The Ultimate Video Equipment Checklist for Filming at Home With Little to No Budget

Have you been wanting to start filming your own vlogs for a while now, but you’re not sure what equipment you need? Are you looking to get started with your own YouTube channel or just want to start shooting some videos in your spare time? If you’re like most people who film at home, there’s probably not enough money in the budget for these things. But fear not! There are ways to get what you need without spending an arm and a leg.

In this post, we’ll cover what you need and where to get it. This list will help guide you through all of the necessary pieces of equipment needed for filming at home on any level – from beginner vloggers to professionals. Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

#1 Camera

The absolute bare bones essential to any home filming is a camera. If you already have one, lucky you! But if not, your smartphone will do just fine. It might not be the best quality, but it will get the job done.

You may also consider buying a used one online. Just make sure it comes with all of the necessary cords and accessories, which you will need to edit your videos. Also, be wary of buying one that has a microphone or charging ports covered by stickers or tape. If they cover any openings, this is most likely a sign that the device has been used for something other than what it was intended for. Craigslist is usually a good place to look for local deals.

#2 Tripod

Unless you like your videos looking like they were filmed by some kind of shaky-cam drunkard who’s never taken a camera before in their life (I don’t recommend it), definitely invest in a tripod. The great thing about the tripod is that you can use it even when you upgrade to better equipment down the line. I personally own a Manfrotto MVH502AH with a fluid video head, and I love it. It’s durable but light enough to carry around if need be.

But if you don’t have the allotted budget for a tripod, don’t panic. There are some great reasonable options out there that will do the job just as well. I used a Joby GP3 Gorillapod before, and it worked perfectly for me.

You can also get creative with camera mounts as a substitute made from household items like books, boxes, etc.

#3 Microphone

If you’re filming exclusively indoors, onboard microphones make for decent audio, but they really won’t cut it for filming outside of your home. Your camera will also probably be able to pick up sound decently, but there’s a possibility that the sound quality will be poor and will get worse as you get further away from it.

If you want to invest in a cost-effective microphone, Rode VideoMic Me is a great option designed to enhance the audio quality of your videos. It can be connected directly to your camera or via an additional adapter for smartphones if you’re using one.

#4 Lighting

As a self-proclaimed sun worshipper, I’m not going to lie; natural lighting is by far my favorite. It’s really easy on the eyes, and it also makes for some amazing shots. The problem is that there are only so many hours of sunlight during the day, so if you’re filming in your room or any other indoor location with minimal lighting, investing in a couple of lamps is definitely worth it. Plus, they don’t cost much at all.

#5 Green Screen

If you want to get into some green screen editing, then a chroma key is an absolute necessity. You can purchase one or make your own with materials that are easily accessible at most hardware stores. The one I use was custom-made by my dad for around $20 using PVC pipe and a bright green cloth. With some creativity and DIY skills, it’s not too hard to pull off on your own.

#6 Editing Software

There are plenty of online editing tools out there that do an excellent job of making videos look professional, even if you’re a beginner. Look for a free-to-use and extremely easy-to-pick-up so you won’t have to invest much.

I personally use VEED.io, which is a simple and beginner-friendly editing tool. I would also recommend looking into Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro; both are available for free trial periods.

We’ve explored a lot of ground, so it’s time to wrap up. With these six items, you will have everything that you need to start filming quality videos. It doesn’t have to be pricey either, so don’t break the bank. If you put enough time and effort into your videos, people will notice regardless of what kind of equipment you’re using. And as you grow, you can always improve your setup.

I hope you found this worthwhile and that it inspires you to be more creative when thinking about filming your videos at home. Creating a quality video with less budget may seem like an impossible feat, but we’ve got some concepts for how to make the most out of what you have. If filming at home seems not possible due to space constraints or other reasons, don’t worry- there are many ways in which someone can film their own videos without having access to expensive equipment. Creativity and research are key; if these two things come together effectively, then the sky’s the limit!