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).