- \n
- Camera<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tripod or Gimbal Stabilizer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Video Lighting Kit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Interchangeable Lenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Headphones<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Music Player<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Speakers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Microphones<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- External Camera Monitor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digital Audio Recorder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Extra Batteries and Memory Cards<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Video Editing Software<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"music](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/music-video-production-camera-car-1024x576.jpg\")
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Music Video Recording Production Equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Camera for Music Video Production<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"music](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/music-video-production-onset-camera-recording-1024x576.jpg\")
Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n The most important tool that you need is, of course, the camera. Everything else is dispensable, depending on how professional or high-budget you want your production to be. You can even use a smartphone with a reasonably good camera, but ideally you would want a more feature-packed camera that can deliver your desired video quality. You can use professional cinema cameras<\/a>, camcorders, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, action cameras, and even a drone (preferably one with a superb camera like the DJI Air 2S<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to choose a camera for music video production<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
As you explore potential cameras, consider an interchangeable-lens option like a DSLR or a mirrorless camera<\/a>. Interchangeable lens cameras help you get more versatility out of your equipment, because you can always rent or purchase new lenses in the future to adjust the look of your footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many cameras on the market have useful features like face recognition and tracking. Motion tracking can be very helpful for ensuring your subject always stays in focus as they move. If you\u2019re not quite ready to invest in camera accessories like follow focus systems, face tracking can be a great time saver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One great option is the Panasonic AG-CX350<\/a>, which can record UHD 4K (up to 30p) and has a 1-inch MOS sensor, two card slots, and a built-in lens with 20x optical zoom and 32x intelligent zoom. It also has 5-axis image stabilization, three control rings, and a 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen monitor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mirrorless and DSLR cameras are also great options if you want a more lightweight and compact camera, but make sure to choose one with the right features and capabilities for your needs. Keep in mind that 4K video recording is still quite uncommon in DSLR cameras that are under the high-end bracket, so if you\u2019re looking to create a music video in 4K, you might want to look into some mirrorless options<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended cameras<\/strong>:<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 Mirrorless Camera Body<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with EF 24-105mm f\/4L IS II USM Lens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Canon XA11 Compact Professional Camcorder<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Mirrorless Camera<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera Body<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless Digital Camera<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Tripod or Gimbal Stabilizer<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"best](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/gimabl-stabilizer-filmmaker-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Rafael Sanfilippo on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n No one wants to watch shaky footage, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unless you\u2019re going for the kind of music video that is only shot from one angle, in which case you can simply place your camera on a table or any flat surface, it is essential to stabilize your camera with a device such as a tripod, monopod, or a gimbal stabilizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tripods are the most affordable type of camera stabilizer, but not every camera tripod will work well for music video production. If you need a tripod that can move with the action of the footage, consider investing in a dolly accessory to give your camera tripod wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a stationary camera tripod is just fine, select a model with a tripod head you can easily move and maneuver. Ball head camera tripods are great for still photography, but they require too much continual adjustment to work well for video. The best option for video production is usually a pan tilt head. If you can get a fluid-filled head, your movements will be even smoother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Video tripods<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If a tripod is more your speed, the Manfrotto Befree Live Aluminum Video Tripod Kit<\/a> is a great choice. It can support up to 8.8lbs of weight, which makes it perfect for DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and small camcorders fitted with other supplementary accessories. This tripod is specifically designed for on-the-go videographers and vloggers, featuring an M-lock twist lock system for quick and secure operation and adjustable leg angles for shooting various perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also offers 360\u00b0 of pan movement and comes with a Befree Live Fluid Head with a fluid drag system that keeps your camera perfectly balanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Video gimbal stabilizers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If the music video will require your camera operator to move around and follow the artist or actor, or perhaps capture certain scenes from different angles that are not achievable with a tripod, a monopod<\/a> or gimbal stabilizer<\/a> is the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For handheld shooting, a gimbal stabilizer helps reduce vibration and camera shake. It also allows more versatile shots, such as when you need to glide along with a moving subject. In some cases, it can even serve as a mount for your microphone. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced gimbal, the DJI Ronin-SC<\/a> works well with most mirrorless cameras and reacts well to sudden movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other recommended products:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- MeFOTO RoadTrip Aluminum Travel Tripod<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DJI Ronin-SC Gimbal Stabilizer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DJI RSC 2 Pro Combo Gimbal Stabilizer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Benro TTOR35C Carbon Fiber Tripod + GH2F Folding Gimbal Head<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Vanguard VEO 2 PRO 203CPV Photo Video Kit<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manfrotto Befree Advanced Lever 4-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod with Ball Head<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Video Lighting Kit<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"lighting](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/lighting-video-equipment-camera-music-video-set-1024x576.jpg\")
Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n A good lighting kit is essential to any video shoot in order to ensure great quality footage in all lighting conditions. Whether indoor or outdoor, a fully customizable lighting setup can help your videos attain a particular look, mood, and feel, aside from properly lighting the scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start by deciding what type of lighting you\u2019re looking for. Do you want something that feels relatively natural and blends well with the available light? If so, you\u2019ll want a lighting kit that has a warm color temperature designed to match sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for a more theatrical lighting style, like what you\u2019d typically find in high-production music videos, then an LED lighting kit with accessories like gels and gobos are a great option. The accessories will help shape and color the lighting, giving it a unique and attention-grabbing look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want an all-in-one package, the Rotolight NEO-II 3 Light Kit<\/a> guarantees stellar music video lighting on location or in the studio. It comes with three LED lighting fixtures, lighting stands, hot-shoe mount adapters, 360\u00b0 ball head swivels, power supplies, and an injection-molded, weather-resistant case with wheels and a retractable handle for superior protection and on-the-go portability. It also has advanced features that allow for creative and intuitive lighting, including True Aperture Dimming, CineSFX, and Designer Fade Mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, some productions won\u2019t require a full lighting kit. You can get away with simply using an on-camera video light<\/a> mounted on your camera of choice, or perhaps one continuous lighting source<\/a> that you can position anywhere you desire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended products:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Godox SL-60 2x LED Video Light Kit<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Interchangeable Lenses <\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"nikon](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Nikon-400mm.00_00_13_06.Still001.jpg\")
Image via Adorama<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Depending on the requirements of your video, lenses may or may not be necessary. It may not even be an option for you, particularly if you\u2019re using a camcorder as most often don\u2019t have an interchangeable lens option. Nonetheless, lenses offer certain advantages and creative capabilities that can help you achieve a certain look and feel, or perhaps a certain creative shot that you would like to incorporate. At the very least, they can definitely help make your music video look more professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your camera allows you to use interchangeable lenses, make sure to choose a lens that is optimized for cinematography. These are called cine lenses<\/a>, and they are specifically designed to meet the needs and requirements of videographers and filmmakers. A good example would be the Rokinon 50mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens<\/a>, which is a manual focus prime lens with advanced low light capabilities and impressive shallow depth of field control. It features focus and aperture control rings that are outfitted with industry standard gearing to facilitate usage with a traditional follow focus system. If you want to give your music video beautiful background blur and stunning bokeh, you may want to go with a lens like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lenses are mostly optional, but if you think that your production will benefit from a good specialized cine lens<\/a>, make sure to evaluate your needs before purchasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cine lens features to consider<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The most common and important cine lens features to consider are external aperture control rings, focus control rings, and wide maximum apertures. These features make it easier to use other industry standard video gear like follow focus systems, so you can achieve professional-quality footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If cine lenses are outside of your budget \u2014 or you\u2019d prefer to stick to lenses that also work well for still photography \u2014 consider lenses that make it easy to manually focus. Also look for lenses that let you manually adjust aperture and have a lock for keeping the lens from zooming by accident. Prime lenses are often ideal because they tend to have wider maximum apertures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended lenses<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Rokinon Full Lens Bundle<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- IRIX Cine 30mm T1.5 Lens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Meike 50mm T2.1 Full Frame Prime Cine Lens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DZOFILM Pictor Cine Lens Bundle<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Headphones<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"sony](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/sony-mdr7506-headphones-table-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Kreeson Naraidoo on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n In a music video shoot, headphones play an important part in sound monitoring. It may not be too important if the band will be lipsyncing along with the music that will be added in later on, but headphones, specifically those designed for monitoring, are a must-have for ensuring sound quality and audio consistency of live music video performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professional headphones like the Sony MDR-7506 <\/a>can help you (or your sound technician) monitor the live audio to ensure accuracy and sound quality. Its closed-ear design is also beneficial as it reduces external noise interference while ensuring maximum comfort for long video shoots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While you may be tempted to use ear buds because of their comfort, portability, and cost, they\u2019re generally less effective as monitoring headphones compared to over-ear headphones for music video production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ear buds are easier to lose and harder to take on and off as needed. Plus, they don\u2019t cut external sound as effectively as over-ear headphones<\/a>, so you won\u2019t get as sharp an idea of how your audio actually sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Select the right pair of monitoring headphones now, and you\u2019ll be able to continue to use them long into the future as your video production skills grow and improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended headphones:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Monitor Headphones<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Closed Around-the-Ear Monitoring Headphones<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- AKG Acoustics K240 Studio Over-Ear Semi-Open Professional Headphones<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Audio-Technica ATH-M70X Closed-Back Dynamic Professional Flagship Monitor Headphones<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sony