Best Inexpensive Video Equipment on Amazon
Getting into video marketing can be intimidating. You want to get the right equipment that will enable you to produce great video, but you don’t want to spend your annual marketing budget on new tech. We get it. That’s why we’ve created this rundown of the best-quality, most budget-friendly video equipment Amazon has to offer.
Fans of shooting video with a DSLR defer to Canon. The brand has an extensive line of cameras at varying price points to choose from. Photo credit: Alexandar Wang
Best Cameras for Video Marketing
A good camera is a must, but there are so many options. Different cameras have different perks, so the kind of video you want to shoot and where you want post it will influence what you should get.
DSLRs are the most recommended camera for video marketing, and Cannon leads the pack. Your camera will be one your most expensive acquisitions, but a good camera can last you for years.
Canon EOS Rebel T6 is under $600. You can also get the camera as a package with different lenses for only a couple of hundred dollars more.
Canon EOS 80D DSLR is $899. Additional features like the 24-megapixel sensor result in crisp, pro-quality images. There are also package offers for a few hundred dollars more. Needless to say, you can’t go wrong with either camera.
If you’re going to shoot action shots that show experiences in the first person, GoPro HERO7 silver is a great option. It’s waterproof, versatile, and only costs $215. The GoPro HERO7 black is about $150 more, but it has image stabilization and slightly better image quality. The GoPro HERO6 is only $50 more, which makes it an appealing option as well.
If you’re looking for a camcorder for vlogging or YouTube, the Sony HDRCX405 HD is under $180 and records in MP4, which means you can instantly upload your content.
Smart Phone Lens Kits
If you’re planning to shoot on your smartphone, then you’ll want to get some additional lenses. The Xenvo Pro Lens Kit is $39.99 and has upwards of 2,000 favorable reviews. It comes with a pixel, macro, and wide angle lens, an LED light, and a travel case.
The Mactrem phone camera lens with a telephoto lens, a fisheye lens, a wide angle lens, and a macro lens for $35.97 is also a great bargain.
You can’t shoot good video with a shaky camera, which is why a tripod and / or a gimbal image stabilizer is a vital piece of video marketing equipment. Photo credit: William Bayreuther
Tripods for Making Video with Cameras
A tripod is essential for image stabilization among other things. You can’t make quality video without one.
The Benro Aero 4 Travel Angel Video Tripod Kit may seem pricey at $279, but it has a lot of options and features that will truly enhance the video your produce. What is more, it is perfect for video marketers who will be shooting on location.
The Manfrotto Lightweight Fluid Video System is top-rated. At $307, it’s not much more than the Benro.
A more economical tripod is the Ikan E-Image EG01A2 2 Stage Aluminum Tripod. It has a fluid pan and tilt head and is only $149.
Lastly, the Mactrem PT55 Travel Camera Tripod is recommended for beginners. At $39.99, it will no doubt pay for itself in no time.
To stabilize your shots when you’re filming while in motion, the Roxant Pro video camera stablizier works on nearly every camera and smartphone. For $64.95, it’s a great tool to have for any video marketer who’s going to be on the go.
Tripods for Making Video with Smartphones
We’d be remiss not to note two of the top-rated tripods for shooting with your smartphone. The Fugetek selfie stick and tripod with Bluetooth remote is an all-in-one tool that extends to 51 inches for $23.99.
Similarly, the UBeesize Tripod S for $17.99 also includes a wireless remote shutter and features flexible legs ideal for mounting your tripod in unique locations.
If you’re going to be shooting a lot of video using your smartphone, or if your video is going to include a lot of action, then a gimbal stabilizer could be a useful investment. Outfitted with technology that allows you to make pro-quality video with your smartphone, a gimbal is worth looking into. The Zhiyun brand is top-rated with the Zhiyun Smooth 4 3-axis handheld stabilizer for $119 is great for video marketers who want to shoot, edit, and publish via their smart phone. The only criticism some reviewers had of this product is that it doesn’t balance the phone in the case nor does it balance the phone if you’re using special lenses.
Other Must-Have Accessories
The camera and the tripod are the two most essential tools, but there are a few others that you need to add to your arsenal.
Microphones help you capture clear audio. When shooting video, this is critical. Choosing the right microphone will depend on when and where you’ll be filming. Photo credit: Cowomen
Microphone
A microphone is a must-have for quality sound. One recommended by several video marketers is the Rode VideoMicPro Compact Directional On-Camera Microphone for $180. Our non-on-camera recommendation is the Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone for $169. Even more versatile; though, more costly is the Rode RodeLink FM Digital Wireless Filmmaker System for $320. It’s incredibly versatile and can be clipped to your camera, your tripod, or even your clothing. It works at great distances.
Smartphone mics, which clip to your shirt, are the Rode smartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier microphone for $60 and the TONOR Dual Lavalier Microphone Lapel Interview Mini Omnidirectional Condenser Shirt mic for $9.99.
Audio Recorder
Audio recorders are great for recording audio and filming elsewhere. Not everyone will need one—for most, a microphone will do, but if you’re going to try to capture audio that’s away from where you’re filming, the Tascam DR-05 Stereo Portable Digital Audio Recorder for $82.43 is highly recommended.
Sometimes the background and lighting are just right, and sometimes video marketers have to help mother nature (or their interior lighting situation) out a little bit. Photo credit: Roger Erdvig
Lighting & Background
Lighting is as important as location when shooting video and capturing stills. You can’t always guarantee your outdoor lighting is going to do what you want, which is why a great set of reflectors like the Selens 5-in-1 portable handle round reflectors for $20.99 is a no-brainer.
If you’re going to be shooting indoors, then the Fancierstudio Lighting Kit for $109 will give your video pro-quality lighting.
The Neewer Background Support System comes in three sizes. The medium kit is $165.99 and includes a backdrop. You can also get more simple Neewer 700W professional softbox lighting for $69.99.
Purchased separately, you can get Neewer backgrounds in green, white, and black with the support system for $89.94.
The location for your shooting will be a deciding factor in which of the lighting and background accessories that you need.
Memory Cards
High-power memory cards with lots of memory will save you when you’re out in the field. The SanDisk 256GB Extreme card for $59.99 is worth the splurge. Meanwhile, you can stock up on SanDisk 64GB Ultra memory card for $11.49. A good blend of sizes is beneficial depending on how long you’ll be shooting. Trust us in that you cannot be prepared enough when it comes to memory cards.
That’s a Wrap
So, to wrap things up, let’s review the main items you need.
Camera and / or your smartphone
Tripod (stabilizers for shooting while in motion are optional)
Microphone (and possibly an audio recorder)
Lighting and background enhancers
Memory cards (completely non-negotiable)
The more you delve into video marketing, the more you’ll expand your arsenal, but starting with each of the five must-haves listed above (choose the product that best fits your needs) will get your rolling.
Creating video is a lot of fun, but all technical things aside, the story is still the most important part of video marketing. All of the software and hardware in the world isn’t going to save a poorly-told story. That’s where we shine (okay, we make video, too). Contact us at The Storyteller Agency by clicking here and let us help you make sure your story is as awesome as the video you shoot.
