How to build a Video studio on budget

How to build an in-house video studio on a budget

How to build an in-house

VIDEO STUDIO on a 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-house video studio on a budget

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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How to build an in-house video studio on a budget

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 environment The 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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How to build an in-house video studio on a budget

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!

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.

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How to build an in-house video studio on a budget

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 buy The 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.

Don’t forget your tripod

Hi-Def recording for a budget $385

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How to build an in-house video studio on a budget

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.

Back light 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.

Fill light

key light

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.

Money saver $$$ Swap out a fill light with a simple white foam board reflector

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How to build an in-house video studio on a budget

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 1,2,3 There are many microphones on the market, but you’ll mainly need to decide between these three popular models:

1. Handheld This familiar standby does the job well Good sound It’s in the frame Restricts speaker’s hand movements

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How to build an in-house video studio on a budget

2. Shotgun Mic An excellent option if you have 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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How to build an in-house video studio on a budget

Video Editing Software Great 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.

Professional Powerful and flexible, allowing vast control over video and audio. Steep learning curve beyond the basics.

Adobe Premiere Pro CS6

Apple Final Cut Pro

Windows or Mac

Mac

Budget Easier to master while still providing significant control over video and audio. Enough for many projects.

Adobe Premiere Elements

Apple iMovie

Windows

Mac

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How to build an in-house video studio on a budget

Shopping lists Splurge list Video Camera

Sony NEX-VG20H

$2,199

Tripod

VariZoom VZ-TK75A Aluminum Video Tripod

$190

Shot Gun Mic

Sennheiser ME66 - K6

$500

Lav Mic

Sony ECM-44 Omni-Directional

$214

Complete Light Kit

Lowel DV Core 250 Kit

$975

Editing Software

Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 Apple Final Cut Pro

$799 or $200

Backdrop

Muslin Backdrop + lighting kit

$130

Soundproofing

4 2x3 panels

$220

Video hosting

vzaar Professional account with 200GB bandwidth

$79 / month $4,707 to $5,306

TOTAL

Budget list Video Camera

Kodak Zi8 Pocket Camera

$430

Tripod

Pearstone VT-2100 Fluid Head Video Tripod

$70

Mic

Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone

$25

3 Point Lighting Kit

ePhoto VL9004S3 2400 Watt Photo Studio Softbox Kit

$180

Editing Software

Adobe Premiere Elements Apple iMovie

$199 or $15

Backdrop

Muslin Backdrop + lighting kit

$130

Soundproofing

12 sq. ft of foam

$42

Video hosting

vzaar Express with 100GB bandwidth

$29 / month

TOTAL

$921 to $1,105

Prices may vary and are correct at date of publication

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How to build an in-house video studio on a budget

Any questions?

Contact a vzaar video specialist for more information Phone: 1.877.831.7110 (US), +44.20.7820.6280 (UK) Email: sales@vzaar.com

Find us online vzaar.com Twitter Facebook Google + LinkedIn

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