some schools may offer equipment resources, so it’s worth exploring those options. here are some recommended audio/video equipment choices that you can purchase on a budget:

• rode lavalier microphone – $80: getting good audio is crucial for video quality. attach a lav microphone to your subject’s collar to capture clear and direct. you can record directly to the audio port on your camera or using your phone.

• on-board rode microphone – $50: avoid using the built-in microphone that comes with your camera at all costs. instead, opt for an on-board microphone like the rode to pick up room tone and ambient sounds, ensuring better audio quality.

• travel tripod – $75: enhance the professional look of your videos by avoiding handheld videography and using a tripod. a stable camera position creates a more visually pleasing and steady shot.

• tripod mount for phone – $15: many smartphones offer excellent video quality. mounting your phone on a tripod will provide stability and improve the overall visual presentation.

• ring light – $80: having at least one production light, such as a ring light, can significantly enhance the look of your interviews. proper lighting can elevate the visual appeal and professionalism of your videos.

final tips:

• wear headphones: when recording, wear headphones to monitor the sound being captured precisely as intended. avoid the frustration of discovering audio issues during the editing process.

• check audio levels: if your camera has the feature, adjust the microphone input levels to achieve a balanced mix with the natural sound and other ambient noises. maintain optimal audio levels by keeping your audio hitting in the yellow range at around -6 decibels (db), avoiding peaks in the red zone of 0 db to ensure clear and distortion-free sound in your videos.

• music considerations: when incorporating music into your videos, remember to lower the volume during interviews. this adjustment can be made during the editing process. for royalty-free music options, consider websites like epidemicsound.com and freemusicarchive.org (remember to credit the song title and creator in your video credits).