Must-Know Tips for Taking Care of Video Equipment

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an industry newcomer, caring for video production tech is critical. For newcomers, learning this information is particularly crucial for preventing bad habits from hindering their earliest works. That said, it’s never too late to learn the ropes. If you want to make the most out of your investment, utilize these must-know tips for taking care of video equipment in the field and the studio.

Handle With Care

An essential tip for any video production is to use your equipment carefully. Cameras, lenses, tripods, lights, mics, and other gear bring your project to life. Suffice it to say, handling equipment recklessly will hinder its performance, transforming high-quality tech into a lackluster asset.

For example, when you set down cameras, tripods, or lights, don’t slam them onto surfaces; gently set them down. Plus, always set your tech down on stable surfaces, ensuring it doesn’t fall over and break or hurt someone during the shoot. Finally, be wary of the elements; keep water, dirt, and other damaging materials in the environment away from the nooks and crannies in your equipment.

Create a Suitable Storage Room

Even if you handle the gear admirably in the field, you can damage or lose it back at the production office. For instance, tossing your camera in a loose drawer with some lenses isn’t an ideal setup. Instead, create sturdy, reliable shelving units for everything; place clear labels on each box, crate, bag, or shelf to make your search easier for each shoot.

Likewise, invest in portable storage for your equipment, particularly for the camera and its attachments. Instead of tossing your camera gear in a random bag, seek out a professional-grade case to ensure it doesn’t receive damage during transportation.

For this reason, equipment bags fall under the category of essential production equipment for film students. Luckily, learning the importance of video equipment bags will help you make the most out of gear during the early stages of your career.

Frequently Inspect Gear

One of the easiest but most effective tips for taking care of video equipment is routine inspections. Any time you need to bring gear out of storage for a shoot, a quick look-over can help you avoid taking defective tech into the field. However, the best time to schedule routine inspections is after a shoot.

That way, you’re not in a tricky situation when you need to take out a tripod but can’t because it isn’t working correctly. Cracks, dust, or general wear and tear are all hazards that hurt equipment, so take inspection seriously.

Thanks to routine inspections, you can repair or replace broken gear quickly, ensuring your inventory remains high-quality and professional-grade. After pairing this tip with the two above, keeping equipment clean and functional for as long as possible becomes much more manageable.