MDR-7506 Professional Folding Headphones<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Music Player<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Having a music player will come in handy for several purposes during the shoot. If you or your musical artist will be lipsyncing, they will still need to hear the actual music playing so they can listen and lipsync the words accurately. It will also help you or your video editor with differentiating which takes go with which parts of the song later on in the post-processing stage, as they will be able to hear the song playing along with the footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can of course use your phone or tablet, but for those who prefer to have a dedicated music player, there are quite a few options available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever music player you choose, make sure it has easy-to-access controls so you can quickly stop and start the music, rewind, or fast forward as needed. Accessible controls will save on time spent fumbling with confusing menus, too. It\u2019s also important to select a model that you can easily pair with or plug into external speakers, so everyone on set can hear the music clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When preparing your music player for your shoot, make sure you don\u2019t overload it with lots of songs or tracks that you don\u2019t need. You\u2019ll always look more professional if you can quickly and easily cue up the song you want without searching through thousands of files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended music players<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Your phone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SanDisk 8GB Clip Jam MP3 Player<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Speakers<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"sonos](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/sonos-move-lifestyle-2.jpg\")
Image via Sonos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n A music video shoot requires good speakers, especially when the artists need to lipsync. But of course, the size and power will depend on your specific needs. Will you be shooting indoors or in different locations? These and other aspects of your music video production will influence what type of speakers you need, but typically it\u2019s best to use portable ones with multiple connectivity options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bose Portable Home Speaker<\/a> is a highly compact and portable speaker, but don\u2019t let its size fool you\u2014this speaker is engineered to spread powerful, high-quality sound in every direction, thus enabling the whole production team to hear and track the music during the filming process. It\u2019s also waterproof and knock-proof, making it perfect for more rugged video shoots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re shopping for portable speakers, think first and foremost about how you\u2019ll supply power. While many portable speakers have built-in batteries, video shoots tend to go on longer than anticipated. You don\u2019t want to run into issues with dead batteries or searching for a power cord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you select a portable speaker that can hold a charge, find out how long the charge will last while playing at full volume. Consider a backup plan, or pack extension cords or power packs to keep your portable speakers charged and operating as long as necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other recommended products:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Sonos Roam Wireless Bluetooth Speaker<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sonos Move Durable Battery-Powered Smart Speaker<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
External Microphone<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"Sennheiser](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/semke600k2.jpg\")
Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Like music players, microphones play a huge part in the monitoring and syncing process, more so for live performances. Depending on the purpose, you\u2019ll need specific kinds of microphones that will help you achieve your desired sound quality and coverage. The built-in mic in your camera will do if you don\u2019t need to record sound from where you\u2019re shooting, but you may still want an external microphone to be able to record sounds and vocals from a greater distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shotgun microphones<\/a> are common in music video production, as its interference tube reduces unnecessary noise and picks up clear audio from one direction. The Sennheiser MKE 600<\/a> is able to focus on the sounds you want to record while eliminating unnecessary noise. It has a foam windshield to reduce wind noise, a switchable low-cut filter to help with wind and handling noise attenuation, and a camera shoe and shock mount for easy mounting on your camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re shooting outdoors with any type of external microphone \u2014 from a shotgun mic to a lavalier mic \u2014 it\u2019s a good idea to consider other ways of cutting down on wind interference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional microphone accessories<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve ever worked in music video production before, you may have seen a fuzzy or furry cover on an external microphone. This accessory is known as a dead cat (because that\u2019s what it looks like) and it helps reduce wind interference thanks to its fuzzy texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to prepare not just the external microphone itself, but the other accessories you\u2019ll need to make the most of your sound equipment, like dead cats and boom poles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also good to be equipped with a boom pole<\/a> to provide convenience in holding your shotgun microphone towards the direction of the sound source. Also, a shock mount may be worth the investment, too, because it is specifically designed to fasten and connect your microphone to a mic stand or boom pole while keeping the mic from picking up any unwanted noise that\u2019s usually caused by vibrations. The Rycote Universal Shotgun Mount<\/a>, which is specifically designed for video cameras and boom poles, can effectively withstand shock and isolate vibrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended external microphones:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Rode Microphones VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Audio-Technica AT875 Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rode Microphones NTG-2 Dual Powered Lightweight Directional Condenser Shotgun Microphone<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
External Camera Monitor<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"camera](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/camera-microphone-external-monitor-feature-1024x576.jpg\")
