BEST PROFESSIONAL TRIPODS UNDER $200

There are actually a number of good quality tripods under $200 that will last you for many years.  I’ve always made it a mission of mine to find the best and least expensive camera gear for my readers, so I set out on a mission to find the best tripod under $200.

But there’s a question you have to answer first: Do you need the tripod AND the head under $200, or just the tripod itself? Professional tripods come in two pieces: (1) The tripod legs and a flat top with a bolt coming out (which you can’t connect directly to the camera), and (2) a piece that attaches on top of the tripod legs that attaches to your camera and allows you to change the angle.

In this post, I’m going to do my very best to recommend legs and head under $200, but a few of them might go very slightly over your budget since we’re getting both pieces.  But whatever you do, PLEASE don’t cheap out on your tripod.  If you buy one of the cheap Dolica tripods on Amazon, I promise you’ll be back on this page in six months ready to buy another tripod.  Those things are trash!

Nikon ME-W1 Wireless Mono Microphone

Nikon has also introduced a new wireless microphone for their digital SLR cameras. the ME-W1, capable of capturing crisp and detailed audio wirelessly.

Compatible with any camera equipped with a microphone jack, the ME-W1 Wireless Microphone is weather resistant and powered by two AAA batteries, users can wirelessly record audio in mono or stereo (when connected to the ME-1 stereo microphone) from up to 50m (164 ft.) away.

Great for bloggers, aspiring videographers or even professionals, the ME-W1 makes recording audio for DSLR video simple, without sacrificing quality sound. The Nikon ME-W1 Wireless Microphone will be available for $249.95.

Camera accessories for under $50

Camera accessories

Camera, check. Lens, check. Let’s shoot!

Not so fast.

You might have the major items covered, but you’re far from being ready for video production. In addition to the camera and a lens, there are certain items that you need to shoot effectively. The good news is that these items don’t have to break the bank.

Here are 15 essential items for filmmakers under $50.