Software & Apps > Design 7 Essential Equipment for Digital Video Production You'll need the basics By Gretchen Siegchrist Gretchen Siegchrist Writer New York University Suffolk University Gretchen Siegchrist is a professional videographer who enjoys helping amateurs master the basics of desktop video. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 2, 2019 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Design Animation & Video 3D Design Graphic Design Compared to old-fashioned filmmaking, digital video production is relatively simple. However, there are some standard pieces of digital video production equipment that are essential for every digital video project. 01 of 07 Digital Video Camcorder Arctic-Images / Getty Images You won't be able to get started in digital video production without a camcorder. There are many different types of camcorders, from standard definition cameras all the way up to 4k cameras and beyond, and which kind you buy depends on the type of digital video productions you plan to use it for. The 5 Best Video Cameras of 2023 02 of 07 Video Editing Computer Whether you need a special computer for your digital video productions again depends on the complexity of your plans. Your home computer may work fine for home movies and simpler digital video productions, but if you plan on producing HD videos or long-format feature films you may need a more powerful computer. 03 of 07 Digital Video Editing Software Again, the type of video editing software you use depends on the complexity of your digital video production. Free software like iMovie and Movie Maker work great for simple, straightforward editing. If you want more editorial control, though, you'll have to look at more expensive digital video editing software. 04 of 07 External Hard Drive If you're doing a lot of video editing, you'll want an external hard drive to store those large video files. The 9 Best External Hard Drives of 2023 05 of 07 Camcorder Microphone The mic on your camera will work all right for home movies, but if you are involved in professional digital video production, you'll want to buy some professional microphones for better quality sound. 06 of 07 Video Tripod A video tripod is essential for professional shooting, but even hobby videographers benefit greatly from a good video tripod. Whether you're looking for something to hold your cell phone steady, or a video tripod that can handle a heavy-duty HD camera, there's a video tripod for you. The 4 Best Tripods for DSLR Cameras in 2023 07 of 07 Video Bag A good video bag will protect your gear, organize your accessories, and be easy to carry around. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit