Consumer, Industrial, Professional Video: What's the Difference?

Leonard Aaron Caplan


You’re a video enthusiast and you’re actually thinking of getting into “the business”. But before you make this important decision, you must realize exactly what you’re getting
into. Do you want to shoot video of the family? Friends? Do you want to make TV
shows? If so, are you interested in local TV, The web? Statewide? National TV? What
type of TV shows do you want to make? Fiction? Reality TV? Or are you interested in
event video? Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs? Quinceaneros? What equipment will you need? What can you afford? Do you want to do this full time or part-time? Can you make your living in TV?

Most or maybe even all of these questions can be answered by learning about the
three categories of video equipment ; consumer, industrial and broadcast.
The average person has what we call consumer equipment. Handheld camcorders (or
(smaller) for $200. Or less, that may be harddrive based or use mini-DV tape. The
microphone is built-in to the camera and if a tripod is used at all, it is extremely
lightweight and not too reliable. the cheaper camcorders have lower video quality, are
less good in low-light situations, and the on-board video light won’t make an appreciable
difference. You’d be using this type of equipment for family videos, vacations and
clowning around with friends. Nothing serious.

Industrial equipment is a step up from consumer. A three chip camcorder with a
harddrive, DVD or mini-DV tape typically costs about $800 and up. External
microphones such as a “shotgun” mic, stic mic and lavalier (clip-on) mic are used
For better sound quality. Sturdy tripods and dollys make for smooth mobility. Three point
lighting and small, professional light kits are also used for better quality. Cable TV
shows, cheaper commercials and in-house “industrial” (hence the name of this level of
equipment) is used. Professional video equipment features video cameras costing tens of thousands of dollars, professional sound equipment comparable to recording studios, complex
light grids, etc. This type of equipment is usually unaffordable for most people and
small companies. Reality shows, network TV shows news and national sports
use this type of equipment.

There you have it; consumer, industrial and professional video equipment represent
three levels of increasingly expensive, complex and professional video production.

Posted in: consumer,industrial,professional video