Toolbox

by Jason Owens | May 21, 2015 | Uncategorized

Video

Camera

I picked up this Cannon Vixia HF R400 about 2 years ago on a Black Friday deal. It is the perfect entry-level camera and has more than enough features for me.

It records in full HD, has a 53X zoom, and has a memory card slot for easy file transfer.

I realize this is a small thing, but here’s one feature that I like the most about the camera: it has a standard microphone jack. So many of the other cameras I considered had special jacks that required an adapter from the manufacturer. Because it was going to be an additional hassle, I just skipped those models.

Tripod

Years ago I bought this tripod for something like $90 from BestBuy. Now I see that Amazon is relabeling it under a house name and the price is incredibly low at less than $25.00! Check out the AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag.

This is not one of those flimsy, dinky tripods. This thing has some meat to it and stands at 60 inches (5 feet) tall. I have had mine for years and I highly recommend it.

Microphone for Video Camera

My friend had one of these Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphones, and it seemed to work well when we were shooting, so I picked up one for myself.

Love it and love the price.

Wistia

Lights

I purchased this light set about 5 months ago — StudioPRO (Set of 4) 4000 Watt Bright Softbox Lighting Kit – (4) 5 Socket Head, 20″x28″ Rectangle Softbox, 7’6″ Light Stands, (20) 45W 5500K Balanced Daylight Bulb & X-Large Carrying Case — and I absolutely LOVE it!

There are 4 light heads in all. Each head contains 5 bulbs. Bulbs are controlled with 3 on/off switches giving you the ability to light 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 lights at a time. You have total control.

Kit comes with bulbs, too!

I bought 4 lights because I wanted to have 2 lights on the background and 2 lights on me.