Making amazing documentary videos isn’t just about having the right stories to tell. While this forms a key part of the production process, you can’t ignore the gadgets and tools required to make the whole thing come together. Quality cameras are obviously the top priority – but you need to supplement these with a range of amazing video production gadgets.
What should you invest in? Good question! Here are some top picks to help you get your hands on the coolest documentary video production gadgets around:
Drones
This is something you can’t go without when making documentary videos. There will be instances when you need to take overhead shots to set the scene and a drone is the perfect way to do this. There’s no other way of getting good overhead or panoramic shots – other than hiring a helicopter and filming out of it, which is ridiculous, to say the least!
Drones also help you take great tracking shots and are useful if you’re filming cars or following someone or something as part of a documentary. For those nature lovers out there, you can’t make a decent wildlife documentary without at least one drone for aerial views.
GoPro Cameras
You’ll have your main filming cameras, then the drone will supplement them for some shots – and you should get your hands on a GoPro for some additional camera angles. These cameras are the best at getting up close and personal; right in the thick of the action.
They’re very small, so can be tucked away in certain places too, allowing for very natural and authentic shots to be taken – which again, is great for nature documentaries. People can attach them to their bodies for first-person shots as well, making this another great gadget for video production.
iPad Pro w/Tripod Mount
Documentaries aren’t solely about filming things happening or recreating what’s previously happened. You’ll likely film some aspects in a studio, normally involving some talking heads. Or, you could have a presenter on set introducing the documentary or giving additional information.
In either of these scenarios, the iPad Pro with a tripod mount are two awesome video production gadgets to keep handy. For one, the iPad Pro is powerful enough to be a portable editing suite. Moreover, it can be used with the tripod mount to become a teleprompter for any subject in the shot. Their lines appear, so they can read them without needing to memorise what they’re saying.
Bluetooth Mics
Depending on the documentary you’re working on, achieving a good sound quality can be challenging. Normal video production – like when you’re filming a show or an advert – utilises boom pics and other large gadgets to pick up sounds. The difference with documentaries is that you’re not always in situations where a boom mic is practical.
That’s where Bluetooth mics come in very clutch! You can attach them to subjects and connect them wirelessly to your main sound mixers. Some of these mics can connect to the iPad as well, so you can use that as a sound control device if you wish. It adds a new layer of practicality to filming and is perfect if your documentary involves conversing with members of the public or being in situations where traditional microphones and sound equipment are too bulky to use.
Portable Lighting
Likewise, you’ll run into situations where the lighting isn’t good enough for filming. Rather than miss a great opportunity, you can use portable lighting to create the ideal setting for your production. Loads of lighting options exist and can be packed away in bags with ease. They’re must-have gadgets for documentary filming on sets or locations.
Gimbals
Every video production specialist knows what gimbals are. They provide stability to your chosen cameras, ensuring you don’t get a wobbly or shaky shot. This single gadget is responsible for making your videos look more professional. You can find gimbals in all sizes and varieties for a huge range of cameras – if you’re trying to film something on a budget, an iPhone gimbal is a fantastic choice to turn your smartphone camera into a more professional video production device!
As you can see, loads of cool documentary video production gadgets exist to make your life easier. It is completely understandable, that as amateurs or small companies, not everybody can have the latest-technology gadgets, that’s why we recommend hiring a documentary video production company. Improve all aspects of filmmaking by having the right tools to align with your vision.
