Best Low Budget Starter Videography Kit 2017
So here’s the situation…
It’s 2017, and you’re interested in getting started in videography, cinematography, or film-making.
You’re looking for a budget minded, low cost kit that won’t set you back thousands of dollars, but that will still let you create high quality video edits.
Not everyone has 10 grand to drop on their first film making kit; I most certainly didn’t… so I started doing research. I spent countless hours browsing forums, watching Youtube reviews, and looking into my options. This list is the result.
I’ve used the gear on this list to successfully shoot everything from personal projects, to model & commercial shoots. My current kit is closer to the medium and high budget lists these days, but that’s because I reinvest all my profits from shooting right back into my gear. No reason you couldn’t do the same.
Now, just because this kit worked and was perfect for me, doesn’t mean it’s going to be perfect for you. Always do your own research for a cinematography setup that will fit your specific needs. At the end of the day, you’re the one behind the camera pressing record.
That said, I wish this list existed when I first started, so without further a due, here it is:
The Best Low Budget Starter Videography Kit for 2017
Camera
PANASONIC LUMIX G7 4K Mirrorless Camera, with 14-42mm MEGA O.I.S. Lens, 16...
- Superb DSLM image quality without the bulk and weight of traditional DSLRs
- Never miss a photo with three unique 4K Ultra HD Video pause and save 4K Photo Modes
- Fast and precise auto focusing tracks the subject
$597.99
amazon.com
- Superb DSLM image quality without the bulk and weight of traditional DSLRs
- Never miss a photo with three unique 4K Ultra HD Video pause and save 4K Photo Modes
- Fast and precise auto focusing tracks the subject
- Class-leading, ultra-compact, interchangeable lens and accessory options
- Unwire Your Creativity with integrated Wi-Fi sharing
Simply put, the Panasonic G7 is one hell of a camera for the money. After hitting the sweet spot with the GH4 (one of the best prosumer film making cameras ever created) Panasonic followed up by offering a more affordable alternative with similar capabilities. The result is the G7. Think of it as the little cousin of the GH4. In a few areas such as capturing low-light footage, it actually out-performs cameras two to three times it’s price.
While not perfect by any means, this is a great camera with a superb feature set. It feels natural in the hands, has nice controls and the build quality will not disappoint. Thumbs up all around, Panasonic did it right with this one.
For this price point you do have to make a few sacrifices, the G7 is not weather-sealed and does not have in-body stabilization, something to keep in mind if those are important to you. I personally have shot with it in scorching deserts, sandy beaches, and up in the mountains without any issues, but it’s not unbreakable. Just be mindful about it and give it a thorough cleaning when you get home.
While capable of shooting beautiful 4k footage, I find myself shooting the majority of the time at 60fps at 1080p which gives you some fantastic opportunities for that beautiful cinematic slow-motion look we all love so much.
Camera Specs:
- Body Type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Sensor resolution: 16MP
- Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Touch Screen: Yes
- Max Shutter Speed: 1/4000 sec (1/16000 electronic)
- Dimensions: 125 x 86 x 77mm
- Weight: 410 g
Videography Negatives:
- No in body stabilization (sold with image stabilized lens)
- Battery Life
- Not Weather Sealed
Videography Hi-lights:
- 4K (UHD) video at up to 100Mbps, 30p/25p + 24p
- 1080p up to 60p (my personal favorite to shoot on)
- Fully-articulated touch screen
- Focus Peaking and Zebra Highlights (for ensuring you are properly exposed and focused on the subject)
Want to know more about the G7? Be sure to sign up for email alerts, I’ll be writing an in-depth guide covering tips, tricks, and how you can get the most out of the Panasonic G7 very soon!
back to menu ↑Lens
The G7 ships with a Panasonic Lumix 14-42mm Zoom lens that’s compatible with the camera’s micro four thirds setup. For being a kit lens, many users and videographers have commented on it’s crisp image, color correction, and overall quality for being a kit lens. Just ensure that it’s the second edition being shipped with your G7 as the first edition lens didn’t have quite the same build quality.
It’s a great all-around lens for everything from interior shots, to portraiture, to nature photography. Save some money and learn to shoot on this kit lens before you start purchasing more specialized and expensive lenses for use with your camera.
