Must-Have Video Cameras Accessories for Beginners in 2024

What accessories you’ll need for professional filming.

If you want to shoot videos like a pro, it won’t suffice to buy a camera, as you will need to use a range of professional video cameras accessories to get high-quality footage. Depending on the area you specialize in, the set of gadgets that you might need, your toolkit will differ a lot. In this article, I will review universal accessories that will come in handy for professional shooters and beginners alike.

If you already have a video camera, you will need to pay an extra $4K for a basic set of accessories. It will allow you to buy video cameras accessories in the middle price bracket. If you want to purchase professional equipment, be ready to spend at least $20K. Those who are on a budget can purchase packages that include several pieces of equipment. For instance, you may buy the MOZA AirCross 2 Professional Kit that will help you take your shooting skills to the next level.

Pay attention to the type of your device and think about which video genre you prefer. You should also consider your skill level, budget, and personal preferences. On this list, you will find universal, budget, and up-to-date models that will help you record professional footage.

The VideoMic Pro+ is the recent model released by Rode. It looks significantly upgraded if you compare it to the previous version. What I like about this microphone brand is that it’s suitable for a range of shooting situations. You can use it with different cameras, including DSLR and CSC. This model is quite lightweight and costs only $225. As it allows you to record high-quality sound, it has great value for the money.

Thanks to the convenient battery door, you can quickly replace your batteries. In addition, you can recharge its lithium-ion battery. You can use it for long hours as the mic will turn on and off automatically depending on whether you use your camera or not. It features a 3-stage high-pass filter and a +20dB boost. You can also enjoy a 3-stage gain control. The mic is safe to use and doesn’t distort sound, which makes it suitable for professionals.

If you need to record a video with a person who doesn’t stand close to you and it’s impossible to approach them even if you mount your mic on the top of your camera, this is when a shotgun condenser microphone will come in handy. At the price of $199, it remains quite affordable. You can hardly find better videographer accessories in this price bracket.

This microphone is suitable for a variety of uses, including recording clips, voice-overs, films, broadcasts, and even considered to be one the best GoPro accessories. It has wide bandwidth and a directional super-cardioid polar pattern. Using it, you will notice that it doesn’t record any distracting noises. This model is quite portable and has a rich set of features that make it one of the best shotgun mics available today.

If you want to shoot video footage with pro-level audio, you can’t do without a lavalier microphone. I believe that the External Lavalier 3.5mm Microphone Audio Cable has great value for the money as it costs only $24.

This mic is compatible with a range of devices that feature a 3.5mm mic jack. You can use it with different DSLR bodies, camcorders, and recorders. The model comes with a 20-foot cable that can be securely connected with the help of a lapel clip.

In case you need to shoot in windy weather, you don’t need to worry about noise as this mic is securely insulated with the help of the foam windscreen. You will get clear sound, which will allow you to spend less time processing your videos.

This handy accessory for a 4K video camera allows you to stabilize your camera. I like the DJI Ronin-SC Camera Stabilizer as it doesn’t take up a lot of space or weigh much. It can securely stabilize even a large camera body. The stabilizer costs $429, which makes it no more expensive than most other models on the market.

Another advantage of this model is that it can be controlled with the help of a dedicated Ronin app. After installing it on your smartphone, you can control a gimbal with high precision and spend more time creating a well-balanced composition in the frame. This stabilizer is easy to control thanks to its convenient buttons and trigger. Due to its convenient anti-slip design, you can spend more time bringing your creative ideas to life.

In case you want to purchase affordable headphones that can be used with any DSLR for video shooting, make sure to consider this affordable model that costs only $110. The Sennheiser HD 569 is a pair of closed headphones with a circumaural design. It allows you to improve the quality of tour recordings without using active noise cancellation. This model is suitable for shooting situations where the ambient noise level is up to 32dB.

The transducers created by Sennheiser feature aluminum voice coils, which accounts for low sound distortion. The headphones are comfortable to wear and have large ear cups with ear cushions made of plush velour. What makes it one of the best DSLR video accessories is that this model comes with a 3-meter easy-to-detach cable with a 6.3 mm jack and a 1.2-meter cable with a 3.5 mm jack. It features a mic and remote control.

The Atomos Ninja V 5" 4K HDMI is a 5-inch recording monitor that allows you to record and play DCI 4K, UHD 4K, and HD videos stored on mini-SSD. It’s better to employ it if your camera supports only 8bit 4:2:0 recording. It will help you capture 10bit 4:2:2 footage with high resolution and vibrant colors.

This device supports widely-used log formats from Sony, Panasonic, ARRI, RED, JVC and Canon for video cameras. You can use it to adjust your viewing settings. It features an Atomos Power Kit that includes 2 batteries, a charger, and a power adapter for the Shogun/Ninja Inferno and Flame. To get this handy accessory, you will need to pay $499.

