Video Production Equipment: See What’s Needed

By Alvin Motilla

Video production equipment can overwhelm us.

But with proper mindset and knowledge of essentials, our focus remains on what’s crucial—creating video content.

I know you feel what I mean. You know, those moments when we cannot resist thinking so much (and so long) about equipment...;-) But, at the expense of the more important process of making videos.

It’s not surprising that we’re vulnerable to “obsess” like that, because...

• We easily notice gear than the process of making good content for video: Video equipment is tangible. While, creating video content is elusive.
  
  
• We hang out with peers who are also preoccupied with gear: And so, we are inclined to look at video equipment the same way they do.
  
  
• We see many gear-oriented sites: Video production and filmmaking web sites that talk more about video gear than the practice of making videos.

But, still, at the back of our minds, we feel the need to...

• See things--including gear--from the right perspective, and
  
  
• Understand what kinds of equipment are needed.

 ... Because we want to focus more on the process of making a good video presentation.

And this article hopes to address these concerns. :-)

First, let's take a look at...

How to “look at” video production equipment for beginners

Here’s how I deal with my own tendency to preoccupy with gear. You can adopt the same mindset to keep you safe from “gear obsession”. ;-)

Some of the ideas here may only strengthen what you already believe in (subconsciously). And some might appear new to you.

1. Know that video content is the main character. And video gear is a supporting character.

In a movie, the focus of the story is usually on the “main character”. And the presence of “supporting characters” helps to tell the story of the main character.

In video production, the focus of your efforts is on creating the content of your video. And gear only helps you make that video.

In other words,...

Video production equipment is secondary.

Your viewers care more about “what’s in your video”, than “what you use to make that video”. It is the content, or story, in your video that they connect with.

2. Understand that video equipment is simply a tool.

A means to an end.

No more, no less!

The end is self-expression and viewer connection through videos.

No matter how much you love cameras, lenses, video support systems, editing and graphics design software... they are only tools. Treat them as such.

3. Recognize that an artist dominates the tools, not the other way around.

If you’re someone who easily falls for the sexy, shimmering, latest video gear and gizmos in the market, remember this fact...

You, the creative person, call the shots. Not the tools of your craft.

Your choice of which gear to buy and use, has to be inspired by your personal approach to making videos. You may end up choosing the “not-so-sexy” gear, but you end up with one, that helps you speak your character.

Hmmm, how is that possible?

The tools you choose become an extension of you. YOU are about personal creative expression. You use video production equipment, to communicate your ideas and attitude.

Unlike others who are "gear-possessed", you are the one who "possess" the gear... And, you are more excited about immersing yourself in the creative process, than looking at what’s new in the market.

4. Don’t impress your peers with your equipment.

Instead, impress them with your work--the content of your video presentation.

And they become even more amazed, when they see you come up with something unique in your video, using only “shitty” tools, ;-) that others look down on.

So... let your work describe to your friends "who you are", more than the gear that you have.

5. Don’t feel bad working with shooters who own more expensive gear.

Because if you feel that way, you’re starting to obsess with gear. (In this case, the gear of others.)

So, if you’re on a video shoot, focus instead on your subject. As long as you have the tools that help you do your job, be happy with it.

The key here is contentment: accepting who you are... what you currently have... and making the most out of it.

6. Don’t fool yourself. What’s really your motive?

If making videos happens to be your main business, or only a side line, don’t fool yourself saying,...

“I need to buy that piece of gear to better serve my clients!”

... When, in fact, (and deep inside), it is the gear that you really (and only) care about.

You’re using it to benefit your clients and your audience. On that note...

7. Develop more excitement about your audience than your gear.

It’s completely okay if you’re excited about video production equipment. (Who isn’t? I, myself, am glad I have dependable tools to use.)

But, you’ll be a lot happier when you have viewers who express their satisfaction with your work. And it starts to happen when you really care about their viewing experience.

Being viewer-oriented (instead of gear-oriented) is more than worth it. Emotional connection through videos!

8. Choose what you need.

Some people buy equipment they see from others, without considering what kind of gear they really need.

What you need is what will serve your purpose for making a video.

So, instead of asking others, “What gear do you use?”, you need to ask yourself...

• “How do I look at my subjects?”
• “How do I intend to present them on video?”
• “What will help me express my perspective, in ways that satisfy my viewer?”

Think about these questions, and you’ll be on your way to buying what you really need.

But you also need to...

9. Buy what you can afford.

I know it’s obvious...

... But, I know some people who even sacrifice their families’ needs, just to get expensive gear that they can’t afford enough. They put themselves in deep debt, using credit cards, or by borrowing money from others.

I think... we need to accept our financial capabilities... and recognize our priorities. Because in that way, we can make practical decisions in life.

You can certainly get a piece of gear that meets your purpose, at half the price of an expensive one, or even lower.

10. If you want to test expensive gear, borrow or rent it first.

Don’t buy it yet!

And yet... I see some guys who are dying to buy it, only to “have a taste” of it... Then, after a period of using that same gear, they sell it because they realize that...

• They get the same results using less expensive equipment, or
• They need “funds” to sustain their basic needs in life.

Buy a piece of gear that you’re sure you can use, and keep for a long time.

Equipment needed for video production

In a nutshell, your viewers want “visual-auditory experience”, that is pleasing enough. And the kinds of equipment needed for video production... are those that will help you provide viewers with that experience.

However, contrary to what others may think, “super-duper”, “ultra high” audio-video quality, is not mandatory. Why?

Because we also need to see the context in which we operate. And that includes...

• the big picture reason why we make videos (or, what we need to prioritize), 
• the actual video project requirements (like 1080p, which is most common even in corporate videos) and
• our financial capabilities (or what essential video gear we can afford).

But, the look and sound of our videos have to be decent and good enough. Otherwise, they will take away from viewers’ involvement in our videos.

Here’s a basic video production equipment list—as to category or "function". (They are video production essentials we need to consider first, before we immerse in the “specifics” of gear.)

• Camera and Lenses: “The Eyes”
  
  
• Lighting: “The Enhancer” (helps the eyes to see)
  
  
• Sound Gear: “The Ears”
  
  
• Support System: “The Legs"
  
  
• Storage: “The Memory"
  
  
• Editing Equipment: “The Hands” (that assemble the pieces together)

What Do You Say about "Obsession with Video Production Equipment"?

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