Summary: Learning how to make a high quality video is one of the smartest investments you can make in your content. Video and audio quality have a big impact on the success or failure of any video project, whether it’s a virtual event or a pre-record. Poor quality broadcasts and videos will have viewers tuning out and turning to a more impressive competitor. Luckily, by following these few tips you can easily up your game and make a high quality video that keeps your audience engaged from start to finish.
Dial In Your Sound Quality First
It may sound odd that our first tip talks about sound. However, sound is probably the most important feature of a high quality video. Think about it, if you had to sit through a video, which could you forgive more, mediocre video or mediocre sound? If the sound is low, distorted, or has an echo effect you are going to tune out and probably even leave before it’s over. An inexpensive microphone combined with running a basic noise-removal filter through the recording usually takes care of most problems. These days, AI-powered audio cleanup tools can remove background noise and echo automatically, and many are free or built right into your editing software. If you are shooting live video, definitely put more thought and funds into ensuring a high sound quality.
Take Time to Set Up Proper Lighting
Setting up lighting doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be there. The simple addition of a few lights will drastically improve video quality. If you are recording at your computer, stick a couple of desk lamps behind and around the screen to capture a better picture. Placing a light behind your subject and pointing it away help the subject stand out from the backdrop. It also helps give more depth to the final look. If you are producing webinars or shooting videos on a regular basis, we highly recommend investing in an inexpensive light kit. A basic LED light kit, or even a simple ring light, starts around $100 to $150. Trust us, the investment is worth it.
Pick the Right Camera
Webcams
Most people have access to a laptop or computer with a web camera, however if your computer is more than a few years old, your web camera is probably not up to snuff. If you fall under this category it will pay to purchase a separate web camera with better video capabilities. A solid 1080p webcam will only set you back around $50 to $80, and 4K models are available if you want extra sharpness.
Smartphones
If you have a new iPhone or smartphone, you already have an amazing camera in your pocket, especially with the newest models. Just remember your lighting and sound set up will be very important if you go this route.
Mirrorless Cameras
If you really want to take your video to the next level, upgrading your equipment to a mirrorless camera will give you the clearest image and the depth-of-field look that gives the video that professional feel. Pricing for a decent mirrorless camera starts around $600 to $700 with a kit lens, which is a significant investment, but is worth it if you’re using it frequently.
Steer Clear of Off-White Backdrops and Backlight
While it may seem easy and inexpensive to shoot your video in front of an off-white wall or a window, we urge you to steer clear. Filming against this type of background not only looks boring, but often leads to troublesome glares and reflections. Instead choose a solid colored backdrop for better results. An inexpensive way to get a great looking backdrop is to purchase a roll of colored paper background. Using a paper background setup will allow you to shoot literally anywhere and still get a great looking video. All you need to mount the paper is two light stands and a crossbar. However, be wary of the color paper you select. Bright colors like yellow, orange, or red can cause color reflections that are not very flattering. Sticking to muted tones like gray and dark blues is often a safe way to go, however, we encourage companies to experiment with different colors to see what best fits their brand and story. If a physical backdrop isn’t an option, a green screen paired with your editing software lets you drop in any background you like, though good, even lighting is still essential to pull it off cleanly.
Don’t Skip Post-Production
This is where a good video becomes a great one. Once you have your footage, a little editing goes a long way.
Editing and Color Correction
Free and low-cost tools like DaVinci Resolve, CapCut, and iMovie make it easy to trim mistakes, balance your audio levels, and color correct your footage so everything looks consistent.
Captions and Subtitles
Adding captions or subtitles is one of the highest-impact steps you can take, since some people watch video with the sound off or need subtitles for accessibility reasons. An added bonus is that subtitles automatically make it easier for search engines to index.
Intro, Outro, and Branding
Finally, add a simple intro, an outro, and your branding to tie the whole piece together and keep every video you produce looking polished.
Enlist the Help of Professionals for Live Broadcasts
When you are spending a significant amount of time and resources to produce a live event, sometimes it makes more sense to leave shooting the video in the hands of professionals. This is doubly important if you are shooting your webinar videos live. In these instances you have no room for error. When you have to get everything perfect the first time around, the cost of a professional video production team is definitely worth it. They have the equipment and know-how to ensure a high quality video on the first take.
Ready to Make a High Quality Video?
You don’t have to jump through hoops to learn how to make a high quality video. These tips are easy to implement even on a limited budget and will make a drastic difference in your video quality. Need help taking your videos and webinars to the next level? Worktank’s event and technical production team is here to help. To learn more about our video production services, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a high quality video on a budget?
You can make a high quality video without expensive gear. Prioritize sound with an inexpensive microphone, add a couple of lights or a ring light, and shoot on a recent smartphone if you don’t have a dedicated camera. Pair that with a solid colored backdrop and a little editing, and you’ll get professional-looking results for very little money.
What matters more, video or audio quality?
Audio, almost always. Viewers will forgive mediocre video far faster than they’ll sit through distorted, echoey, or low sound. Invest in a decent microphone and clean up your audio in post before you spend big on a camera.
What equipment do I need to make a high quality video?
At a minimum, you need a good microphone, a light source or two, and a camera. That camera can be a recent smartphone, a 1080p or 4K webcam, or a mirrorless camera if you want the sharpest image and that professional depth-of-field look. A simple backdrop and editing software round out the kit.
What is the best camera for making high quality videos?
It depends on your budget. A recent smartphone is excellent for most creators, a dedicated webcam runs around $50 to $80, and an entry-level mirrorless camera with a kit lens starts around $600 to $700 for the clearest, most professional image. Whatever you choose, your lighting and sound setup will make or break the final result.
Why does post-production matter for video quality?
Post-production is where a good video becomes a great one. Editing lets you trim mistakes, balance audio levels, and color correct so everything looks consistent. Adding captions makes your video more accessible and easier for search engines to index, and a clean intro, outro, and branding tie the whole piece together.