Cost guide for streaming, lighting, broadcast and film gear
Trying to budget for a shoot, live stream, or stage show? Costs pile up fast, but you can cut them down with a few simple rules. I’ll walk you through typical price ranges, what to spend on first, and quick ways to save without hurting quality.
Where to spend and where to save
Start with audio and lighting. Bad sound makes even great video feel cheap, and poor lighting hides your subject. Expect these rough ranges: a decent USB mic or lav mic costs about ₹1,000–₹10,000; entry-level mirrorless cameras sit around ₹30,000–₹80,000; pro cinema cameras go into lakhs. Ring lights and basic softboxes can be ₹1,500–₹8,000, while LED panels for studio work are ₹5,000–₹40,000. For stage lighting, basic DMX PARs are ₹3,000–₹20,000 each; moving heads and intelligent fixtures start at ₹25,000 and can reach several lakhs.
For streaming, software like OBS is free. Your main hardware costs are a camera, mic, capture card (if using an HDMI camera, ₹3,000–₹15,000), and a reliable PC. Don’t overspend on camera bodies if you’re short on cash — good glass (lenses) and a microphone are smarter first buys.
Buy vs rent: quick rules
Rent when you need expensive, occasional gear. Renting a cinema camera or moving head can cost 3–10% of its retail price per day. For a one-off shoot, renting usually beats buying. Buy when you use the item regularly — lights, mics, and lenses often pay off after a few rentals.
Used gear is a solid option. Cameras and lenses retain function well if treated right. Check shutter count, sensor condition, and seller reputation. For lights and DMX gear, test fixtures on-site—cheap second-hand lighting can hide costly repairs.
Watch for hidden costs: batteries and spares, SD cards, cables, stands, cases, and insurance. These add 10–30% to your budget. For live events, factor in internet upgrades, encoders, and platform fees if you choose paid CDNs. Cloud and IP-based broadcast setups lower long-term costs but require network investment upfront.
Want to save fast? Rent high-ticket items, buy critical used pieces (mic, lens), use free software (OBS), and prioritize reliable internet for streams. For stage shows, plan your DMX layout first so you only rent the exact fixtures you need.
Finally, set a simple budget list: must-haves (mic, basic light, stable camera), nice-to-haves (extra lights, capture card, moving head), and optional upgrades (gimbals, advanced switchers). That keeps spending focused and prevents impulse buys that don’t help your final product.
Budgeting gets easier with experience. Start small, protect your audio and lighting, and rent smart when costs spike. You’ll get the look and sound you want without breaking the bank.
Why are LED lights so costly? Is the manufacturing cost so high?
LED lights are four times more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, and are also longer lasting, making them a popular choice for lighting solutions. However, they tend to be more expensive than other lighting options due to the cost associated with their manufacturing. LED lights are made up of many small parts, including the diodes, circuit boards, heat sinks, and lenses, which all add to the cost of production. Additionally, these lights require more sophisticated production processes which makes them more expensive to produce.
27.01.23
Maverick Renfield
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