Photo by Kushagra Kevat on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n An external monitor<\/a> serves as an extra viewfinder for the director and the rest of the production team. Common in filmmaking, external monitors give a live stream of what\u2019s being recorded by the video camera, so you can make sure you get your desired shots and won\u2019t miss little details that may require a retake. The Atomos Ninja Ultra<\/a><\/strong> is a popular option and delivers ProRes RAW up to 8K 30P, 6K 60P & 4K 120P, and has flexible codec options also including ProRes, DNxHD & H.265 (HEVC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An external camera monitor may seem like an unnecessary added expense, but it will ultimately prove extremely valuable by improving your workflow and helping you catch errors, issues, or mistakes. It will also help ensure that the full music video production team knows what\u2019s going on and is on the same page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to spending long hours behind a camera, being able to review your footage on the large screen of a camera monitor won\u2019t just save your eyes from strain and fatigue. It will also help with vital details like focus accuracy, correctly judging proper exposure level, and achieving your shot list efficiently and quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended external camera screens:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Atomos Ninja<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Atomos Sumo19 SE 19\u2033<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5\u2033 12G-SDI HDMI HDR<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Atomos Shogun 7<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SmallHD 702 Touch 7\u2033<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Atomos Ninja V+ 5\u201d<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Digital Audio Recorders<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"zoom](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/zoom-audio-recorder-outdoors-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Vladislav Smigelski on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Digital audio recorders<\/a> are handy tools because video cameras are not equipped to capture clear sound on their own. To capture professional audio, an audio recorder can be mounted directly to your DSLR or camcorder or can be plugged into a microphone. This is only really needed if you plan to record the artist or band as they play the song live, or if you want to record dialogue as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using one or more digital audio recorders is also useful because you can capture audio from a body-mounted lavalier mic no matter how far your performer is from the camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When selecting a digital audio recorder, a lock button is an exceptionally useful feature. It usually functions as a switch, and when engaged it makes sure your performer or operator won\u2019t accidently hit any buttons or change any settings that could affect the audio output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last thing you want to worry about is needing to organize a reshoot because of a simple, avoidable audio mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended digital audio recorders:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Zoom ZH5 Recorder<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Zoom H4n Pro 4-Input\/4-Track Portable Handy Recorder<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tascam DR-10X<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Zoom H1n<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Zoom H6 All Black Handy Recorder<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"professional](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/professional-photographer-camera-memory-cards-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Samsung Memory on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Music video shoots normally take long hours\u2014maybe even days. For undisturbed filming, you\u2019ll definitely need extra power for your camera and other battery-operated gear such as your lighting equipment and portable audio recorder. You will also be recording a huge amount of data, so make sure to have plenty of backup memory cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO UHS-II Memory Card<\/a>, for example, has write speeds of up to 26-MB\/s, and supports 8K, 4K, and Full HD video recording. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Video Editing Software<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/video-editing-premiere-pro-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve finished recording, you\u2019ll definitely need a good video editing software<\/a> to edit and polish your music video. If you\u2019re handing this part off to a professional video editor, then you won\u2019t have to worry about purchasing editing software. But if you\u2019re planning to do all of it yourself, then choosing a good video editing platform is essential in ensuring that you are able to achieve your vision for the music video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Music Video Production & Equipment: Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do beginners shoot music videos?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once you have all your equipment, locations, crew, and talent ready to go, the fun part begins! When shooting your music video, you definitely want to map out your shot selection. This will make filming much faster and organized. The last thing you want to do is travel back to a location you already shot in. You also want to think about editing, and if you\u2019ll be \u201csinging\u201d on-camera you want to make sure there are clear cutting points so you can blend scenes together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Typically, when shooting a music video, the singer (or talent) is the main focal point. Make sure there are minimal distractions in the shot so viewers can have a clear focus point. Now, this rule can be easily broken depending on your style. Mix and match different camera angles, shot sizes, and camera movements and feel what works for you and the song. If your song uses a lot of instruments<\/a>, record some panning shots to showcase the musician, especially if there is a solo. It\u2019s always good to have more footage, than less footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How can I shoot my own music video?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The most important equipment you\u2019ll need are cameras, audio equipment, and lighting. I recommend going to the Adorama Music <\/a>YouTube channel and watch some music videos. See what shot selections are used, how audio is interspersed with video, and what each video focuses on. What is the theme of your song, who are the characters, what is the story? These are questions you should ask yourself while filming. In my opinion, the best music videos are those that tell a story. That way you\u2019re taken on a journey with the music.<\/p>\n\n\n
<\/div>Music Video Cinematography Breakdown: Canon C70, Zeiss Milvus and Westcott Cine | Filmmaker week<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"Music](\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Cb2rAvXW3Rw\/0.jpg\")
- Zoom H4n Pro 4-Input\/4-Track Portable Handy Recorder<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Atomos Sumo19 SE 19\u2033<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Audio-Technica AT875 Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sonos Move Durable Battery-Powered Smart Speaker<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Sonos Roam Wireless Bluetooth Speaker<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Closed Around-the-Ear Monitoring Headphones<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- IRIX Cine 30mm T1.5 Lens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rokinon Full Lens Bundle<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DJI Ronin-SC Gimbal Stabilizer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with EF 24-105mm f\/4L IS II USM Lens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 Mirrorless Camera Body<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n