Create Movie Magic With This Great Moviemaking Gear

You don’t need professional video equipment to make an awesome movie of your next campout, court of honor or unit meeting. Imagination and creativity are all you need.

You can make a movie about anything, and through the process, you’ll learn how to tell a story. First, use whatever you have access to: a smartphone, an inexpensive action camera, or your parent or guardian’s old camera.

Then think about what you need to shoot. Capturing spontaneous, genuine and special moments can add to the power of your movie.

“It’s not the camera that makes a great movie,” professional filmmaker Scott Barber says. “It’s your perspective and how you edit the words and images together.”

DEVELOPING YOUR EYE

Since elementary school, Barber wanted to be a filmmaker. He got a handheld camera and started making zombie snowboarding movies with his friends. By high school, he made his first documentary. Twenty years later, Barber now travels the world making documentaries about professional snowboarders. (None are zombies, as far as we know.)

One technique he’s learned is to shoot a lot more footage than you think you’ll need. He also advises shooting from different perspectives.

“Play with angles; play with light,” he says. “Different angles create emotion when they’re edited well. Get creative — you never know what will work.”

Study techniques other filmmakers or content creators use.

Spencer Lutsky, a 14-year-old skier and mountain biker, creates social media reels of his adventures.

“It’s OK to get ideas from other creators,” Spencer says. “It’s cool to see what other people are doing. But when you’re original and authentic, it engages people more.”

THE GEAR

Starting out, use a smartphone or inexpensive camera to capture footage. When you’re ready to invest in higher-quality equipment, look at digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras that shoot stills and video. You can find refurbished DSLR cameras for as low as $200.

Another high-quality option you might save up for: a compact studio camera like the BLACKMAGIC DESIGN MICRO STUDIO CAMERA 4K G2 ($1,095, blackmagicdesign.com). This camera can capture video in ultra-high definition with cinematic color science.

Also consider action cameras, like the top-of-the-line DJI OSMO ACTION 5 PRO ($349, dji.com) or the DJI OSMO ACTION 4 ($299, dji.com). Many of these compact cameras are durable and waterproof up to certain depths, making them great for outdoor shooting.

To get stable shots, add a tripod, such as those sold by SMALLRIG (starting as low as $79.99, smallrig.com).

You can up your audio game by attaching a shotgun microphone to your camera. SENAL sells a broadcast-quality microphone ($194.95, senalsound.com) that comes with a foam windscreen to minimize wind noise.

You’ll also need editing software and a computer. There are loads of options, from free phone and desktop apps to industry-standard tools like FINAL CUT, DAVINCI RESOLVE and ADOBE PRODUCTS.

When your movie is done, show it to family and friends, or, with a parent or guardian’s permission, post it online or submit it to a local film festival. Ask for feedback from your audience, and use it to make your next movie even better.

“Everyone starts somewhere, and practice will make your movies the best they can be,” Barber says.