3 Ways to Achieve Great Results using Affordable Equipment for Your Online Video Presentations
3 Ways to Achieve Great Results Using Affordable Equipment
How to Choose the Right Equipment for Your Video Presentations
My aim is to teach you how to present yourself effectively on camera – whether for internal staff communications, sales presentations, web conferencing, webinars, video blogging, or simply sharing your talent or thought leadership online.
You don’t need to be a Spielberg, nor do you need to spend a fortune on the latest high tech equipment to look good online – but if you want to stand out from the crowd you will need to purchase some basic pieces of equipment.
2 Things to Avoid
- Do not use the webcam on your computer
- Do not use the video recorder on your cell phone
These tools will severely limit you. Yes you do need to buy a video camera – and as I want to make this series relevant for as many people as possible, I will focus on how you can achieve great results using affordable equipment that is commonly available to everyone.
The 3 Essential Pieces of Equipment
- HD video camera, with a remote control for filming yourself. HD is vital for image quality – and appears to be the accepted viewer norm ($300 – $700)
- Tripod, preferably 72-Inch, with built in bubble level ($20 – $40)
- A good quality microphone. In the past I used a lapel microphone, newscaster-style, with an integrated cable (20feet) that connected directly to my camera. Unfortunately I went for the cheap option ($25) and ended up with cheap sound. Like your HD camera you may need to invest in a higher-grade microphone option that can mount to your video camera for better quality sound. ($140+). Note: Wireless mics are an option and some have reviewed quite well – however, they are expensive starting from ($600+).
If you are really serious, I also recommend you invest in portable studio lighting ($100 – 300+). Later in the series I will cover simple lighting techniques to help you present yourself in the most flattering light.
Which HD Camera to Buy?
I love my Android smartphone. It’s great for taking quick photo snaps and videos when something catches my eye when I am walking down the street. Even though it is a top of the line model and has HD, it is not good enough for filming video presentations.
I love my Flip Ultra HD. It’s great for filming vacations, but I do not recommend it for creating your video presentations, manly because there is no jack to plug in an external mic. I filmed some of my early videos using the Flip and sounded like I was speaking into a tin-can (or worse in a toilet). Plus there is no LCD panel to help with framing and composition when facing the camera.
To create compelling online video presentations you need to invest in a reputable brand camcorder with a decent lens and sensor, the ability to plug in an external microphone, and a LCD panel that rotates around so you can view yourself in the frame while it is filming you. You also want a remote control small enough to hide in the palm of your hand, to control the camera while you are filming. This is a big plus if you are filming yourself and don’t have the luxury of a camera assistant.
I personally recommend Canon camcorders. There are some amazing bargains to be had on Amazon. You can pick up an amazing camcorder for under $500 if you know what to look for.
In This Series I will Cover Video Production Topics Including:
- Pre-production (production scheduling, scripting your message, wardrobe, hair and make-up, setting the scene and background, look and feel, production design),
- Post-production (editing, selecting footage, background music, generated images, text – putting it all together).
- Production (filming, lighting, blocking/shooting script, camera positioning, learning your best photogenic angles, camera angles camera framing & psychology, how to speak and look at the camera, how to overcome distracting mannerisms, performance issues, tips and techniques).
I won’t pull any punches, and will share all the secrets I have learned from many years in front of and behind the camera. From giving auditions as an TV actor, presenter and spokesperson, to being a talent agent, to working behind the camera with casting companies (where I have observed thousands of individuals trying out for TV commercials), to working in post-production edit suites as part of a advertising firm. I know what works and what doesn’t on camera.
Below are some resources that will help you – especially if you are new to presenting or appearing on video.
I would love to hear from you. Tell me what your biggest challenges are when it comes to presenting to a camera – or with creating your own Video Presentations? If this is all new for you, let me know in the comment section below about what you found most helpful?
Remember, you can always suggest a topic or ask a question (below) and the TakeTwo Team will endevour to answer it in future “TakeTwo Video Presentation Coaching” episodes. If you enjoyed this content – sign-up to receive our email updates.
Always listening and cheering you on with your online video presentations!
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Jump Right in! Check out our Free Article and Video Resources
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+Bianca Te Rito
