Make Video Like The Pros: A Beginner's Guide To Buying Your First Camera

Make Video Like The Pros: A Beginner's Guide To Buying Your First Camera
6 min read
25 November 2022

If you’re new to the world of online video, it can be daunting to take those first tentative steps into equipment shopping. Since there are many cameras available at one price point (and more), it’s easy to get carried away in a gear frenzy when embarking on your first foray into video production. Here are some guidelines to help you understand what you want and what you don’t need.

Types of Camera

DSLR

DSLR cameras are a great choice for video. These cameras are capable of taking high-quality photos and videos. DSLRs are also equipped with interchangeable lenses, which can help if you want to switch up your shots on the fly or if you just want something different for each shoot. These cameras also have a long battery life so if you're going to be out shooting all day, then you won’t have to worry about running out of battery fast. 

On the negative side, DSLRs tend to be heavy and bulky in size. Due to higher quality and excess features, they are also more expensive and might be complex to use for beginners.

Mirrorless Camera

If a beginner is looking for a camera that can be used in multiple situations, then a mirrorless camera would be the one to get. Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter than traditional SLR cameras, which makes them easier to carry around and a better choice for vlogging. It also has a better autofocus for video compared to DLSRs. 

Mirrorless cameras, however, have shorter battery life although several manufacturers have improved their battery life. It also have a limited selection of lens

Point-and-shoot Camera

If you're looking for the least expensive way to get into video, a point-and-shoot camera might be the best option. Point-and-shoot cameras are smaller and lighter than most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, making them easy to carry around. They also have fixed lenses that won't move when you're shooting at different angles or distances—which means less movement blur in your videos!

However, point-and-shoot cameras aren't as versatile as other types of cameras like DSLRs or mirrorless models (which can zoom out with their interchangeable lenses). That being said, if portability is what matters most to you then this type of camera will probably work just fine!

Action Camera

Action cameras are designed for use in extreme sports, like surfing and snowboarding. They're smaller and lighter than other types of camera, which makes them ideal for capturing video of your adventures on the go.

Action cameras also tend to be waterproof, so you can take them with you when you head out into the rain or snow to capture those moments when everyone else is getting soaked by the storm outside.

The prices on action cameras vary widely depending on their features—you should expect to pay between $200 and $2,000 for an entry-level model that includes basic recording functions (such as video stabilization) but doesn't have any interchangeable lenses or other advanced features like voice control or image stabilization technology built in.

Price

Do not buy a camera just because it has features or capabilities beyond what is necessary for any given project, but do not buy too little as well. If you have a budget, stick to it. Don't be tempted into buying a cheaper model if it means compromising on features or overall quality; you'll only end up regretting it later down the line anyway!

Sensor

A big sensor is a win. Larger sensors provide better image quality in low-light conditions. Wide sensors also increase the ability to blur backgrounds.But for news and events shooters, small sensor cameras may be better as more of the image will be in focus. With large sensors, DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer better low-light captures and a good background effect. 

Smaller sensors can be very convenient in many situations because they let you use smaller lenses and cameras—you can get very portable setup if you have a system designed around them. And more importantly, they cost less.

Resolution

Resolution is a measurement of the number of pixels in a video camera's sensor. The higher the resolution, the more detail you'll be able to capture—and thus, the higher quality your resulting footage will be.

Shooting Speed

The speed at which your camera shoots videos, known as its frame rate, is one of the most important factors in determining how smooth and fluid a video will look. A higher number means that you'll get smoother motion without any jerky movements or jagged edges. You'll also need more storage space to store all those high-definition files!

Autofocus

Autofocus is a camera feature that automatically adjusts the focus of the lens to keep the subject in focus. It's available on all cameras, but some have better autofocus than others.

If you're using your camera for still images only, autofocus will be important if you want great results from your shots without having to manually adjust them later on. This can also be helpful when shooting video as well—if you want smooth tracking and accurate focusing during recording, an autofocus system is an absolute must-have feature!

SD Card Slot

SD cards are the most common type of memory card used in cameras and other devices. They come with a variety of speeds, which determine how fast data can be transferred to the card.

The first thing you'll want to do when buying a camera is figure out what kind of memory card it has installed. You'll need to know this if you plan on shooting video or taking pictures at all—it's important!

Conclusion

We hope this guide has given you an idea about what you need for video editing and that it helps you when purchasing a camera that will fulfill your needs. It's important to be realistic about what kind of work you want to do, as well as how much money you can spend on equipment. We recommend doing some research on the topic before making any decisions so that everything is clear and ready when the time comes!

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Dana Mia Kim 2
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