I've started up my own tech channel and after doing a few videos and the way things have progressed outside of the channel (i've been recruited to do some videos for a local pc retailer) I think it's time I get serious and invest in some camera equipment. The channel will be focussed entirely on pc hardware reviews so I won't be doing any landscape work and will be filming 99% of the time inside i imagine.
The style of shooting i'm going for is very similar to what hardware canuks and Joker productions film. I'll do a lot of shots with myself infront of some screens, and a lot of juicy broll with the intent of highlighting details. Subject in focus with a blurred/out of focus background.
Reference video:
As I want to do this properly I would like to get a decent camera. Being completely new to the camera world I can understand how some/many of you would be hesitant to suggest me investing 1-2k in a camera setup as I won't know what i'm doing. Which is true. But I intend on growing the channel out a lot more and I don't want to be restricted in the kind of quality I want to produce. Ie me getting a cheaper second hand dslr and everything for 500 dollars and having to buy another camera middle of next year.
Not sure whether I should be getting a prime or zoom lense.
If anyone would be able to suggest any alternatives please let me know. I'm based in auckland-NZ but I'm able to get some gear imported from hong kong if that means anything.
Also the retailer i'm working with would be able to get some pretty healthy discounts of the sony range of cameras as well.
I would start by investing in lighting, sliders, lazy susans and such. You referenced Hardware Canucks and his recent line of behind the scenes videos has all pretty much said the same thing. Also, Barnacules did a great video on how much more important lighting is than the camera.
Yup definitely agree. I'm definitely going to get some stuff for lighting but at the moment all I have is a logitech c920 webcam which isn't really cutting the mustard. So as well as a camera i'll be picking up a slider, tripod and two softboxes and some kind of tungsten(maybe) lamp similar to what HC's had in his videos.
You can also used some cheap LED lights that uses a color temperature of daylight white and used some baking paper in front to soften the harsh light it would create and to power the LED you can use a Clamp Light.
Film Riot: Quick Tips: DIY Lighting Kit!
As for the camera I would recommend "Canon EOS 70D with 18-135mm Lens, Rode VIDEOMIC GO" Since if you are going to worry about video quality then you would need to worry about sound. The 50mm is a good lens for a lot of things but not a great lens when you are in a small space with your subject (you and products). If you still need more help hit me up and I will do my best to help out. good luck, keep us up to date on whats going on don't for get to ask.
Ahhhh thanks man super helpful! That DIY kit will probably be something i'll be doing as by the looks of it the camera/tripod/lense will take up much more of my budget than originally intended!
I'll definitely update with how I get on, I have a lot of big things planned and it would be nice to share them with you guys :)
Personally a 70d is way overkill for just shooting youtube.... but the problem with canon is they refuse to put good video capabilities in their lesser cameras so you kinda have to get a 5d or 7d to get the pro stuff
whereas with panasonic GH4 or GH8 or sony equivalents you can get the pro stuff for less.
I am no pro video guy tbh but thats my thoughts, with lenses whatever you go for make sure its a mixed aperture throughout the range. Again the Sigma 18-35 is a very highly regarded lens for videography.
I had a look at Hardware Canuks and he's using the GH4 with with one of his main lenses being the Sigma 18-35 f1.8. Also saw Brandon at LTT has been using the GH4 for the past year and has recently switched over to the Sony a7s mk ii. Not sure what the Tek guys are using though.
I'm really keen on getting the GH4 but it's $2700 for the body with the 13-35mm f2.8 lense. May end up going with the G7 but i'll see what happens!
This is my channel btw!
Not much on there at the moment, just a couple of un boxings and I did a how to guide for ultrawide gaming. I've currently got a Acer XB271HU and ROG PG279Q in my possession so i'll be doing a comparison vid of that at some stage in the near future :)
For those curious as to what the Tek guys use it's a GH4. He mentions that they're doing a full equipment run down shortly after this video but unfortunately I couldn't find it.