how to build a video studio on budget
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How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
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How to build an in-houseVIDEO STUDIO
on a budget
video hosting for business
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Control your content
How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
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Why build your own studio?
How do your online videos reflect on your business? Do they convey a successful,
organized, savvy business that produces quality work? Or are they clips of
questionable quality that do little to inspire confidence in your brand? Video
technology has become so accessible in recent years that not only is it possible to
produce impressive looking content yourself, doing so is actually easier and more
affordable than you might think.
vzaar's video specialists researched your options and put together this
comprehensive guide on setting up your own video studio on a budget, complete
with a shopping list of necessary equipment. Whether you're shooting interviews,
product videos, tutorials, or promotions, this guidebook will get you set up and
ready to roll for just about a grand. Let’s get started!
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The perfect space
Find a 10’x10’ room (or larger) where you can keep a permanent setup. You
don’t want to have to set up and break down everything every time you shoot
something new.
Potential spaces
๏ Conference room
๏ Basement
๏ Attic
๏ Walk-in closet
Control the environmentThe more you control the better. Does your space meet these requirements?
No AC (or can be shut off)
No street noise
No overhead noise
Carpeted floors (optional, but ideal)
No windows (blackout curtains are a solution)
High ceilings (easier to accommodate mounted lights)
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Background & Soundproofing
Consider investing in some foam or even fiberglass panels to soundproof your
studio. Not all foam is created equal, make sure yours is both sound and fire
proof!
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A green screen is only necessary if
you want to edit in a different
background later. In a pinch, green
paint or even paper will do the
trick. Otherwise, a simple white,
grey or black backdrop can lend a
professional feel to your videos.
The right camera
There are many cameras to choose from, depending on your requirements. For an
in-house studio, you will be filming mostly talking head style videos and can
probably get away with not splurging on a high-end camera, but you should
consider if you will ever want to shoot outside of your studio environment.
๏ Does the camera have an external mic jack?
๏ Does it have an SD card?
Try before you buyThe camera will likely be your most expensive piece of equipment, so consider
trying before buying. Rent a few different cameras from a local camera shop to
find which camera suits your needs best.
The Sony NEX-VG20H delivers outstanding
quality for just over $2,000
Kodak Zi8 Pocket Camera.Hi-Def recording for a budget $385
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Don’t forget your tripod
Great lighting
Invest in a 3 point lighting setup. It’s the industry standard, will suit most videos,
and is one sure fire way to give your videos a professional feel. Don’t be
intimidated, it’s easier than it sounds and once setup, you can leave it in place.
Key Light: This is the most important and
strongest light. It will shine on your subject,
slightly from the left or right.
Fill Light: This is a second, softer light shining
on the opposite side of subject. It eliminates
any harsh, unnatural shadows resulting from
the key light.
Back Light: Lights up your subject from behind.
This helps keep the subject from blending into
the background.
Control and adjust lighting by using white or silver umbrellas, diffusing paper or
gel filters.
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key lightFill light
Back light
Money saver $$$ Swap out a fill light with a simple white foam board reflector
Crisp and Clear Sound
All pros will advise you to invest in a good mic. Quality audio is arguably more
important than quality video.
The in-camera mic is not your friend:๏ It’s far from the speaker
๏ It’s not high quality
๏ It will pick up any noises the camera operator makes
Testing 1,2,3There are many microphones on the market, but you’ll mainly need to decide
between these three popular models:
1. HandheldThis familiar standby does the job well
Good sound
It’s in the frame
Restricts speaker’s hand movements
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2. Shotgun MicAn excellent option if youhave an extra hand on set
Great Sound
Off-camera
Requires a second person to hold on a boom stand.
3. Lavalier mic (AKA Lav or Lapel mic)Clip it on and forget it’s there for the most natural results
Virtually invisible
Allows for flexibility of movement
Cost increases significantly with quality
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Video Editing SoftwareGreat footage is useless if you can’t edit it together. Good software will allow you to present your work in its best light and weave together a compelling narrative.
ProfessionalPowerful and flexible, allowing vast control over video and audio. Steep learning curve beyond the basics.
Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 Apple Final Cut ProWindows or Mac Mac
BudgetEasier to master while still providing significant control over video and audio. Enough for many projects.
Adobe Premiere Elements Apple iMovieWindows Mac
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Shopping lists
Splurge list
Video Camera
Tripod
Shot Gun Mic
Lav Mic
Complete Light Kit
Editing Software
Backdrop
Soundproofing
Video hosting
TOTAL
Sony NEX-VG20H $2,199
VariZoom VZ-TK75A Aluminum Video Tripod $190
Sennheiser ME66 - K6 $500
Sony ECM-44 Omni-Directional $214
Lowel DV Core 250 Kit $975
Adobe Premiere Pro CS6
Apple Final Cut Pro
$799or$200
Muslin Backdrop + lighting kit $130
4 2x3 panels $220
vzaar Professional account with 200GB bandwidth $79 / month
$4,707 to $5,306
Budget list
Video Camera
Tripod
Mic
3 Point Lighting Kit
Editing Software
Backdrop
Soundproofing
Video hosting
TOTAL
Kodak Zi8 Pocket Camera $430
Pearstone VT-2100 Fluid Head Video Tripod $70
Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone
$25
ePhoto VL9004S3 2400 Watt Photo Studio Softbox Kit $180
Adobe Premiere Elements
Apple iMovie
$199or$15
Muslin Backdrop + lighting kit $130
12 sq. ft of foam $42
vzaar Express with 100GB bandwidth $29 / month
$921 to $1,105
Prices may vary and are correct at date of publication
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Any questions?
Contact a vzaar video specialist for more information
Phone: 1.877.831.7110 (US), +44.20.7820.6280 (UK)
Email: [email protected]
Find us onlinevzaar.com
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