Basic and Affordable Video Gear for Businesses

Creating video content for your business doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, the cost of entry is far less extreme than many realise. Almost everyone owns a mobile phone, and that’s really all you need to get started. But to elevate the quality of your content, especially the sound, there are a few affordable pieces of gear you can invest in. In this article, I’ll take you through the basic video gear you’ll need to start creating content for your business, all while keeping it as cheap as possible.

 
 

Start with Your Mobile Phone

The first and most important tool you need is your mobile phone. I’m not going to cover how to use your phone to record video – it’s fairly straightforward. However, one key point is not to hold the phone while filming.

Movement is fine in some cases, but when you’re starting out, I recommend keeping the camera static. The last thing you want is a shaky video, which can be distracting for your audience.

 

LIGHTING: KEEP IT SIMPLE

While lighting is crucial for video production, at the start, you can get away without investing in dedicated lights. Make sure you’re filming in a well-lit room, ideally next to a window.

Natural light works wonders, but avoid sitting directly in front of a window to prevent your image from being overexposed. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can look into lighting equipment, but for now, focus on good positioning.

 

Good Audio is Key

One of the most overlooked aspects of video creation is audio quality. People can forgive a poor image, but bad audio is a deal-breaker. Believe me, people will quickly switch off if the sound isn’t up to scratch. I learned this the hard way when I once forgot to plug in the audio cable properly – the sound was tinny, and it made a world of difference.

A basic shotgun microphone can vastly improve your sound quality, and you don’t need to spend a fortune. You can find decent options for around £30. The key is to place the microphone in the right position. For talking head videos, position the microphone near your chest, rather than pointing it at your mouth.

People naturally move in and out while speaking, and a microphone positioned too close to the mouth will pick up inconsistent sound. A well-placed shotgun mic or lavalier (more on that in a moment) can make your video sound much more professional.

If you want to move about, consider using a lavalier microphone. These small mics clip onto your shirt and provide clear sound without having to stay right in front of the camera. A wired lavalier is a great place to start, especially if you’re on a budget. Just make sure you buy one with the correct connector for your phone – either a USB-C for Android or a lightning cable for iPhones. Wired lavaliers are affordable, typically around £20, and offer a simple solution for improving audio quality.

However, keep in mind that you’ll be limited by the length of the cable, which can restrict movement. If you need more flexibility, a wireless lavalier system might be worth considering, though it’s a bit more expensive. Wireless systems use a transmitter and receiver, allowing you to move around freely while still maintaining good audio. Just watch out for signal interference, especially if you’re in a busy area where many devices are using the 2.4 GHz frequency.

Avoid Clunky Gear

A personal pet peeve of mine is seeing oversized equipment on interviewees. Too often, I see people using large, branded wireless receivers that overshadow the interview itself. The focus should be on the person speaking, not the equipment. So, if you’re using a wireless system, keep it small and unobtrusive. Avoid sticking large transmitters on your subject’s clothing – it just detracts from the professional look you’re trying to achieve.

 

Tripods vs Light Stands

Now, you’re going to need something to hold your phone while filming. A tripod is an obvious choice, but I actually recommend using a light stand. Here’s why: as a tripod goes higher, the legs spread wider, which means you’ll need more space.

Light stands, on the other hand, have a smaller footprint and are easy to carry around. Since phones are lightweight, a light stand works perfectly, and they’re relatively inexpensive.

You’ll also need a phone holder that attaches to the light stand. These typically have a quarter-inch thread, which is compatible with most camera equipment. You can pick one up for under £20, and it’ll keep your phone steady, making it easier to frame your shot. A good tip is to use a ball head mount with your light stand or tripod. This allows you to pivot the camera and level it out easily, especially if your filming location is uneven.

 

Affordable Gear to Get You Started

Creating video content for your business doesn’t have to break the bank. With just a few basic pieces of gear – a light stand, a phone holder, a lavalier mic, and possibly a shotgun mic – you can significantly improve the quality of your videos. Start simple and build up your gear as you go. After all, the most important thing is to start creating content that communicates your expertise and helps you connect with your audience.

Happy filming!


ABOUT ME

My name is Byron Phillips and I run Datrysiad Media.

Datrysiad Media is a video production company based in Cardiff. We help businesses with their pain problems and communicate their stories.

We are a full-service video production that can handle every aspect of the video production process. Creating high-quality video content that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.