18 Filmmaking Tools a Beginner Filmmaker Actually Needs

Embarking on a filmmaking journey can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be quite challenging, especially for those who are just starting.

With the sheer number of tools and equipment available in the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what you really need to get started.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help you navigate through the process and make the best choices for your filmmaking toolkit.

In this comprehensive article, I’ll walk you through 18 essential tools that every beginner filmmaker should have in their arsenal for their next video or film production.

These tools will not only help you produce high-quality content but also ensure that your filmmaking journey is smooth and enjoyable.

From cameras and audio equipment to different software and essential accessories, we’ll cover everything you need to kick-start your filmmaking career.

Even though I haven’t had more than a couple of years’ experience shooting video, I understand the importance of having the right tools at your disposal.

I’ll show you how to prioritize quality, versatility, and user-friendliness while selecting your tools.

Drawing from my experiences shooting in various challenging environments, such as moonlit local Australian landscapes and bustling city streets, I can attest to the importance of having the right filmmaking equipment on hand for the right job.

We’ll delve into video cameras, audio recorders, lights, and more, providing you with an in-depth understanding of must-have items and their significance in your filmmaking success.

With the guidance provided here, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any project that comes your way and bring your creative vision to life. Get ready to explore the world of filmmaking and set yourself up for success with this comprehensive guide!

Let’s dive in and discover the 18 essentials that every beginner filmmaker actually needs.

What Filmmaking Gear Does a Beginner Filmmaker Need in 2024?

1. DSLR or Mirrorless Video Camera

Gone are the days of video cameras. A high-quality DSLR or mirrorless camera offers versatility and excellent image quality, making it a must-have tool for any aspiring filmmaker.

With options like the Canon EOS R5 or the Sony A7 IV, you can capture stunning visuals and have the flexibility to change lenses for various shooting scenarios.

While both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras can be used well for shooting video, my preference is mirrorless.

You can see the main differences between mirrorless and DSLR here.

2. Portable Digital Audio Recorder

Capturing clear, high-quality audio is essential, so invest in a portable digital audio recorder like the Zoom H4n Pro.

These devices are compact and easy to operate, making them perfect for on-location recording and capturing professional-quality audio in various environments.

3. Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for Video Editing

User-friendly video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, is vital for turning raw footage into a polished film.

These powerful programs offer a wide range of features and tools, allowing you to fine-tune your footage, add effects, and create seamless transitions.

Learn the best way to buy Adobe Premiere here.

4. Camera Bag

Protect your investment with a sturdy camera bag, like the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II, designed to safeguard your gear.

A good camera bag will also have customizable compartments to help organize and easily access your equipment during shoots.

Here’s a list of great camera bags for photographers which can be used for video gear too.

5. Fluid Head Tripod

A tripod with a fluid head, such as the Manfrotto MVH500AH, ensures steady shots and smooth camera movements.

This type of tripod is particularly useful for achieving professional-looking pans and tilts, adding a touch of cinematic flair to your projects.

While a travel tripod might be nice and lightweight, what you need for stability (especially with bigger film cameras) may be a heavy duty tripod like these ones.

6. Memory Card

Opt for a high-capacity memory card like the SanDisk Extreme Pro to store all your footage without worrying about storage space.

These memory cards also boast fast read and write speeds, ensuring efficient data transfer and reducing the risk of dropped frames.

Here’s our guide to choosing the right SD memory card.

7. Batteries

Keep extra batteries on hand, like the Wasabi Power Battery, or other camera batteries to ensure your camera keeps rolling during long shoots.

This will help you avoid interruptions in filming due to battery depletion and save valuable time on set. Make sure to have enough chargers to charge them all!

8. Wireless Microphones

 

A wireless microphone system like the Rode Wireless GO II enables you to capture crisp audio without the constraints of cables.

This compact and versatile system is perfect for capturing clear dialogue and can easily be mounted on your camera or used with a boom pole.

Check our guide to the best wireless mics for video recording.

9. Boom Setup

A boom pole with shock mount, paired with boom microphone such as the Rode Micro Boompole Pro and Rode Boom Mic, help you position your microphone close to the action while minimizing handling noise.

This setup is crucial for crisp and clear sound quality without distracting background noises.

10. Reflector

Harness natural light effectively with a versatile light reflector like the Neewer 5-in-1, perfect for shaping and bouncing light on your subjects.

This affordable accessory can dramatically improve the quality of your lighting and help you achieve professional-looking results.

Here’s our guide to using reflectors.

11. LED Lights

For low-light situations, invest in a compact camera light like the Aputure AL-M9 to illuminate your scene without compromising image quality.

This lightweight, portable light provides adjustable brightness levels, ensuring your subjects are well-lit and your shots are crisp and clear.

These are the best on-camera video LED lights right now.

12. Lenses

Equip yourself with a range of lenses, such as the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM and Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN, to create diverse shots and visual effects.

Having a selection of lenses will allow you to adapt to different shooting scenarios and achieve the desired aesthetic for your film.

 

13. External Hard Drive

Safeguard your footage by backing it up on a reliable external hard drive like the WD My Passport or Seagate Extreme SSDs.

This will ensure that you have a secure backup of your work and help protect against data loss or corruption, as at the end of the day your files are everything!

14. Audio Editing Software

Enhance your audio quality by cleaning it up with software like Audition, Audacity or Logic Pro.

This easy-to-use software allows you to remove background noise, normalize audio levels, and make other adjustments to ensure your audio is clean and professional.

Here’s how to use Adobe Audition for better audio.

15. Professional Headphones

Monitor your audio while shooting with a pair of professional headphones, such as the Sony MDR-7506 or other over-the-ear headphones.