Here’s an exception, if you do know you’re going to be shooting in the dark, I might recommend looking into the Panasonic Lumix 25mm as another spectacular budget option. It’s also a great lens and will deliver a better image in low-light settings due to it’s F1.7 aperture which allows more light into the camera. It’s the equivalent of the canon “nifty fifty” which is highly recommended by many in the community as your first lens upgrade.
back to menu ↑SD Card
Transcend SDXC UHS-I U3 64GB High Speed Flash Memory Card, R95, W60MB/s...
- Ideal for Full 1080p HDD, Ultra 2160p HD, 3D and 4K video recording
- Up to 95/60 MB/s ; Minimum constant 30 Mb/s write speed guaranteed for real-time video recording
- Supports Ultra High Speed Class 3 specification (U3)
$39.98
amazon.com
- Ideal for Full 1080p HDD, Ultra 2160p HD, 3D and 4K video recording
- Up to 95/60 MB/s ; Minimum constant 30 Mb/s write speed guaranteed for real-time video recording
- Supports Ultra High Speed Class 3 specification (U3)
- Improved camera response for fast-action consecutive shooting
- Efficient exFAT file system (SDXC)
- Fully compatible with the SD 4.20 standard. Backwards compatible with the SD 3.0 standard
- Built-in Error Correcting Code (ECC) to detect and correct transfer errors
- Supports Content Protection for Recordable Media (CPRM)
The most swappable item on this list. The equivalent Sandisk and Kingston cards work just as well. I’d recommend grabbing minimum two (x2) 64GB cards to get you started. You can except to get roughly 1.5 hours of 4k footage on each of these. Filming in 1080p will also dramatically increase the recording time.
I have yet to run out of space during an entire day of shooting with two 64GB cards. If you are shooting continuously, for an interview for example, you may need to adjust accordingly with how many you purchase.
These cards are both blazing fast and affordably priced as technology advances continuous to drive down the price to storage ratio. If you’re like me when I first started and unsure of the protocol for how to best use these cards, here are some golden tips:
- Always format the card in your camera, not your computer.
- When you are finished with your shoot, take the card and copy your images to your computer. If your computer asks to delete the images on your card say no.
- The only time you should delete images on your card is when you are reformatting it.
- Always, keep your SD cards protected in a case or your camera. Don’t let them float around in your pocket with keys and loose change.
Batteries
Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Charger for Panasonic DMW-BLC12, DMW-BLC12E, DMW-BLC12PP and...
- Includes two (2) Wasabi Power BLC12 batteries made with Japanese cells, each with 7.2V, 1400mAh
- Includes one (1) Wasabi Power AC Charger for BLC12 with European plug and car adapter
- Compatible with Panasonic DMW-BLC12, DMW-BLC12E, DMW-BLC12PP
$23.99
amazon.com
- Includes two (2) Wasabi Power BLC12 batteries made with Japanese cells, each with 7.2V, 1400mAh
- Includes one (1) Wasabi Power AC Charger for BLC12 with European plug and car adapter
- Compatible with Panasonic DMW-BLC12, DMW-BLC12E, DMW-BLC12PP
- All items include 3-year manufacturer warranty
- Note: This battery was not decoded at the time of manufacture. Your camera will not display the battery's run time when used with a non-decoded battery
After getting an SD card, batteries are the next most essential accessory for your Camera. The G7 isn’t the best when it comes to battery life, but the easy fix is to pick up a few extra batteries.
There is nothing worse than missing a shot or having to end a shoot early (that you spent weeks planning) simply because you didn’t invest a few extra bucks in batteries. Save yourself the embarrassment and stress of not knowing if you’ll be able to finish your shoot by picking up a few extra.
I’ve had nothing but great experiences with the Wasabi brand of batteries and am comfortable recommending them to anyone no matter what camera they use.
back to menu ↑Sound
TAKSTAR SGC-598 Interview MC Microphone for Canon Nikon DSLR Cameras,eg Nikon D5200...
- 1.Specially designed for the camera and high-sensitivity condenser microphone to enhance the quality of the recording
- 2.Use standard universal connector specifications, can be simply fixed the camera
- 3.Can effectively reduce the noise of the surrounding environment to be picked up
$31.66
amazon.com
- 1.Specially designed for the camera and high-sensitivity condenser microphone to enhance the quality of the recording
- 2.Use standard universal connector specifications, can be simply fixed the camera
- 3.Can effectively reduce the noise of the surrounding environment to be picked up
- 4.can effectively shield electromagnetic interference
- 5.Shock-resistant structural design, to reduce the mechanical noise of the camera and other vibration noise
Capturing quality sound is arguably one of the most important elements of videography but unfortunately, also one of the most overlooked.
