Equipment Refresh on a Budget Update your

Equipment Refresh on a Budget

Update your photo, audio and video equipment without breaking the bank.

by Michael Dudas Media Teacher Galveston ISD

At Ball High School in Galveston, Texas, I have built several programs including a TV studio in which my students broadcast our video morning announcements, an audio studio that houses our campus’ online streaming radio station and a photography studio. My classroom and adjacent studios are usually the first stop on school tours. Frequently, campus visitors are those who have been sent to me from other campuses and school districts on a mission to find out how they can start their own program on a shoestring budget. Fifteen years ago, I was that person too when my principal sent me to shadow a video teacher at another school and come back with a shopping list. My suggestions will work well for those school district communication department professionals looking for equipment with limited funds.

First, you need a reliable camera. For simple quick videos, I use my smartphone. Whether you are an Android or Apple person, use the one that fits your budget best. Most can shoot excellent quality video and record broadcastquality audio. Invest in a clip-on microphone that can be purchased at a relatively inexpensive price. It can be easily connected to your phone and significantly heighten the quality of your audio. For quick interviews on location, use a portable handheld microphone.

Second, for in-studio cameras, I have always had good luck with such small cameras as the Sony Handycam. These cameras capture excellent quality video and audio. Being smaller in size, the cameras store nicely in a camera bag. I have also had great success using the Canon Rebel cameras which capture high-quality images along with impressive HD video. The cameras have filled in recently as temporary backups to our more expensive cameras as we have recently made some repairs to our much more expensive equipment. During the process, loss of quality was minimally detected.

Third, for stability purposes, invest in a high-quality tripod for your camera. Don’t be tempted to buy one of the bargain-basement stands. Pay a few extra bucks and upgrade to a sturdier tripod with strong legs.

Fourth, invest in a teleprompter. A teleprompter app can be downloaded and used on your tablet. Pay a few extra bucks and upgrade instead of being tempted to download the free versions. This will save a lot of headaches down the road including eliminating storage issues, pop-ads and various other limited options. Additionally, purchase a mobile teleprompter stand. Unless you are wanting to connect your teleprompter into the hood of a very expensive video camera, the stand is an excellent alternative at the fraction of the cost. Again, don’t be tempted to purchase the cheapest option. Upgrade to a mid-range selection which will ensure the sturdiness and longevity of your stand. I use a mobile stand that allows the attachment of a smartphone too.

Fifth, invest in a green screen. Purchase a collapsible one for your studio and a mobile one that you can grab and go with on-location.

Sixth, invest in video editing software. If you are an Apple person, Final Cut Pro will do a great job. If you are a PC person, Premiere Pro should be your choice. There is always debate on which one is better. Premiere Pro is now widely used more in the media industry than Final Cut Pro. There are tons of easy tutorials available to assist you with training.

Last, and most importantly, don’t forget about a lighting system. You can have the best equipment, but poor lighting will ruin the quality of your videos and images. Mobile lights and tripods can be purchased for as low as $500 to arrange your three-point lighting setup.

Producing professional-quality videos does not have to break the bank. Be a smart consumer. Research your options ahead of time and save your money to spend elsewhere.