How to Select Your Film Equipment

Introduction

Choosing the right video equipment for your shoot can be a tricky business. We've had the pleasure of working with many different filmmakers, and we've noticed that they often ask us what they should look out for when purchasing new film-making equipment. In this post, we'll discuss some of the things you should consider when deciding what kind of gear is right for your project so that you can make an informed decision about which way to go (buy or rent).

What are you filming?

When you start to think about the equipment you will need for your film, there are several things to consider. The first question is: what type of film are you making?

If it's a feature-length movie with a lot of special effects and big-name actors, then the answer is obvious: Get as much money as possible and hire someone who knows what they're doing! However, if this isn't the case (and most people don't have millions in their budget), then read on!

How many people will be working with the equipment?

The first thing to consider when choosing a camera is how many people will be working with the equipment. If you're only going to use one camera, then there's no point in buying something too big and expensive. But if you have multiple cinematographers or editors involved in your project, then it might make sense for them all to have their own cameras so they can work independently while still sharing footage across devices (which makes post-production easier).

There are also pros and cons of having multiple cameras: on one hand, having multiple angles gives you more options when editing; on the other hand, having fewer shots means less footage overall--which could mean more time spent trimming down your video into its final form later on.

How much room do you have to work with?

If you're shooting in a small space, such as an apartment or dorm room, then it's best to get something compact and lightweight. You'll want something that can be easily carried around and won't take up too much space when not in use. On the other hand, if your shoot is taking place outdoors with plenty of space around it then bigger cameras may be more appropriate for capturing wide shots from afar or getting closer shots without having to move yourself too much.

Are you shooting indoors or outdoors?

If you're filming indoors, the equipment needs will be minimal. You'll need a camera, tripod, sound, and lights--but that's about it. However, if you're shooting outdoors or in a location with harsh lighting conditions (like direct sunlight), then you need to consider more factors when selecting your equipment. You should also consider whether or not there are any potential hazards for yourself and others on set due to weather conditions such as rain or snow; these can cause problems with equipment as well as pose safety risks for cast members who are working outside in bad weather conditions

Do you want a system that's easy to expand in the future?

While you're trying to decide which camera and other equipment is right for you, consider whether you want to be able to expand your system in the future. If so, make sure that the gear you buy can accommodate additional components as needed (for example, by having multiple ports).

If this isn't a concern for now but may come up later on in life or business (e.g., if the company grows), renting equipment from time-to-time could be an effective way of testing out new technology without making a huge investment upfront--and then buying when necessary.

When to buy new vs. used professional film gear.

When you are shopping for film equipment, there are a few things to consider. First, do you want to buy new or used? New equipment is usually better than used but more expensive. Used equipment is a natural choice if you have a limited budget. Finally, one thing that many people forget about when looking at buying new vs used is their impact on the environment — buy used and avoid one more camera kit being produced.

When to rent video production equipment instead of buying.

If you're working on a short-term project or need to use equipment that's not essential, renting can be a great option. For example:

If you're working on a one-time project and don't want to commit to buying expensive equipment that will sit around for years without being used again.

If your project is time sensitive and doesn't require specialized equipment (like an underwater camera).

If you don't have the space in your home or office where you could store the equipment after using it--and let's face it: most people don't!

Buy or Rent film gear from Wedio.

Renting or buying film equipment from Wedio is a great way to ensure you get the right equipment for your needs.

When you rent from Wedio, our global coverage is included with all rentals ensuring you if an accident happens with your camera kit. If you choose to buy video gear from Wedio, we offer Secure Escrow Payment and a third-party check of the camera equipment before delivery so that there are no surprises when it arrives!

Conclusion

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of how to buy and rent film gear. If you're looking for more information on how we can help, please feel free to reach out to our members' success team.