You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a studio to get quality results. A DIY Studio setup is quick, easy, and inexpensive. We’ll teach you how to make a DIY studio for yourself so you can start producing better videos right away!
Choose a Camera
Cameras are available for every budget. Quality usually costs more, but opting for a cheaper camera will be just fine for most DIY studios.
If you’re not sure what to look for, there are great guides available on the internet for buying video cameras (camcorders).
A smartphone could work, too!
Use a Tripod
Ideally, your camera needs the support of a tripod. Tripods allow for easy placement, adjustment, and movement of a perfectly stable camera. There are some very inexpensive tripods out there, and finding one shouldn’t be hard.
Alternatively, you can use stands such as a desk, or a stack of books. This really limits your angle options, though, so we always recommend a tripod.
Backdrops and Backgrounds
Choosing a backdrop is important in determining your videos’ overall feel. You can use anything as a backdrop – but some can be distracting!
For a professional and attractive look, use a large sheet of paper. You can choose whatever color you’d like and hang it evenly behind you. Choosing a green sheet provides a great alternative to a green screen.
Textured or real, moving backgrounds are a great way to provide an interesting visual without taking away from the video content itself.
When you choose a background, use angles and horizontal lines to your advantage and make sure it’s well lit.
Brighten Up Your DIY Studio
Using natural lighting is usually the best bet when filming on a budget. Natural light provides a nice, even, warm light that’s hard to reproduce without spending money. However, filming natural light often puts you at the mercy of the sun and requires you to plan accordingly.
If you want more reliability and a more consistent feel clamp lights are the way to go. They’re cheap, mount just about anywhere, and provide even lighting. We recommend placing some paper over the light to make the lighting appear even more soft and natural.
You can also choose what atmosphere you want to set by choosing bulbs by their Kelvin level (pictured below). Just make sure you replace any ambient lighting in the room with a similar bulb.
Microphone
Buying a microphone can be a little intimidating if you’re not familiar with them.
Shotgun mics are a great way to capture voices or other controlled sounds. B&H Photo Video has the ultimate guide to buying a shotgun microphone.
If you’re sticking to a tight budget, place a smartphone (or any device with a microphone) close to the sound you want to capture. Then, sync the audio from the device with your camera during editing.
Reduce Noise
Just like proper lighting for your visual content, controlling the sound is crucial to recording quality audio.
Place soft objects around the room you’ll be shooting. This will soak up noise and reduce echoing. Then remove other sources of sound such as appliances, fans, pets, and even people!
Your New DIY Studio is Ready for Filming!
Just like that, you’re ready to use your new studio. Before you start, check out these useful tips to help you feel more comfortable in front of the lens.
Have any questions? Tweet us @Worldplay and let us know.
