions have top-notch lighting quality.
Remember: Prioritize Audio and Lighting
Regardless of the level you're at, it's crucial to prioritize audio and lighting in your video productions. Allocate a significant portion of your budget to these aspects. Good audio equipment, such as high-quality microphones and audio recorders, ensures clear and professional sound. Lighting equipment, including LEDs and softboxes, allows you to control illumination and create visually appealing scenes. By investing in reliable audio and lighting tools, you'll enhance the overall quality of your video productions and provide a better experience for your clients.
The convenience of Aperture lights for video production
The speaker highlights the convenience and practicality of using Aperture lights for video production. They mention using the 120D as a key light and the LS1 as a fill light. They also mention the newly acquired space light attachment for lighting spaces, podcast interviews, and videos. The speaker appreciates that Aperture lights are bright, consistent, and do not have undesirable tints like magenta or green.
The importance of investing in appropriate camera gear
The speaker emphasizes the importance of investing in camera gear that aligns with your specific needs and budget. They mention that while higher-end cameras like the Alexa and Red may offer exceptional image quality, they may not be necessary for most content creators and could be an expensive purchase that does not significantly impact their business. They suggest that cameras like the C200, FS7, or EVA1, which capture high-quality footage, can be more practical choices that offer a good balance between features and affordability.
Finding the right balance with camera equipment
The speaker encourages content creators to find the right balance with their camera equipment. They mention that while it's tempting to constantly upgrade to the latest gear, it's important to evaluate whether the gear truly enhances the work being done. They share their personal experience of owning a high-end camera but eventually realizing that it didn't significantly impact their business. They advise periodically reassessing gear needs, minimizing unnecessary purchases, and staying focused on creating quality content.
