4 steps to a DIY video studio

Producing videos can seem daunting, especially when you consider the latest technical terminology, such as 4K, DSLR and 360-video.

You don’t need an engineering degree to create great videos. It comes down to making video a priority and knowing what equipment to use.

Here’s a quick breakdown to get you started:

1. Keep cameras simple—don’t drop big bucks. Do your homework before you buy expensive gear. Your video camera might already be in your pocket.

“Many pros are trading their fancy gear and digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras for iPhones,” says videographer Lou Bortone. “Chances are that your smartphone or tablet will be all you’ll need if you’re creating video for YouTube or a vlog.”

If you want to go higher end, consider what you’ll be shooting.

“If you’re shooting action or outdoors, the GoPro Hero5 gets rave reviews and costs under $300,” he says. “If you’re running Facebook Live streams and want multiple angles or more features, the Livestream Mevo camera is a good bet for about $300.”

Still want more firepower? Then you’re looking at a hefty price jump to get into DSLRs or 4K (4000 pixels vs. 1080 pixels) video cameras, says Bortone.