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As we all know, a lot has changed this year. The way that we relate to ourselves, each other, and our environment is drastically different than it was in February 2020. So what does this mean for the colorguard community? It means that we are going virtual, and the changes are likely, at least somewhat, permanent.
If you are new to the world of video and content creation, the world of cameras, NLEs, codecs, and upload speeds can be challenging. I work specifically with video (editing, cinematography, etc), and I know all of the techy equipment that you’ll need. It’s easy to pay a lot for some fancy camera. But wanna know a secret? You can get similar results from a cost effective camera!
I don’t want you to pay more than you have to be successful this season! Here’s a list of (relatively) inexpensive equipment that will give your group a leg up online this season.
Starting with cameras…
Free Option: Your Phone!
Most cell phones now have great quality for filming! Just make sure that you have something to stabilize your hand and a way to get it on the computer and uploaded without losing quality.
Best Bang For Your Buck:
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Video Creator Kit
As a long time lover of all things Canon, this one will give you everything you need with great quality in one kit. Included in this kit you get:
- Canon EOS M50
- 15-45mm Lens
- Rode Mic (with horseshoe mount)
- 32 GB memory card
Pros of This camera:
- It’s a great kit! Great audio hardware, a decent lens, and a memory card all in one helps bring down the overall price if you were to buy it all separately. $700 for all of this isn’t bad at all.
- Has auto feature, so easy to set
- 4k Ability
- Removable lens
Cons:
- For the best quality, you need to know something about videography. Meaning you need to manually set the settings for best results.
- 4k but not the best 4k function
- You’ll probably wanna buy an extra battery if using this for longer than 30 minutes at a time
Most User-Friendly:
PANASONIC LUMIX ZS80 20.3MP Digital Camera
This is a simple point-and-shoot camera with video ability. Landing at about $400 for the camera, it will definitely get the job done.
Pros:
- Very inexpensive for a 4K camera
- 4K
- Very user friendly. No prior camera knowledge required
- lightweight
- portable
- Bluetooth and wifi compatibility
Cons:
- Again, technically 4K but if you’re zooming in a lot the quality will suffer
- not great in low light conditions
- Sound quality is not the best (only an internal mic)
- Fixed lens
Lowest Price:
Kicteck Digital Zoom Camcorder
For all of you on a budget (but want something a little better than your phone), this is a great option. For just under $70, you can get a pretty good blend of the basics.
Pros:
- Pause function. You can stop the recording without actually stopping the recording. Pretty cool!
- Can record while plugged in
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Doesn’t support external microphone, so sound quality may suffer
- no 4K–just 1080P (which, depending on your phone, may actually be worse)
- No autofocus
- Not great in lowlight
- No optical zoom
- Only supports SD cards up to 32 GB
- Fixed lens
Best Mix of Price and Quality:
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera
This point and shoot 4K camera holds up a lot better than I expected it to! It runs at about $400 and is a powerhouse for both amateurs and professionals.
Pros:
- Actual 4K!
- High res viewfinder
- Decent in low light without extra lights
- Still a point-and-shoot, so very easy to use for beginners
- Wifi connectivity
- Great for capturing movement in both video and photos
- 60x zoom
Cons:
- Not built for it’s sound quality, no external microphone compatibility
- Fixed lens
- Zoom will lower the image quality significantly
Top Pick:
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera Kit
And we’re back to the Canons! Canon has never failed me as the best for intermediate users and producers the highest quality video for the lowest price. Standing at $650, this one is a little pricier than the others, but well worth it.
Pros:
- Removable lens
- 4K
- Can shoot in slow motion without the need for editing
- Small & Lightweight
- High ISO
- Compatible with removable audio
Cons:
- If shooting in 4K, the camera crops the footage. So it is in 4K, but in a smaller box. Better off shooting in 1080P.
- Newer format, so extra lenses are scarce
- Not too easy to use if you’re a beginner
- no headphone input (that’s actually kind of a big con)
In addition to the camera, you’ll need a few more things. To complete your collection you’ll need:
- A Memory Card. If you record and then delete the bad takes immediately, you’ll be fine with a 32 GB card (as long as you delete the file from the card as soon as it’s uploaded). But trust me, you’ll be way less annoyed if you just get a 64GB card. I’ve been there. TRUST. ME.
2. An External Microphone. Unless you plan on syncing the music in post, an external microphone is a great idea. It’ll amplify the sound of the music (and unfortunately, the drops)
Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone with Shock Mount (Best Value)
Rode VideoMic Pro+ Compact Directional On-Camera Shotgun Condenser Microphone (Best Quality)
3. An External Hard Drive. Looking for a place to store all of these files? Here’s my favorite cost-effective option.
Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD
4. Editing Software. You don’t actually need this since you can’t edit the videos per WGIS rules, but if you’re looking to trim the excess, there’s a few free programs that you already have!
On a Mac: Quicktime allows you to trim. IMovie allows edits.
On Windows: Windows Movie Maker
For everyone, online: Openshot is available for download for free on both Windows and OSX operating systems.
5. A Stabilizer. Whether you are using a tripod or some other mount, shaky videos are NOT IT. Make sure you get a something to up your game.
For a camera: AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag
For a phone: Fugetek Tripod
I think that’s everything you’ll need! Did I miss anything? Let me know below!
