Pro Video


B&H Expert Video: Quick Tips

Looking to capture great video and not sure where to start?

Professional Video Production Equipment

Video production requires a wide variety of gear, including cameras, lenses, tripods and support systems, microphones, and much more. Generally speaking, video production can be grouped into two main categories: camera gear and production gear. 


Types of Video Production Cameras

The video gear you need depends on your project. For example, industrial and multipurpose cameras, which are well suited for a CCTV security system, may not be the best for producing a live wedding video. The main camera types to consider are professional camcorders and professional broadcast video cameras.

Professional Camcorders

A professional camcorder, as its name suggests, combines a camera with a video recorder. Consumer models became popular with amateur enthusiasts for making home movies. They are compact, easy to use, and offer an all-in-one solution. Professional units include improved internal processing to provide enhanced image stabilization and better overall picture quality. Higher quality recording formats, including raw formats, also give you more options for post-production video editing. Certain camcorder models have direct live streaming, 4K resolution, and slow-motion recording.

Professional Broadcast Video Cameras

Broadcast video cameras are typically found in television studios. With these cameras, you can interchange lenses, allowing you to get extreme close-ups or wide-angle shots. Broadcast cameras usually have HD-SDI outputs to plug into a professional external monitor or recorder. Overall, broadcast cameras offer superior image sensors and a greater aperture range, essential for film and television applications. Professional POV cameras are also sometimes used in the broadcast industry for point-of-view shots. They are compact and suitable for setting up in tight spaces. Think of a lipstick camera giving you a shot of the drummer during a concert, or an overhead shot during a reality TV episode.


Aerial Photography

Drone cameras and virtual reality, 360-degree cameras produce incredibly unique shots. Drone cameras range from beginner, hobbyist models to professional, cinema units. Drones are remote-controlled helicopters with integrated cameras, allowing you to capture entire landscapes and individual subjects in a bird's-eye view. They're great for commercial and real estate applications or for capturing stunning wildlife shots.