Just remember this, viewers will tolerate terrible video quality, but they will never tolerate terrible audio quality.
If you’re doing more run and gun type of shooting, you’re going to want a shotgun microphone like the above. At roughly 1/5th the cost of popular brands such as Rode or Sennheiser, the TAKSTAR SGC-598 holds it own amazingly well. Purchase a set of AAA batteries to go along with and you’re ready to take your production quality up a notch.
If you’re going to be doing interviews, you’ll want to invest in a lapel mic. I went with the Rode SmartLav+ as it allows you to record to your smart phone so there’s no need to purchase an external recorder for your initial setup.
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for iPhone and Smartphones
- Acoustic Principle - Pressure Gradient
- Active Electronics - JFET
- Capsule - 0.10"
- Frequency Range - 20Hz - 20kHz (selected HPF @ 0)
$74.35
$90.00
amazon.com
- Acoustic Principle - Pressure Gradient
- Active Electronics - JFET
- Capsule - 0.10"
- Frequency Range - 20Hz - 20kHz (selected HPF @ 0)
Tripod
AmazonBasics 67-Inch Video Camera Tripod with Bag
- Video camera tripod with adjustable-height legs and rubber feet with retractable metal spikes for outdoor use
- Recommended max load weight is 15 lbs (6.8kg) for optimal performance
- 360 degree panning and independent tilt access control for smooth shots
$74.99
amazon.com
- Video camera tripod with adjustable-height legs and rubber feet with retractable metal spikes for outdoor use
- Recommended max load weight is 15 lbs (6.8kg) for optimal performance
- 360 degree panning and independent tilt access control for smooth shots
- Built-in level and quick release mounting plate to ensure fast transitions between shots
- Height adjustable center column and removable handles
- Carrying case included; backed by an AmazonBasics 1-Year Limited Warranty
Tripods are a staple of every Videographers setup. Great for timelapses, pans, interview setups, and other situations where you need a consistent stable shot. A word to the wise, don’t invest your hard-earned cash into a beautiful camera setup, and then trust it to a cheap plastic gimbal that may fail.
On the other side, your first tripod doesn’t have to cost you hundres of dollars either. The AmazonBasics 67-Inch will do just fine, and here’s a secret: it’s actually a re-branded Ravelli AVT tripod. Like I said, this list is all about getting the most bang-for-your-buck.
A word of warning, this Tripod is built like a tank and weighs about the same (10lbs), so if you plan on doing extensive traveling, hiking, or any other mobile activity, I would recommend looking into a lighter alternative. I personally learned that the hard way after taking this beast on a 10 mile hike.
back to menu ↑Carrying Case
AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories - Black
- Backpack holds and protects 2 smaller SLR/DSLR camera bodies, 3-4 lenses, and additional small accessories
- Durable black polyester/nylon exterior; ample interior storage
- Outer dimensions: 11.5 x 7.2 x 15.6 inches (292mm x 183mm x 396mm); Internal: 10 x 5 x 14.75 inches (254mm x 127mm x 374mm)
$26.96
amazon.com
- Backpack holds and protects 2 smaller SLR/DSLR camera bodies, 3-4 lenses, and additional small accessories
- Durable black polyester/nylon exterior; ample interior storage
- Outer dimensions: 11.5 x 7.2 x 15.6 inches (292mm x 183mm x 396mm); Internal: 10 x 5 x 14.75 inches (254mm x 127mm x 374mm)
- Distributed by Amazon.com; backed by one-year AmazonBasics warranty
- Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
Like the tripod, no need to go overboard on the case, but we also want to ensure the gear you just invested in is properly protected. Amazon has us covered once again the AmazonBasics backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories.
If you live in a high rain area such as the Pacific Northwest, consider grabbing a pack-cover as well as this bag is not waterproof (an even more budget option is a garbage bag). Overall, it’s a low profile, durable, and well padded solution to carry and protect your gear in.
back to menu ↑Lighting
Neewer 43-inch / 110cm 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc Light Reflector with Bag -...
