materiel-video

Buying guide: the equipment used by professional videographers

Solid Rusk guides you through the video gear you need to make pro videos. In this article, you’ll find a complete guide to mastering the art of pro video. Whether you’re a novice videographer looking to improve your technique or a video enthusiast, this article is designed to offer you the keys to success. We introduce you to our video equipment, give you practical tips, and recommend high-performance editing software to help you make videos like a pro.

Table des matières

The video equipment you need for professional videos

Panasonic Lumix GH5 - To start

The Panasonic Lumix GH5, nicknamed the king of video, is a must-have choice for videographers thanks to its many features. It offers 4K video capture at up to 60 frames per second and Full HD at up to 180 frames per second for quality slow-motion.

The body’s sound is enhanced by Dolby-quality stereo recording , and you have the option of adding an XLR microphone adapter for professional audio control.

With its reliable, customizable video autofocus, you can adjust the speed and sensitivity of subject tracking for smooth, precise focusing. Add to this an articulated, touch-sensitive OLED screen, integrated image stabilization, and a customizable user interface, and the GH5 will be your best ally for high-quality video productions.

👎 Only drawback: The Micro 4/3 sensor, which doesn’t capture low light.

Panasonic Lumix S5 - Pour evolve

The Panasonic Lumix S5 is our most versatile camera. It has all the features of the GH5, plus a full-frame sensor. Panasonic has clearly understood the needs of videographers with this formidable machine. Possibility of shooting in 4:2:2 10 bits up to 60 fps and in 4K please 😌. The big advantage is that it’s pretty light so easy to handle on a stabilizer, even combined with a big rock like a 12 – 24 mm.

50mm lens

The 50 mm lens is nicknamed “nifty fifty”, and for good reason! The 50 mm focal length has an angle of view that’s as close as possible to human vision, which is why it’s so popular with filmmakers. We use it especially when shooting with people, to capture their emotions. It’s also perfect for interviews, because its aperture, which on some can go as wide as f/1.2, gives that depth-of-field characteristic of this type of content, creating a privileged space between subject and audience.

If you want to shoot documentaries or fiction, don’t think about it, just go for it!

24-70 mm wide-angle lens

The 24-70 mm wide-angle lens, on the other hand, is extremely versatile, enabling you to capture a wide range of subjects without having to change lenses. From landscapes to portraiture, reportage, architecture, weddings and travel photography, a 24-70 mm zoom adapts to every situation and will be your best ally for versatility on the shoot, without having to change lenses for every shot. It’s our Swiss Army knife. And if you’re just starting out, it’s a great compromise!

The best wide-angle lenses are those with an f/2.8 aperture for portraiture and low-light shooting.

Stabilizer

As soon as you’ve mastered the basics of video, you’ll want to start experimenting with fluid camera movements, to take your creativity even further. Acquiring a stabilizer is an opportunity to shoot more stable videos, and to propose camera movements that you can’t do freehand.

A true guarantee of flexibility and quality for filmmakers and content creators in almost every conceivable scenario, the Ronin-SC is designed to accompany professionals everywhere. Weighing just 1.1 kg thanks to its aluminum composition, the Ronin-SC 4 delivers impressive performance. For sports adventures or dynamic filmmaking, acquiring a stabilizer like the Ronin is bound to be a good investment!

With this video equipment, you’ll be able to make beautiful things with professional quality– the only limit will be your creativity!

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To go further with your video equipment, you can also use an ND filter, which will allow you to use the chosen shutter speed and aperture in conditions that would normally result in an overexposed image; a soundlink microphone to be able to do interviews on the fly without having to pull out a multitude of cables. It’s a budget item, but in our opinion, it’s a must-have for sound recording. Finally, if you want to shoot at night or in low light, we recommend you invest in an LED panel. It’s not very expensive and it’s always practical!

Beyond video equipment, editing

There’s more to making a professional video than video equipment. Editing plays an important part in whether or not your final video looks professional. For editing, Solid Rusk uses and recommends Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, the most widely used reference software.

Adobe Premiere Pro

It’s the preferred choice of video editing professionals worldwide. Renowned for its extensive compatibility with various file formats and seamless integration with other Adobe software, Premiere Pro offers unrivalled flexibility. Its interface is highly customizable, enabling editors to create a workspace that meets their specific needs. With advanced features such as multi-camera editing, color correction and a vast library of effects and transitions, Adobe Premiere Pro is ideal for transforming raw footage into captivating productions.

Final Cut Pro

It’s another powerhouse in the world of video editing, available exclusively for macOS users. Designed with an intuitive approach, this software offers impressive performance, especially in terms of rendering and real-time processing, thanks to its optimization for Apple hardware. Final Cut Pro stands out for its ability to handle large volumes of high-resolution data without compromising smooth editing. Its innovative motion tracking and magnetic editing tools simplify the editing process, while enabling exceptional creativity and precision. It’s the perfect software for those looking for a robust, integrated solution for the Apple ecosystem.

By choosing one of these two editing programs, you can ensure that your videos look as professional as possible, and impress your audience.

Solid Rusk's advice

Use templates

To get started quickly and produce a quality video without too much effort, we recommend that you look for templates. On Envato Market, you’ll find a variety of predefined templates for all types of video, allowing you to maintain a professional look while simplifying the creation process. All you have to do is drag your shots into the predefined slots. It’s like the Canva of videographers!

Ask videographers for advice

Whether amateur or professional, videographers generally form a caring community ready to share tips and advice. Whether on forums, social networks or at meetups, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek help and advice on what video equipment to buy. Exchanging ideas can help you overcome technical challenges and improve your video skills.

Have fun !

The most important advice we can give you is to enjoy what you’re doing. Video creation should be a passion above all else. Experiment with different styles, try out new techniques and don’t limit yourself to established standards. The more fun you have throughout the creative process, the more this will be reflected in the final result, making your videos not only enjoyable to make but also to watch.

These tips and our recommendations for video equipment will help you get started or improve your videos to make them professional.

Article written by Emeline l Prête-moi ta plume