So, you want to start making videos? But which camera shall you use?
When you go shopping for a new pair of jeans, don’t buy the smaller sized jeans because you think you will lose weight, it will most likely not happen. Hello?!
Try the slightly bigger sized ones first, it’ll make your day.
Buy the right fitting jeans - nothing else.
In fact, to begin with, I recommend you guys to NOT buy a video camera specifically for filming, chances are you already have one that is good enough to start with.



Do you own a smartphone? Samsung Galaxy, Droid X, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S etc.? Congratulations, your phone can now capture high-definition videos.
Do you own a slim digital point and shoot camera? I am pretty sure, that your camera can capture high-definition videos too. I recorded an entire event with a hot pink Sony Cybershot camera. They even fit in my jeans pocket. Who cares what others think if you’re using that little camera?! ^_^ Just do your thing and get over your shyness to press “record”! If you do not want to use your phone or any point & shoot cameras, then I recommend the Flip Camera. When I attended some courses at Raindance Film School, they kept recommending this specific camera. Unfortunately, the factories stopped producing them, but you can still find new ones on Amazon or Ebay. They said that they even use Flip Cameras backstage at the Oscars.
All you have to do is press the red button to start recording, then press the red button to stop recording.
How simple is that? Simple is good. Recording videos, editing videos, publishing videos - it’s all so easy if you know the basics and if you know how to keep things simple. Yes, mirrorless cameras are A M A Z I N G. Currently, I am using a Sony Nex 5N with the standard kit lens and a manual Nikon 50mm lens for all my new videos since Paris.
Who says you need a DSLR to shoot cool videos or photos? :P
However, it’s not a camera to use if you’re just a beginner. If you already own one, well… good luck! Last but not least, you might already own a DLSR with that pretty video icon on it. I guess you already tried that out.
But again, I have to pull up my finger and warn, if you’re a beginner don’t start with a DSLR. Remember? Don’t buy the smaller sized jeans, that don’t fit you at the moment…
DLSR cameras are big, bulky things with too many buttons to play around with, they record in high definition. Oh! There’s field of depth or bokeh…, blablabla, but you will need to invest a lot of time and money in other equipment to get the most out of shooting video with a DSLR. If you really want to start spending money now. Then go invest in a new strong Macbook pro.
No! I can’t say anything good about Windows, and I won’t bother to do so.
Too many crashes, too many virus attacks, its just not good for you.
You will need editing softwares - No! I do not recommend illegal versions.
Don’t forget card readers and memory cards if you’re using cameras. I use HD Video SanDisk Extreme 16 GB 30 MB/s.
While you’re at it, buy one strong external harddrive too. My current external harddrive is 1.5TB large, and I’ve got 3 other ones about the same size. Yes, after time you will need a lot of space! I believe you should start filming with your smallest and simplest device to learn as much as possible about filming - FAST!
You will be able to experiment a lot, for example you can try out all the different angles without spending a monstrous amount of money on other equipment (like lenses, tripods, rigs..). You will film more and get more footage on camera.
The best camera is the one thats with you, and I’m pretty sure that your phone is in reach right now. It will be easy to catch a moment on film as soon as it happens.
And theres another plus point: You will train your hands to become more steady! I know advanced photographers who record super shaky videos with their DSLR, whereas my videos are completely stable now. I’m not boasting here, it all came with time and a lot of practice, baby!
In total, you will get more and more experienced in filming. You will slowly learn where your limits are and you will slowly want more. You will be able to specify what you want, and you will be able to smartly invest in new toys. That’s all the fun part about learning how to make videos. My own filming experiences started way back with my parent’s video camera as a 6 year old rockstar wannabe. I used a tripod and filmed my girls and myself performing to Spice Girls. We thought we were going to rule the world.
I was still using tapes back then. I used a lot of them! I was the kid who would bring her parent’s video camera to school…
During university I used DSLRs or professional video cameras for diverse filming projects. When I graduated with a BA in Digital Media, I didn’t have the money to buy a proper camera. My mom bought me a pink Sony cybershot camera and even that little thing records amazing footage. Check out my “Banyan Tree Hotel - Event” video, if you haven’t done it yet.
The guests at this event surely did think it was amusing when I came across filming with that cute little hot pink camera.
But hey, check out the quality. Amazing, huh?
And then, I used my iPhone 4, blue iPod Nano and a Flip Camera. They served me well - they still do.
Check out my YouTube Channel to see my first videos shot in Seoul, South Korea. I really don’t like the editing of my earlier videos. I was seriously thinking of taking my old videos down, but we all started somewhere, and it’s kind of rewarding to go back and see how you’ve developed your skills.
Like I already mentioned, I currently shoot videos with my mirrorless Sony Nex 5N. It’s still no real video camera, and I don’t plan to buy one anytime soon. Well, I’m just saving some pounds to buy a GoPro HD next. It will be perfect for our trip to the beach this summer! ^_^ In summary, start filming now with your smallest and simplest device like your smartphone or point & shoot camera.
Chances are they capture high-definition videos already. Take everything on footage, you will become a better shooter and you will be able to specify which new toys you need to buy next.
Remember! Go out there and press “record”, right now. You will need plenty of video footage for editing.
I will blog about filmediting anytime soon. Depends whether you liked my “sexy nerd talk” article about the first camera you should use for filming. Oh dear, all this drama and typing, just to underline that the best camera you can use for filming is obviously the one thats with you right now.

Now stop reading! It’s time to press “record”. ^_^

Nicole x