These comfortable and durable headphones provide accurate sound reproduction, allowing you to identify and address any audio issues during the shoot while also giving a decent amount of noise isolation.

16. Gimbal Stabilizer

Achieve smooth and stable footage with a camera steady like the DJI Ronin or the Zhiyun Crane 2S for a cheaper option.

This advanced stabilizer allows you to shoot video with ease without camera shake, giving your footage a polished and cinematic look.

Check our guide to the best gimbals and stabilizers.

17. High-Performance Computer

A powerful computer, such as an Apple MacBook Pro or Dell XPS 15, is crucial for efficient video editing and post-production work.

Investing in a high-performance machine with a good graphics card will allow you to handle resource-intensive tasks and save time during the editing process.

These are our recommended computers for video editing.

18. Filmmaking Workshops and Communities

Lastly, connect with other filmmakers, attend workshops, and join online forums to learn, grow, and share your passion for filmmaking.

Engaging with a supportive community can provide invaluable insights, feedback, and networking opportunities to help you succeed in your filmmaking journey.

Why do I need these tools for filmmaking?

With the right tools in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any project that comes your way. These 18 essential tools will help you create professional-quality films, even as a beginner.

Investing in a high-quality camera and lenses will make a significant difference in the visuals you produce. Remember, image quality is a crucial aspect of any film, so don’t skimp on these essential items.

Furthermore, having a variety of lenses at your disposal will allow you to experiment with different styles and techniques, helping you develop your unique filmmaking voice.

Don’t underestimate the importance of audio in your films. High-quality audio can elevate your film to new heights, while poor audio can detract from the overall experience.

By investing in a portable digital audio recorder and a wireless microphone system, you can ensure that your film’s audio is clear, crisp, and immersive.

Additionally, using a boom pole and shock mount will help you capture audio from the perfect distance and angle while minimizing handling noise.

Steady and stable footage is key to creating a polished, professional film. A fluid head tripod and gimbal stabilizer will help you achieve this goal, making your shots look smooth and cinematic.

These tools can also assist you in capturing dynamic shots that add depth and movement to your film, increasing its visual appeal.

Proper lighting can significantly impact the mood and atmosphere of your film. A light reflector and portable camera light will help you manipulate light to your advantage, whether you’re working with natural light or shooting in low-light situations.

Mastering lighting techniques will greatly enhance the overall look and feel of your projects.

When it comes to post-production, user-friendly software and a high-performance computer are essential.

Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Audacity are excellent choices for video and audio editing, allowing you to refine your work and create a cohesive final product.

There is also plenty of good free video editing software for beginners.

Investing in a powerful computer will help speed up your editing process, saving you valuable time and energy.

Storage is often overlooked but is essential for any filmmaker. A high-capacity memory card and reliable external hard drive will ensure that your footage is safely stored and accessible.

Backing up your work regularly will also protect you from data loss or corruption.

In addition to the physical tools you’ll need, consider the value of immersing yourself in communities and workshops.

Networking with fellow filmmakers, learning from experienced professionals, and receiving feedback on your work will help you grow and refine your skills.

 

The knowledge and connections you gain from these experiences can be just as valuable as any tool in your arsenal.

Finally, remember that practice is crucial in developing your abilities. Most filmmakers, as they become more comfortable with their tools and techniques, gain the confidence and skills necessary to tackle more ambitious projects.

These 18 tools are essential for any beginner filmmaker looking to create high-quality films. By investing in this equipment and dedicating yourself to learning and practicing your craft, you’ll be well on your way to realizing your filmmaking potential.

Embrace the journey, and enjoy the process of bringing your unique stories and visions to life. So, get out there, start creating, and watch your filmmaking dreams come to life!

• When Was the Video Camera Invented?

Use This Handy Video Equipment List

Here’s an extended list of filmmaking equipment you may find useful for someone just starting out making movies.

You can print it off or save it as a PDF:

Product Type	Recommended Products
Camera	Canon EOS Rebel T7i, Sony a6100, Panasonic Lumix GH5, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Lens	Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM, Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS, Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6, Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens
Tripod	Manfrotto MKCOMPACTLT-BK Compact Tripod, ZOMEi Q111 Tripod, AmazonBasics Lightweight Camera Mount Tripod, Benro S6 Video Tripod Kit
Stabilizer	DJI Ronin-S, Zhiyun Crane 3S, Moza AirCross 2
Microphone	Rode VideoMic GO, TAKSTAR SGC-598, Audio-Technica AT875R, Zoom H1n Handy Recorder
Wireless Microphone	Rode Wireless GO Compact Wireless Microphone System, Sennheiser EW 112P G4 Camera-Mount Wireless Microphone System, Comica CVM-WM200 Wireless Microphone System
Boom	K&M 210/9 Microphone Stand, Rode BoomPole Pro, Neewer Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm
Audio Editing Software	Adobe Audition, Audacity, Logic Pro X
Lighting	Neewer 660 LED Video Light, GVM 520S LED Video Light, Godox SL-60W LED Video Light, Aputure AL-M9 LED Video Light
External Hard Drive	Seagate Expansion Desktop External Hard Drive, Western Digital My Passport External Hard Drive, LaCie Rugged Mini External Hard Drive
Editing Software	Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, DaVinci Resolve, iMovie
Memory Cards	SanDisk Extreme Pro, Lexar Professional 633x, Samsung EVO Plus
Card Reader	Anker 2-in-1 USB 3.0 Portable Card Reader, Transcend USB 3.0 Card Reader
Reflector	Neewer 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc Reflector, Selens 5-in-1 Portable Reflector
Camera Bag	Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW Camera Backpack, Manfrotto MB PL-CRC-17 Pro Light Video Camera Case, AmazonBasics Large DSLR Gadget Bag