The video business is booming in large part due to lower prices on good equipment.  I want to share with everyone my advice on how to start up in this field.  If you are reading this, you probably don't have a lot of equipment or are just starting to go pro with consumer level equipment.  So the first thing I would like to discuss is equipment.  You are going to need some bare essentials; camera(s), microphones (don't even think about using the on board mic), lights, tripods, editing software, computer, etc.  By now, I'm sure you have already performed hours of research find out what you want, but the problem is usually want you want and what you can afford are two different things.  If you have an unlimited budget, then yes, always go for the most professional piece of equipment you can get.  If you don't have that budget (like any of our really do!), then you have to get creative.  What you don't want to do is pay for a consumer level item now and simply waste more money later upgrading it to a pro level item.  Most of all of this comes down to how much can you afford on a camera?  If you can buy a camera with professional outputs, then I highly recommend it.  That way all of your extra gear such as mics will be compatible with any upgrades you make in the future.  If you can not afford professional cameras yet, then I highly recommend biting the bullet and at least buying XLR converters.  With these converters, you can at least purchase the professional audio equipment once, and only once.  Trust me, in the long run it will save you money!

Tripods are another thing that you are going to want to save money on.  Problem is, you get what you pay for.  Once again, try not to go on the cheap when it comes to fluid heads.  There is a big difference between fluid heads and non-fluid heads.  Try maybe purchasing one of each if you need two, that way later on if you add a third stationary camera, it can have its own stationary tripod (don't need fluid if it isn't going to move).  Bottom line, don't go for the high end non-fluid tripod because you know you are simply going to replace it.  Look on sites like eBay for cheaper tripods to get you started until you can upgrade to the good stuff.  It’s also not a bad idea to sell your older, less professional equipment on eBay (just don't expect a lot out of it - if I can recover half of what I paid for it, I'm quite happy). 

Initially, you may decide to go without a light, but eventually, you are going to need one.  For lights, I strongly suggest getting what you need from the very beginning, as there isn’t much of a need to spare on camera lights.  For stage lights, try using halogen work lamps from your local hardware store (just make sure you can take off the metal guards).  I still use a Craftsmen work light set which I painted black so it would look more pro (please note that I used a paint which was suitable for the intense heats). 

Everything will start to add up real quick...so please don't quite your day job!  Make sure you master this talent before going into debt.  Start out small and as you need a piece of equipment, go out and buy it.  If you simply don't need it yet, then don't get it because sooner than later, you will need something and you have to pay for it somehow.  I also highly recommend joining web logs or subscribing to a magazine which will help you with reviews, questions, and know how.

Good luck, and happy filming,

Shannon