You're planning your next shoot. How can you ensure you choose the best video camera?

2 Your budget and resources

The next thing you need to consider is how much money and time you have to invest in your video camera and your production. Video cameras can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the brand, model, features, and accessories. You also need to factor in the cost of memory cards, batteries, lenses, filters, tripods, stabilizers, lights, microphones, and other equipment that you might need. Additionally, you need to think about how much time and effort you can spend on setting up, operating, and editing your footage. Some cameras are more user-friendly and versatile than others, but they might also require more post-production work to achieve the desired look and sound. You need to balance your budget and resources with your project goals and find a camera that offers the best value for your money and time.

3 Your shooting environment and conditions

Another factor that you need to consider is where and when you will be shooting your video. Different cameras perform differently in various environments and lighting conditions. You need to think about how much control you have over your shooting location, how much natural or artificial light you have, how much movement and action you have, and how long you will be shooting. For example, if you're shooting outdoors in bright sunlight, you might want a camera that has a good ND filter, a high shutter speed, and a low ISO. If you're shooting indoors in low light, you might want a camera that has a large sensor, a fast lens, and a high ISO. If you're shooting in changing or challenging conditions, you might want a camera that has a good auto-exposure, a wide color gamut, and a high frame rate.

4 Your audience and delivery format

The final factor that you need to consider is who will be watching your video and how will they watch it. Your audience and delivery format will affect how you shoot and edit your video, as well as what kind of camera you need. You need to think about how big and how detailed your video will be displayed, what kind of devices and platforms your audience will use, and what kind of expectations and preferences they have. For example, if you're shooting a video for a large screen or a streaming service, you might want a camera that can record in 4K or higher resolution, has a high bit rate and a low compression, and supports HDR or Dolby Vision. If you're shooting a video for a small screen or a social media platform, you might want a camera that can record in HD or lower resolution, has a low bit rate and a high compression, and supports vertical or square formats.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?