The Ultimate Camera Kit for Corporate Video Production
Do you want to start making corporate videos but don’t know what camera and gear to buy? You've come to the right place. In this post, I'll cover all the essential gear you need to create high-quality video and professional sounding audio.
After years of trying out different cameras and equipment, I've discovered that each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this post, I'll be sharing what works best for corporate video production. However, please keep in mind that this kit is not budget-friendly, so be prepared to invest in the best.
The best camera kit for corporate video production
Sony FX3
Sony G Master 2.8mm - 24-70mm
DJI RS3 Gimbal
SmallHD Action 5 Monitor
2 x Aputure 300D II with Aputure Lightdome II
2 x Sennheiser G4 Wireless Lav Microphone Kit
Sennheiser MKH-50 Shotgun Microphone
SmallRig AD-01 Video Tripod
Approximate total cost with all other accessories: $14,469 USD
Image credit: Sony
The camera
The camera we will be using is the Sony FX3. This is a compact video camera that shoots top-of-the-line “cinema” quality footage. Here's why it’s the top choice for corporate video production:
It comes with a handle that sits on top that has XLR audio inputs. This eliminates the need for an external audio recorder and also means you don’t need to sync the audio in post-production.
This camera's compact design makes it simple and lightweight to use with a gimbal, which is a major selling point in corporate video production where quick setups are part of the game.
Batteries last about 1.5 hours each and you can plug in the camera for longer shoots.
Autofocus is very good.
Amazing in low light environments.
In-body stabilization that helps smooths out the footage
Extra camera buys
I recommend purchasing two extra batteries for this camera to ensure you have enough power to last an entire day of shooting. With three batteries in total, you can continually charge one while using the others.
Consider investing in a camera cage for your setup. This will allow you to mount all sorts of accessories to your camera, like an external monitor, which I highly recommend, especially given the small screen size of the Sony FX3.
I would also recommend buying 4 Lexar 128GB 1667x SD cards. Note that these SD cards won’t shoot at the camera’s max settings, but really, in corporate video production, when would you be shooting 120 frames per second at max quality? I do not own a top-of-the-line SD card, but if you’d like to, buy the Sony Tough 128GB.
Lenses
The 24-70mm 2.8mm G series from Sony will be your main lens and will rarely leave your camera. If you really want to strive for quality when shooting interviews, as I do, then consider buying these two prime lenses. Prime lenses have lower apertures, such as 1.8 or 1.4, which makes it easier to create a blurred background in your shots. This is particularly useful when capturing interview subjects in small spaces. These lenses have not been included in the total cost listed above so consider them extra.
50mm Zeiss Sony E-Mount - This is perfect for the main camera when shooting interviews.
85mm Sony FE f/1.4 GM - This is helpful if you are buying a second camera. It will produce a very nice blurry background.
These prime lenses are my favorites, even though they are expensive. One of the key features that sets the Zeiss 50mm apart is the ability to control the aperture using a ring on the lens, just like the focus ring. This allows for adjustable aperture during filming, resulting in a smooth and gradual fade rather than a sudden transition if done in-camera. For interview setups with two cameras, the 50mm lens can be used for the wider shot (a-cam), while the 85mm is used for close-up shots (b-cam). For those looking for a more affordable option, the 24-70mm, 50mm, and 85mm lenses from Sigma are also worth considering.
Extra lens buys
You’re going to want to buy a UV lens filter for each lens that you own. These are to protect your lenses from bumps and scratches.
Neutral density (ND) filters are a must-have when filming outdoors because they act like sunglasses for your lens. They allow you to keep the correct shutter speed and have a lower aperture. Without them, you would have to crank up your shutter speed, and the shots wouldn’t look as smooth. I would recommend not buying the cheapest one and going for something mid-range. Consider buying a variable ND filter that fits the diameter of your biggest lens. This way, you can buy a set of step-up rings, which will allow you to use the ND filter on all your lenses, no matter their size.
Lighting Package
Our lighting package uses an Aputure 300D II light with a softbox as the key light and a Godox SL-60W as a backlight. An additional Aputure 300D II is used to fill a room with light or as a secondary key light. Offices don’t often have the best lighting, so bringing extra is a great idea.
2 x Aputure 300dii
1 x Aputure Lantern - This is for situations where two speakers are talking to one another, it allows you to light 360 degrees. This is also helpful in filling a room with light.
1 x Godox Flex light with softbox - Sometimes you’re filming in a tiny office and you can’t fit a big light in there. These flex panels are incredibly thin and with a softbox will act as your key light.
1 x Godox SL-60W
3 x Light stands
Audio Package
Your go-to microphone for recording interviews will be the Sennheiser MKH-50. This mic is used for indoor dialogue, and it’s really amazing at producing crisp, clean audio. For all other situations, we will use wireless lavalier microphones.
C-Stand
Boom pole holder
XLR Cable 25 feet
Headphones
Moleskin tape or lav mic stickies - This will allow you to hide the lav microphones under clothing or deal with situations when the subject is wearing unique clothing, making lav mic placement difficult.
3 x Sound blankets - Offices can have bad acoustics, so placing these on c-stands around your subject may reduce an echo. Or put one under the subject’s feet to deal with a creaky floor.
Accessories
SmallRig AD-01 Video Tripod System - This one is an example but any fluid-head video tripod would work. I’d go for something light, in the $200 - $400 range.
DJI RS3 Gimbal - Lightweight and works perfectly with the FX3.
Reflector - Used to bounce and block light.
Reflector holder - This would be used to hold a reflector over someone’s head. Very helpful in offices that have harsh ceiling lighting.
Ikan Teleprompter - A teleprompter is often used in corporate videos, so it's a good idea to buy one if you don't want to rent one. In my area, rental companies don't have teleprompters very often.
Clamps
C-Stands
Slate/Clapper - Useful only to look cool in behind-the-scenes photos and to impress the client. We don’t really need it.
Extension cords
Gaffer tape - This tape doesn’t leave a mark and we use it for everything.
Frequently asked questions:
Do you need 2 cameras? It depends on your specific needs as to whether you should own a second camera. If you only need it occasionally, renting could be the best option. Otherwise, you could consider buying a cheaper camera like the FX30. Ideally, it's best to own two FX3s, each with a 24-70mm lens.
Do I need to buy all of this equipment? No, start with the basics and expand to meet your needs.
Where should I buy the gear? Ideally, you want to buy everything in one place, but that is unlikely given the number of items in the kit. For US readers, it could be a combination of B&H Photo and Amazon. For Canadians, it would be mainly a combination of Amazon.ca and local stores.