Video tripod is a perfect solution for anyone who wants to take clear footage and become a professional shooter. If your DSLR camera weighs a lot, you need to use a stable and reliable tripod. The SIRUI SH-25 is a durable tripod made of aluminum alloy. Its leg tubes allow you to securely stabilize your camera.

Thanks to the center spreader, it remains quite stable regardless of the terrain and weather conditions. Besides, it comes with spiked and rubber feet, which makes it suitable for different shooting situations. You can adjust the camera angle and perform panning as its head rotates 360 degrees. This is a great solution for a range of situations. It costs only $412.

If you are looking for a reliable slider for your camera, there is no better option available than Rhino. It’s lightweight, highly durable, and easy to use. Thanks to the belt drive of EVO sliders, it will make the movement of your carriage smoother, thus reducing the number of takes.

A basic version features 24-in rails and can be used even by beginners. You can also buy a model with 42-in rails. Its batter lasts up to 7 hours. You can also power it by connecting it to a power source via USB. The device costs $1.306, which makes it hardly suitable for budget-conscious users. However, if you want to start shooting videos like a pro, make sure to buy this device.

If you need to take a photo with a shallow DoF and emphasize a specific detail in the frame, make sure to use a wide-open aperture. You can also use neutral density filters that allow you to achieve this effect without adjusting ISO or shutter speed. Thanks to such video recorder accessories, you won’t need to worry about overexposure. The SLR Magic 52mm MK II is a good option to consider as it ensures high image quality and comes at an affordable price of $215.

Due to digital multi-coating, you won’t notice any ghosting or lens flare. It will make it easier for you to capture reflections. If you use ND density beyond 1.0, you might notice some blur in the frame, however, the SLR supports high sharpness regardless of the density. This filter allows you to take professional-quality photos without any distorted colors or unwanted effects.

When shooting videos, you may need to use several accessories besides your camera. This is why every shooter needs to select the best hang strap mounting option. For instance, you may want to take a look at the Terminator Hang Strap which costs about $154. It will allow you to use your camera and accessories safely as it’s made of aluminum alloy. Due to this, the hang strap doesn’t weigh a lot, which makes it perfect for long shooting sessions. For those who appreciate additional style and comfort, pairing the Terminator Hang Strap with a quality leather camera strap can enhance both aesthetics and functionality, creating an optimal shooting experience.

This accessory features 1/4 and 3/8-inch screw holes. It allows you to mount other DSLR accessories for video shooting, for instance, a monitor or mic. Thanks to the hang strap, you can use your camera in hands-free mode. Besides, it will help you stabilize your camera and get clear footage without any sign of blur.

If you are going to buy video cameras accessories, pay attention to the model of your camera. Make sure to check whether it’s compatible with other photography gear and read its specs list.

Brand. I recommend you to use devices released by the same brand whenever it’s possible. Most manufacturers follow specific standards. It ensures that the accessories that you want to buy will be compatible with your camera.

If you are a novice photographer and worry about making the wrong choice, you can buy a set that includes, for instance, a mic, headphones, and remote control. It’s possible that some devices won’t have advanced options. However, if you practice a lot, you will be able to purchase more professional equipment later.

Connectors and fixtures. Connectors serve as the interface between different devices and accessories. They allow you to link your video camera with external microphones, monitors, lights, and other peripherals. Before purchasing any accessories, it's important to ensure compatibility between the connectors on your camera and the accessories you plan to use.

Common connectors include HDMI, USB, XLR, and mini-jacks. Understanding the available ports on your camera and the connectors required by the accessories you intend to use will ensure smooth integration and reliable performance.

Fixtures, on the other hand, provide stability and secure attachment for accessories. Tripods, stabilizers, and mounting plates are examples of fixtures that help keep your camera steady during filming. They minimize shaky footage and allow you to achieve professional-looking shots.

When selecting fixtures, consider factors such as weight capacity, adjustability, and ease of use. Look for durable materials and reliable locking mechanisms to ensure your camera remains securely attached. It’s important to study how each gadget is built and check whether it’s compatible with your camera. Beginners often don’t pay attention to cables, connectors, and adapters, which makes it impossible to use a newly bought gadget.

Additional accessories. Besides the main set of tools used by video shooters, make sure to purchase some extra accessories and their parts. It will help you organize a more comfortable video shooting process.

Select a high-quality camera backpack for protecting your equipment. Besides, you will need to use various camera slings for stabilizing your camera. If you are going to take photos and record videos in cold weather, you definitely need to purchase photography gloves for winter.

Pay attention to details. You will need to buy replacement batteries, adapters, cables, memory cards, card readers, and other accessories. It’s better to buy a backup set as well. In case something happens to your equipment, you will always be able to replace it without interrupting the process of shooting.