Building a video studio at home can feel intimidating, especially when considering the vast amount of equipment options available. If you’re on a budget, the task can be even more daunting.
But don’t let preconceived notions of budget and equipment keep you from achieving your production needs. It is essential now, perhaps more than ever, to search for ways to create at home. We’re confident that you’ll be able to do so at any price point.
We have compiled a few tips to help you get started with your studio environment. From audio tools to crafting a backdrop, your production goals are achievable, regardless of budget.
You can also watch this video to learn about 6 types of content that can help grow your business.
Tier 1: Make the Most of What You Have
Eager to begin, without spending a dime? You can jumpstart your production efforts with equipment you likely already have on hand! With the camera featured on your laptop and the addition of headphones and an in-line mic, you can begin hosting livestreams, webinars, and other pieces of informational content.
While this is a no-thrills set up, there are simple steps you can take to dress up your “stage.” Whether it’s your office or an interesting area of your home, search for ways to relate your background to the content your creating. For example, a teacher may choose to shoot educational videos at a desk or use propping to hint at the themes being taught. You can also craft a clean and professional setting by placing a solid backdrop behind you. If you want to take it up a notch, have a custom branded backdrop created by Design Pickle.
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Tier 2: Make Small Upgrades
If you’re willing to build a budget, you can make significant advances to your home studio by upgrading your equipment. First, consider purchasing an external webcam and microphone. While most laptops come equipped with built-in cameras, external webcams are a great solution for those looking to increase their picture quality, or for owners of desktops without webcams. This equipment will cost you less than the purchase of a digital camera, and are available at various price points.
Some webcams include great microphones. If not, an external mic will ensure the clarity of your audio. Quality mics can climb in price, but there are options that won’t break the bank. We recommend the ikedon USB Microphone Kit. At a low price point, this mic is a great value for streaming and podcasting purposes, and you can be confident that your audience will not have a muffled listening experience.
Last, we recommend getting a portable LED light that clips to your monitor. The light will help you bypass common issues with camera exposure and lighting quality.
Tier 3: Go All Out
If the bulk of your production is remote and you’re serious about elevating your home studio, the opportunities are endless. At Design Pickle’s headquarters, our production studio boasts two Sony cameras that capture multiple angles of the footage we shoot. By connecting a quality DSLR or mirrorless camera, like the Sony A6300, to your computer, you can host live streams, virtual business conferences, and webinars at a much higher quality than that of your standard webcam or mobile device. Additional tools, such as tripods and ring lights, make it easier for you to be mobile while you record, without sacrificing quality. This is ideal for creators that require a lot of movement in their live broadcasts.
For the highest quality audio, invest in specific video, lav, or podcast mics tailored to your needs. At our production studio, we use Blackmagic Design products to connect our cameras to an iMac Pro and we record audio using Rode Wireless Lavs. We also use Rode and Shure microphones for podcasting. This equipment comes at a high price point, but provides the opportunity for your collaborators to monitor audio while recording.
These upgrades will set you up for success when building your own video production studio. If you need design elements to add to your final projects, or assets to help promote the content you’re creating, reach out to Design Pickle and we’ll be glad to assist.
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