Some hardware hints for on-location or simple studio

The first question to ask yourself is: What will I be doing with this equipment? Lots of choices hinge on use. I have put together several "scenarios" and listed equipment appropriate for each. Just remember - some decisions may influence your ability to grow later! Also - as web pages tend not to be updated as often as we'd like, please remember that this contribution is current as of fall, 2004.

For a discussion of formats and general musings on sound, see my Video Formats page.

One final note: The further down the list you get, the more you will need cables to hook everything up. Since it is impossible to anticipate these costs (they depend on the various choices you make, and some cables are included with purchases), just assume that the more complicated you get, the more you should allot for patching it all together. Contact me if you need a specific recommendation for a specific setup.

Scenario 1 - $400-$500: shooting simple video - in-camera editing or bouncing from camcorder to VCR

• Video Camcorder
• Inexpensive VCR

Scenario 2 - $500-$600: shooting simple video, with improved sound (your camcorder must have a remote microphone jack)

• All of Scenario 1
• Single speaking person: Clip-on lavalier microphone
• Multiple speaking persons: Hand-held microphone

Scenario 3 - $700-$800: shooting simple video, with high quality sound

• All of Scenario 1
• Clip-on lavalier microphone
• 1 or 2 XLR hand-held microphones, with cables
• Bolt-on-sound mixer 

Scenario 4 - $500-$900 (excluding workstation): shooting simple video, with digital editing

• All of either Scenario 1, 2, or 3
• Level 2 or higher KETS workstation
• Digital video editing suite

• Video Camcorder
• Inexpensive VCR, or
• Radio Shack RF Modulator

Scenario 6 - $940-$1,400: live video, two camcorders with VCR

• All of Scenario 1
• Additional camcorder
• Radio Shack Video Switcher

Scenario 7 - $1,020-$1,500: live video, two camcorders, VCR, sound mixing

• All of Scenario 6
• Table top sound mixer

Scenario 8 -$2,200-$3,100: live video studio gear

• All of Scenario 7
• Video Mixer