More and more folks are exploring video with their DSLR. And more and more are seeking advice from me in these regards. I am not no expert but I do know what does and doesn’t work for me which I try to relate to you here. My normal MO is to buy the best and learn how to use it looking for the best quality. And as you might imagine, most getting into DSLR video, going high end is not the goal. They just wanta to learn so some day, if the bugs bites, they are good to go. So, I went looking for video accessory products that do an excellent job at half the price or less of the great stuff. So I have two blog posts today on products I found that I can easily recommend.
I want to start off with a piece of gear everyone recognizes but don’t buy and that’s a mistake. The “clacker” as I call it serves many functions in our video productions. It’s not only fun but practical! I really like Acrylic Dry Erase Clapboard with Color Sticks (7×7.25″) because it’s well built, has a great sound and is erasable. One important feature of the “clacker” is that sound it makes to sync up the sound track of multiple cameras. I think you should have it to keep a visual note of what you are shooting, especially tests. It’s really one of the first things you should get.
Sound is everything! When wanting to pick up critter sounds, I still prefer the MS-77 but when it comes to interviews, I really like Polsen 16-Channel Camera-Mountable UHF Wireless System with PL-4 Lavalier Microphone. They don’t have the same range as the more expensive units but they do have the sound. The kit comes complete so you can receive and start recording instantly. What I like is they are very simple to use, set up is no more than plugging the cable into the camera body or mic (cables all included). And the case is pretty nice, good protection and easy to use. I can easily recommend this set to you!
While you can use these to rock out to you iPod, these Polsen Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones as the name implies, are to be used while recording with your DSLR. Don’t use the speaker built into the camera if you’re serious about your video. This set which as great quality sound, physically ver light and not even $30 is great solution. They fold up so take up minimal space in your bag.