Photography and Videography Resources
This page offers recommendations for photography, video recording equipment and editing software. (For more recommendations click here.)
Smartphones and Tablets for Video and Photography
Today’s smartphones and tablets have been used to create amazing feature length films and unreal photographs. You may find a smartphone may be all you need for this course. You can see the latest and greatest by going to manufacturer websites.
Apple:
iPhone: https://www.apple.com/iphone/
iPad: https://www.apple.com/ipad/
Samsung:
https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/all-phones/
https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/tablets/all-tablets/
Google:
https://store.google.com/category/phones
DSLRs (Digital SLRs)
There are lots of great cameras available now. Be sure to check reviews to make sure the camera you buy does what you need it to do. Here are two articles which review the best DSLR cameras in 2021.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras
https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-dslrs,review-2218.html
Here are a couple DSLRs to investigate. The key is that both cameras take 4k video and have an external microphone jack so you’ll get better audio.
Canon SX60 Still/Video Camera takes HD videos and has an external microphone jack. Amazon
There is a newer version of this camera below. You might find a used camera on eBay.
Canon Powershot SX70 20.3MP Digital Camera 65x Optical Zoom Lens 4K Video 3-inch LCD Tilt Screen Amazon
The Canon Powershot SX70 is one of many Canon DSLRs which can be used as a webcam with Zoom, Skype and other video conferencing software. https://canon.ca/en/Features/EOS-Webcam-Utility
Photo Editing Software
Good:
Many camera apps allow you to do basic photo editing within the app. However, for best results you want to edit photographs within a dedicated application.
Better:
Pixelmator (Mac only)
“Pixelmator for Mac is a powerful, fast, and easy-to-use image editor. It lets you enhance and touch up photos, sketch, draw and paint, add text and shapes, apply dazzling effects and more.” http://www.pixelmator.com/mac/
Affinity Photo (Mac and Windows ($50 one-time) and iPad ($20 one-time)) “Affinity Photo has become the first choice for photography and creative professionals around the world, who love its speed, power and precision. Born to work hand-in-hand with the latest powerful computer technology, it’s the only fully-loaded photo editor integrated across macOS, Windows and iOS.”
https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/photo/
Best:
Adobe Lightroom (Mac and Windows)
“With Lightroom, your photography goes where you go. Organize, edit, and share your photos from anywhere — on your computer, on the web, on your iPad, and on your iPhone or Android device. It’s all your photography. All in one place.”
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom.html
Adobe Photoshop (Mac and Windows)
“The world’s best imaging and design app is at the core of almost every creative project. Work across desktop and mobile devices to create and enhance your photographs, web and mobile app designs, 3D artwork, videos, and more.”
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html
Video Editing Software
Good:
You can use the software which comes with your smartphone, tablet or computer. This can be very good depending on what you or your family has.
Better:
Screencast-o-matic. Free plan records screencast and webcam videos up to 15 minutes long. Paid plans allows longer videos, stock photos and more.
http://screencast-o-matic.com/
Camtasia for Windows and Mac ($249 at website or $99 at Apple App Store, one-time)
https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html
Screenflow for Mac (from $129)
https://www.telestream.net/screenflow/overview.htm
Best:
Apple Final Cut Pro
“With improved proxy workflows, Final Cut Pro allows you to transcode your full resolution media, take your 4K or 8K projects with you, and seamlessly share libraries with editors anywhere in the world. Plus, it features modern machine learning tools that automatically transform your widescreen project into custom sizes for social media.”
https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/
Adobe Premiere
“With the industry-leading video editing software, you can edit virtually any type of media in its native format and create professional productions with brilliant color for film, TV, and web.”
https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere.html
Disclosure: Please note that some of the product links are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. Please understand that my recommendations are for products I have used or have been used by people I trust. I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.