Oregon State Productions Blog

Interactive Communications has the important task of being a multimedia production team on the Oregon State University campus, which includes the production of video content ranging from short documentary to the university’s institutional commercial. We often get questions from our university partners from all corners of campus. Can you make a video for us? Is it possible to get such and such footage from such and such project? Can you teach our student worker how to use a camera? And the age old question…

What camera should I get?

Last week, our discussion on camera equipment led to three key principles in building a camera package for use in the higher education environment. With this in mind, I’ve spec’d out three different packages. A low-cost package that aims to get quality without breaking the bank, a package that emphasizes future-proofing and finally a package centered around getting the best images within a higher-ed setting.

What we didn’t talk about last week was what kind of image quality and control we are looking for. Naturally for us, we want the best possible image, which typically translates to bigger sensors, thus leaving out handheld camcorders (dubbed “handycams”) cell phones and GoPro’s as cameras. Why not handycams, cell phones and GoPros? Short answer: Lack of control. Long answer: Another blog post.

I don’t want to knock these amazing devices in any way but if we want to ensure control in the work we do, the best possible solution will be a dedicated camera for the job. I also purposefully chose cameras that double as great photo cameras as well as having impressive video capabilities.

In these packages, I’ll list out a specific camera and additional accessories to consider with a general budget in which the package should typically run. However, I won’t be too specific, I feel like it’s important to do research and read about what makes a good tripod or a good camera bag.

Entry option

In this package, the cameras suggested are both excellent cameras but also share the feature of having a dedicated lens attached. This means spending less money on lenses, which can be a huge expense. This does, however, limit the longevity of the camera, whereas an interchangaable lens camera (ILC) would be more versatile.

• Panasonic FZ1000 or Sony RX10ii ($800 – $1300)
• Tripod + tripod head ($200 – $300)
  • I’ll say it once and say it again, do not skimp on your tripod. It might be tempting to buy the $35 special, but you’ll regret it the moment you try to get a steady shot, or a panning shot (you know, what a tripod is used for…). The more you spend on a quality tripod, the better.
• SD cards ($100)
  • These cards are getting cheaper by the day and with bigger capacity. Look for 32GB and above, but don’t skimp on the speed class, U1 or U3 is what you want to look for.
• Batteries ($100)
  • The question of generic or OEM always comes up here. If it’s a question, just get OEM.
• Zoom H1 or Tascam equivalent ($100)
  • These portable audio recorders are great to connect microphones with and also to record using their built-in mic. They use microSD cards, so if it doesn’t come with one, make sure to get one. In this case, speed doesn’t matter as much.
• Lavalier microphone ($50)
  • A lav mic is just for interview situations. Almost a must for higher-ed.
• Camera bag/backpack ($150)
  • A good quality bag will survive the test of time, keep your gear safe and make sure your gear has a place to live. Comfort is also key!
• Total: $1,350 – $2,050

Forward-looking

This package offers a couple cameras that are capable of swapping out lenses, which provides the ability to get better images and range of shots. This comes at the cost of complexity and cost.

• Panasonic G7 or Canon 70D ($800 – $1100)
  • The price here includes a kit lens.
• Lenses (0 – $1000)
  • Spend nothing or spend it all on lenses. Like tripods, what you pay is what you get, so spend more money on good lenses, they will last a long time.  
• Tripod + tripod head ($200 – $300)
  • I’ll say it once and say it again, do not skimp on your tripod. It might be tempting to buy the $35 special, but you’ll regret it the moment you try to get a steady shot, or a panning shot (you know, what a tripod is used for…). The more you spend on a quality tripod, the better.
• SD cards ($100)
  • These cards are getting cheaper by the day and with bigger capacity. Look for 32GB and above, but don’t skimp on the speed class, U1 or U3 is what you want to look for.
• Batteries ($100)
  • The question of generic or OEM always comes up here. If it’s a question, just get OEM.
• Rode Wireless lav kit ($400)
  • A wireless system will greatly improve versatility and workflow during shoots.
• Zoom H1 or Tascam equivalent ($100)
  • While the lav kit will work seamlessly with the camera, a portable audio recorder
• Camera bag/backpack ($150)
  • A good quality bag will survive the test of time, keep your gear safe and make sure your gear has a place to live. Comfort is also key!
• Total: $1,850 – $3,250

An ideal

If your university has emphasized its support behind video storytelling, then this is the package for you. It combines the best functionality in technology today and longevity of use for years to come.

• Panasonic GH4 ($1500 + $1000 for lens)
  • I’d recommend the Panasonic 12-35mm F2.8 lens, it’s pretty much the best lens that Panasonic offers for this camera system, thus a great image and lens that will work for many years to come.
• Tripod + fluid head ($500)
  • A quality fluid head ensures smooth pan/tilt movements without jitter.
• SD cards ($100)
  • These cards are getting cheaper by the day and with bigger capacity. Look for 32GB and above, but don’t skimp on the speed class, U1 or U3 is what you want to look for.
• Batteries ($100)
  • The question of generic or OEM always comes up here. If it’s a question, just get OEM.
• Sennheiser ew100 ($630)
  • More versatile than the Rode wireless lav kit, the Sennheiser kit is a bit more expensive while being a mainstay in the industry.
• Zoom H4n or Tascam equivalent ($200)
  • The difference here is the ability to use equipment that connects via XLR connector in addition to 3.5mm, which is an industry standard. This uses an SD card, so don’t forget to buy one.
• Rode Videomic ($150)
  • An on camera shotgun microphone will be extremely useful when you don’t have time to setup a wireless lav. Not only that, this mic will pick up some excellent ambient sounds that will really help in editing.
• Camera bag/backpack ($150)
  • A good quality bag will survive the test of time, keep your gear safe and make sure your gear has a place to live. Comfort is also key!
• Total: $4,330

A camera is just a tool

The real key here is to get people thinking, and to give a general idea of what kind of investment it takes for a certain level of production. I tried to make these suggestions with campus communicators in mind, emphasizing a practical, timely and holistic approach. While these cameras are easy-to-learn, the art of storytelling is a lifelong pursuit in itself. Today, we discussed the tools to make that possible and I certainly hope that I’ve helped in starting a conversation on what tools are needed for your level of storytelling.

Let us know if you have anything to add or if you have questions on anything. And if your department has specific needs, we’re more than happy to talk. Thanks for reading!

-Darryl

CATEGORIES: Multimedia