- 43" 110CM 5 in 1 Collapsible Multi Disc Light Reflector
- Translucent, silver, gold, white, and black
- This reflector fits any standard reflector holders
- 100% Brand New! 3 Months Warranty By Seller.
$16.99
amazon.com
- 43" 110CM 5 in 1 Collapsible Multi Disc Light Reflector
- Translucent, silver, gold, white, and black
- This reflector fits any standard reflector holders
- 100% Brand New! 3 Months Warranty By Seller.
The more you shoot, the more you’re going to recognize the importance of properly lighting your subject. And the more you look into lighting, the more you’re going to recognize how much of a science and art it is.
The age-old adage of, “you get what you pay for” definitely applies in this case, and proper lighting equipment can become expensive very very fast. Getting started, my recommendation is to stick to the basics and pick up a 5-in-1 reflector. It’s both budget friendly and a straight forward way to start experimenting with lighting.
Like the sound equipment, using even a simple reflector is an excellent way to increase the production value of your edits.
Here’s a quick tip: When using a reflector, place the sun at your subjects back for a beautiful “halo” effect, and then set your reflector on the front side to reflect the sunlight onto your subject to bring your subject out of the shadows.
back to menu ↑Stabilization:
Zhiyun Crane V2 3 Axis Brushless Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer 3 32Bit MCUs...
- The First Handheld Gimbal with CCI (Camera Control Interface), thus the camera's shutter and focus can be controlled by the buttons on gimbal's handle. 3 operation modes. Quick, simple and tool-less camera mounting system saves time and effort.
$399.00
amazon.com
- The First Handheld Gimbal with CCI (Camera Control Interface), thus the camera's shutter and focus can be controlled by the buttons on gimbal's handle. 3 operation modes. Quick, simple and tool-less camera mounting system saves time and effort.
- 3 Axis 360 Degree Unlimited Rotation. With the automotive grade magnetic encoders attached to each motor, the gimbal can sense every 0.02-degree change intervals. Any shooting requirements will be perfectly satisfied, i.e. positive grip, upright shooting, low angle, high flight photography.
- The industry's first to achieve three 32-bit MCUs running in parallel at incredible 4k hertz. Powerful MCUs (Microcontroller Unit) combined with Zhiyun's efficient attitude control algorithm and advanced servo control algorithm, the gimbal is able to sense, compute then control the camera to a 0.01-degree accuracy, within 0.25 millisecond.
- Built-in wireless control module can be connected with Zhiyun's gimbal remote controller or smartphone APP which can also be used for wireless control and firmware upgrade. Supports 2 X 26500 Batteries(Included), provides 6 hours and 12 hours operating time respectively.
- Weights only 2Lb/950g, compatible with Mirrorless Cameras weights between 0.77Lb/350g and 3.96Lb/1800g. With the 3/8" to 1/4" Screw Adapter at the bottom, the Crane can be matched with multiple filming accessories, i.e. tripod, extension rod, cupula, or hand held/worn to make delay shooting and create the effect of rocker arm.
This is a budget list, and the Zhiyun Crane is probably going to be taking us out of budget territory. So far though, I haven’t come across any stabilization solutions I would feel comfortable recommending below this price point. A gimbal IS NOT necessary to get started however as there’s a ton you can do by using your tripod and being conscious about steadily holding the camera.
The real budget gimbal option is to simply use your own two hands. I’ve found that tucking your elbows to your side, and steadily holding the camera while using the camera strap around your neck works quite well. Slowing down or pairing this with some post-production stabilization such as Warp Stabilizer in Adobe Premiere will create a smoother final look as well.
And since we’ve mentioned post-production, let’s look at some software options.
back to menu ↑Editing Software
So you’ve shot some gorgeous footage, now it’s time to edit it into a beautiful viewing experience. There are a few options out there depending on your price point and goals (I’ll be doing a post soon to help you better determine which one is best for you) but these are all great options. A lot of people in the industry including myself have settled on Adobe Premiere as our go-to editing software. The learning curve is definitely there, but it’s a powerful tool once you’ve gotten the hang of it. Here are a few of them to get you started.
- Adobe Premiere
- Davinci Resolve – Free
- HitFilm Express – Free (There is a pro version for $300)
And there you have it… the 2017 budget videography starter guide. As I mentioned at the top, everything I went over here I have personally owned, tested, and used in personal, commercial, and model videography shoots. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask them in the comments below!
