First-time filmmakers may think getting the right camera is all that they need to shoot good quality video productions, but they’d be wrong. This article outlines some of the most essential ‘must-have’ extras for your camera to ensure your footage is always as good as possible:
1. The ‘Essential’ Essentials
No first-time filmmaker should pull out a camera on set without having the essential camera extras; spare tapes, spare batteries, various adaptors and of course over-the-ear headphones. The spare tapes and batteries are pretty self-explanitory, but adaptors and headphones are important too. You want to make sure you have adaptors for all your microphones and sound cables i.e. XLRs from Boom Mics and if you don’t have your headphones, you’re taking a big risk on your sound quality, especially if its only you doing the sound and filming for a particular scene.
2. Hoods
Getting a hood for your camera lens is a great extra to have at hand. Hoods can provide a nice bit of shade for your lens helping to prevent any issues with intense light/sunlight. Before you pick up a lens hood always check it is compatible with your camera, you don’t want to try and use one that ‘sort of’ fits, because that won’t do any favours for your image quality.
3. Filters
Before you contemplate getting a filter, just like with a lens hood always check for compatibility. A filter works in a similar to a hood in that it helps to reduce bright light, but it also reduces reflections/glares and helps to improve the overall colour on screen. A filter can help to protect your lens too, which could save you the hassle of cleaning it time and time again throughout the day.
4. Cleaning Products
A clean camera is a happy camera. Before you attempt to film any shot make sure your camera is thoroughly cleaned. Get hold of lens cleaner, lens tissue, lens brushes, a lens cloth and even some compressed air to blast on the screen. If you don’t have cleaning equipment with you, you’re taking a huge risk with the quality of your footage.
Summary
By checking out these 4 essential extras for your camera you can help to maintain good quality images for your video production and ensure your camera is always prepared for any shooting scenario.
